Secret State cut for St Leger glory after impressive handicap success

Wednesday: Goodwood

Secret State may have earned the chance to avenge his dam and claim a Classic victory after scoring an impressive success in the 1m4f handicap.

His odds for the Cazoo St Leger were slashed to 8-1 (from 12-1) after he defied top weight to complete a four-timer.

In 2010, Jacqueline Quest sprang a huge shock when passing the post first in the 1,000 Guineas at 66-1, only to be demoted as she hung right and interfered with runner-up Special Duty, who was controversially awarded the race.

Twelve years later, her son Secret State hung left in the closing stages of this £50,000 event but he was clear of his rivals and ran out a ready length-and-a-quarter winner under William Buick.

The 11-4 favourite, who won the King George V Handicap at Royal Ascot last month, will step up to 1m6f in the St Leger and his jockey said: "He stays well. You'd think he would step up in trip in time. He's very genuine and I'm not quite sure why he hung left today. It's the first time he's been on the track, so that's maybe why."

Trainer Charlie Appleby won the St Leger last year with Hurricane Lane and is now eyeing a key trial for his latest Classic hopeful.

"I think probably the most logical step now is to head to the Great Voltigeur with him," he said. "He's most definitely improving with each run. We came here with a lot of confidence. The Royal Ascot form has worked out very well and he's done nothing but improve throughout the early summer."

Cazoo St Leger (September 10, Doncaster)

Paddy Power: 4 New London, 5 Westover, 6 Francesco Clemente, 7 Changingoftheguard, 8 Secret State, 10 Eldar Eldarov, Aikhal, 14 bar

Oscula lands Oak Tree

Oscula provided trainer George Boughey with his first Group victory in France almost a year ago and delivered again when striking late to land the Oak Tree Stakes from Internationalangel.

Much has changed since she landed the Group 3 Prix Six Perfections in August, not least the fact Boughey has since won a Classic, but that made victory for his stable star no less special for the trainer.

The three-year-old, who runs in the colours of Nick Bradley Racing, finished a head clear under Buick following a photo-finish.

Oscula (left) overhauled Internationalangel in a tight finish to the Oak Tree StakesCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

"She was a huge part of our team last year," said Boughey. "I had my doubts whether she'd be back this season and we picked her off the floor after Saudi Arabia, where she didn't seem to like the dirt.

"She's so fresh and well, we had to run her. We sent a video to William of her bucking and squealing in the paddock today. She loves her racing and has found some more improvement. These are the horses you dream of having and this means a lot to the whole yard."

Boughey suggested Oscula's main target this season will be the Group 1 Prix de la Foret on Arc day at Longchamp in October.

Hannon strikes again

Trillium showed a remarkable turn of foot to provide Richard Hannon with back-to-back successes in the Group 3 Molecomb Stakes and she could next be aimed at next month's Prix Morny at Deauville.

The two-year-old, who emulated Hannon's 2021 winner Armor, was held up before taking the lead inside the final furlong and she quickened well to deny short-priced favourite Rocket Rodney under Pat Dobbs.

"She's a lovely filly," said Hannon. "I was amazed she didn't win here last time. She probably didn't know enough and was a little bit keen.

"We'll look at the Prix Morny and Ed Sackville [racing manager to Rockcliffe Stud] mentioned the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint. I didn't put her in the Lowther as she wasn't showing this much speed. She doesn't have to sprint and six furlongs won't be a problem."

Trillium lands the Molecomb Stakes for Richard Hannon and Pat DobbsCredit: Edward Whitaker

Lucky Jim doubles up

Jim Crowley achieved a notable double on Wednesday as in addition to landing the Sussex Stakes on Baaeed he won the valuable opening race for Arabian horses, the Qatar International Stakes, worth £226,840 to the winner.

He rode Lady Princess to a comfortable back-to-back victory, with the six-year-old having won last year under Oisin Murphy.

"She's the Enable of Arabian racing, a bit special," said Crowley, who had previously won on her in Abu Dhabi and Qatar.

"It's only the third time I've ridden her. She has a very big reputation and a great record. She's everything you want in an Arabian racehorse. She can do all trips, she's got speed, she has a great mind."

Briefly at the furlong pole, it looked as though Lady Princess would be unable to find a way through the traffic, despite clearly travelling better than her rivals. "We went very slow, which wasn't ideal," Crowley explained.

"There's always the danger that can happen, especially at Goodwood, but I had so much horse and we just needed the split. It wouldn't have mattered if we got the split 50 yards from the line, she'd have gone."

Results, replays and analysis

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