New London favourite for St Leger after convincing Gordon Stakes success

Thursday: Goodwood

New London emerged as the new favourite for the Cazoo St Leger after staying on well to land his first Group win in the Gordon Stakes.

Godolphin's three-year-old had been a leading fancy for the Derby until he was a beaten odds-on favourite in the Chester Vase in May but now tops the betting for the final Classic of the British season.

He is a best-priced 4-1 with Coral and Ladbrokes after taking this Group 3 by a length and three-quarters under William Buick, with Irish Derby winner Westover next in the market at a general 5-1.

"He's a proper horse, he always has been," said Buick, who rode a double on the card to take his tally to five for the meeting. "I'm delighted he's back. This was always going to be a challenge for him and he came through with flying colours."

New London was too good for his nine Goodwood rivalsCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Asked about whether the son of Dubawi will be capable of staying the longer trip at Doncaster in September, the jockey added: "It's very hard to be confident but you'd be hopeful. It's a long two furlongs, so we'll see."

Alex Merriam, assistant trainer to Charlie Appleby, said: "He ran in the trial and missing the Derby probably paid dividends. He's not in the Great Voltigeur but that could be a target. He's progressive and we're lucky that Dubawis always tend to improve."

Warren Point could also be destined for the Great Voltigeur after coming from off the pace to land the Kinscem Handicap for Appleby. The three-year-old produced a late flourish under Buick to deny his stablemate Blue Trail, with the 3-1 favourite Migdam third.

"That was nice viewing," said Merriam. "They have both run super races. Warren Point was a bit keen the last time he saw a lot of daylight but he has grown up with every run and is improving.

"I spoke to Charlie and he could step back up to a mile and a half, which might suit. He's in the Great Voltigeur and that's a possibility."

Royal result

Paul Cole has been responsible for some top horses and reckons he has another on his hands in Royal Scotsman, who set a new track record for juveniles when winning the Group 2 Richmond Stakes.

Cole, now training in partnership with son Oliver, has long held the son of Gleneagles in high regard and lost little faith when he finished third in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot last month.

The trainer, whose best horse Generous lit up the 1991 Flat season, said: "He saw too much daylight at Ascot, but today went as we hoped. There's more to come. I've left my crystal ball behind, so I'll let you know at the end of the season, but I think there's a lot more to come. I couldn't comprehend him being beaten."

Royal Scotsman and Jim Crowley dazzle in the RichmondCredit: Edward Whitaker

Royal Scotsman, ridden by Baaeed's jockey Jim Crowley, races in the distinctive pink and lime silks of Jim and Fitri Hay and produced a wicked turn of foot, but Paddy Power and Betfair were not as moved as Cole, leaving him as a 25-1 shot for the Qipco 2,000 Guineas.

Next month's Darley Prix Morny and Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes are among the 5-6 winner's possible targets.

"If you're looking at the Guineas, good horses can win over lots of trips," said Cole, who was winning his fourth Richmond. He's good, isn't he? And it's the way he goes about it. I'm not making excuses for Ascot, but he got a little bump and it set him alight.

"Everything will hinge on whether he gets a mile, but I think at the moment there's nothing to beat him over six furlongs."

Sparkling display

Richard Hughes does not normally enter horses in Group 1s but he may be glad he did after Sparkling Beauty showcased her huge potential when getting off the mark in the 7f fillies' maiden.

Amo Racing's two-year-old was sent off the 7-2 joint-favourite after finishing second on her debut and built on the promise of that run when pulling three and a half lengths clear under Rossa Ryan.

"We made a plan that we'd come here after Newbury and it's worked out well," said Hughes. "We've entered her in the Moyglare Stud Stakes [on September 11]. I don't normally enter horses in Group 1s but I felt she warranted an entry. I'd have been very disappointed if she was beaten as she had been working well."

Results, replays and analysis

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