JULIETTE'S WEEKLY FROLIC
First run on Townmoor in 1776, the St Leger's our oldest, longest and now most vulnerable classic if those intent on tampering with it have their way. It is naturally demoralising to us as 'fathers of the turf' when the best horses prefer to contest Lonchamp's ' Arc ', but the French race is already too far ahead in prestige and prize money for the Leger to catch it now, and even supposing the cash could be found, two such glittering prizes barely a month apart would only succeed in dividing the top talent, harm the Arc without helping the Leger and provoke endless squabbles as to which winner deserved the champion's crown. This Saturday's field is admittedly below-par and the situation is unlikely to improve in future years, but it makes the race no less interesting when they are as evenly-matched as these ten runners. Loth though I am to part company with my Derby tip, Athens Wood, who has since recommended himself to all the right people, including
Lester Piggott, there is still the possibility of an as yet undiscovered champion in Alderney. Selhurst would have beaten him in another stride at Goodwood, but Blakeney's half-brother was having his first run since May having suffered a mystery illness and could well run them off their feet now. For those who prefer: to race nearer home and . watch their classics on the bar television, Newbury offers one of its most stylish Saturdays. The featured Autumn Cup has Ebor runners-up, Orosio and Crazy Rhythm renewing rivalry at similar weights and while the latter could be considered unlucky in the York handicap the additional two furlongs here will favour Orosio, third in the Ascot Gold Cup and Northumberland Plate, he is overdue for a win. Even I can hardly lose in the Crookham Stakes, where York's most convincing winner, Mezzanine is a near certainty.
Assets: E30. Outlay: £3 ew Alderney, £2 to win Orosio & £5 to win Mezzanine.
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