AP St Leger Stakes – Grade III
AP   Race #2   1 1/2m   Turf   Graded Stake
Purse $250.000  For Three Year Olds And Upward.

1 Spazz, trained by Simmer Down Stable
In another testament to the class system at HRP here we have a cheap claiming winner working the same as graded stakes winners and running in a graded stakes after three runs at the lowest grade. It sounds unlikely but this four year old clearly loves this trip and comes here with an ideal draw and a fair chance. Its not often her trainer ventures into this sort of grade so he has to be taken seriously.

2 Big Daddy Z, trained by Mb Stables
Mb Stables doesnt spend $200.000 for nothing, so he saw something in this four year old that clearly floated his boat. A very good second in the St Luis Rey early in the year he also ran well to be fourth in the BEL Gold Cup when fourth so is clearly a horse that enjoys a test of stamina. Strong works suggest he is in ‘Mb’ type of form and you have to respect that.

3 Pink Devil, trained by Our Athletes
Bought at auction for $68.000, he immediately paid that back with a strong win in a fast time in the Stars And Stripes. That win was very good and may even be the best lead up form in the race so i would give this one a winning chance.

4 King Riggo, trained by jackrussell farms
Ran well enough in the Pennine Ridge when a closing third to suggest he will be a factor in this race with the three year old weight allowance. That is his only start on turf and with a rocket work last time on the track it makes you wonder why he hasnt raced on turf a bit more often. He could be the dark horse in the race.

5 Pass Me Another, trained by Barcelona Farms
Another three year old trying to cash in on the weight allowance bonanza he has no form on the boards that says he can win in this grade but does stay this trip well and with the 4Lb pull wont be far off.

6 T S Crystal, trained by Triple K
If the rain comes then i will be on this five year old but without the mud i am not sure he is quite good enough. A great second in the Singspiel last time he is capable but a few pounds better in the rain.

7 Red Leaf, trained by Yahudi Stables
Took advantage of the good old HRP glitch when changing surfaces and running like a champion on the turf for the first time. Making all he sauntered home in the AP Handicap winning by an unchallenged three lengths and with a wide draw may find himself in front again today. His 1.34 and 2 work at BEL in June is one of the best in the field so he mat represent the best of the older horses.

SUMMARY
I think Red Leaf wins this if he can overcome the considerable burden of the HRP wide draw. If he cant then we may see a three year old win just for a change although King Riggo may have to improve a bit to beat Pink Devil and Big Daddy Z.

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES