Confidence grows in Moore's likely Leger mount Capri

A positive bulletin from Aidan O’Brien concerning Capri, joint-favourite with most bookmakers for the William Hill St Leger, was reflected in market movements on Wednesday.

Capri, conqueror of subsequent dual Group 2 winner Cracksman in the Irish Derby in July, and the likely mount of Ryan Moore in the Doncaster Classic, was cut to 7-2 clear market leader by Betfred, having started the day as 4-1 co-favourite with Crystal Ocean and Defoe.

“Capri, Venice Beach and Douglas Macarthur will be our main three for the St Leger,” O’Brien said. “I would imagine Ryan will ride Capri and Seamie [Heffernan] will be on Venice Beach.”

The trainer added: “Capri missed his intended run in the Great Voltigeur at York, but he seems fine now and I am happy with him. His work has been good at home.

“He won the Beresford last year on heavy and he has plenty of form with cut in the ground so I would say that the going at Doncaster, if there is some ease in it, will not be a problem to him.”

Frankie Dettori has the option of riding Coronet or Stradivarius for John Gosden in Saturday’s Town Moor showpiece.

The three-time champion jockey partnered Yorkshire Oaks runner-up Coronet in a piece of work at Newmarket on Wednesday morning, and could choose the Dubawi filly over Goodwood Cup hero Stradivarius.

The official going description for day one of the St Leger meeting on Wednesday was soft, good to soft in places, and conditions are expected to dry out slightly for Thursday.

Roderick Duncan, clerk of the course, said late on Wednesday afternoon: “The ground is improving but there’s a risk of showers on Thursday.

“I thought the round course was a little slower than the straight, which has improved significantly. If the forecast is correct I can see the straight being good to soft for racing [on Thursday].”

If you are interested in this, you might also like:

O'Brien to the fore as Capri edges out Cracksman