The 40-1 St Leger fourth who has never won a race - and why Richard Hannon is dreaming big with a colt who 'has everything'

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Richard Hannon is dreaming of Saturday's St Leger fourth Alderman developing into a Cup horse next year but thinks it unlikely he will run again this season.

After finishing fifth in the Derby at 100-1, Alderman belied long odds again at Doncaster when finishing fourth to Highwayman at 40-1, much to the delight of Hannon and owner Julie Wood.

"After his disappointing run in the Bahrain Trophy I was hoping his performance in the Derby wasn't a fluke and I think his run in the Leger proved that," Hannon said. "He's a very good horse and extremely good for a maiden.

"I've not discussed it in any great depth with Julie, but I think we might well call it a day for this year and look forward to next year and all the big ones. Julie is very excited."

Alderman was rated 106 by the BHA handicapper before running in the Leger, with his only disappointing run in six starts coming at Newmarket, where he finished last of five runners.

"The ground was just too quick in the Bahrain Trophy," Hannon said. "He's a big, heavy horse and turned his nose up at the ground. That would have been hard work over that trip for a three-year-old at that time of year and you could arguably say the same about Saturday.

"After that run in the Leger he's in the promised land and Julie, like me, would like to keep him there for as long as possible. Mojo Star was second in the Leger for us and came back to be second in the Gold Cup and this horse stays the trip no problem. He's gorgeous, he's quite thick set but he's got everything. I'd say a Cup horse is exactly what he is."

Alderman (red cap): was fourth behind Highwayman in the St LegerCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Molecomb Stakes winner Pershaada was unable to take her chance in the Flying Childers at the Leger meeting after she was reported to be lame, but the issue is not serious according to her trainer.

Hannon said: "She's fine but just wasn't moving 100 per cent and you don't want to take a chance with a filly like that. She might well have had a hard race in the Nunthorpe and we're very keen to have a go at the Breeders' Cup, so we may well go straight there."

Stablemate Victoria Night, who is held in high regard by Hannon, did make it to Town Moor and made no mistake on her second start in a 7f fillies' maiden. She could have one more run this season, but is already being talked of as a potential Classic contender for 2027.

"She could be a very good filly," said her trainer. "We might have a look at the Radley Stakes at Newbury but I wouldn't mind putting her away for the Guineas next year. She's one who could make the winter a little bit shorter."

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