Ladbrokes St Leger betting preview

While Camelot prepares for his date with destiny in the final leg of flat racing’s Triple Crown, it is perhaps worth remembering the last horse to achieve that remarkable feat was the legendary Nijinsky way back in 1970. And now Aidan O’Brien’s superstar colt has his very own chance to cement his place in racing folklore when he tackles 1m6f for the first time in Saturday’s oldest and final Classic of the calendar – The Ladbrokes St Leger. The son of Montjeu faces eight rivals in his bid to add the St Leger to his earlier victories in the 2000 Guineas and the Epsom Derby and bookmakers make him odds on to do so. Sponsors Ladbrokes go just 1/3 about the Ballydoyle three-year-old scooping the final leg of the Triple Crown and with all his main market rivals. Choose a free bet for this race here.

Camelot has been off the track since his fine win in the Irish Derby at the Curragh at the end of June and he returns to the scene of his finest triumph as a two-year-old. He was most impressive when landing the Group 1 Racing Post Trophy on Town Moor last year and barring any major hiccups in his preparation for the Leger, Camelot looks all set to take his place in racing’s hall of fame.

However, the market without Camelot is intriguing and John Gosden saddles three runners in this year’s renewal as he bids for a third consecutive win in the race. Arctic Cosmos won it for Gosden and William Buick in 2010 and the pair followed up with Masked Marvel 12 months ago and Great Voltigeur winner Thought Worthy looks of particular interest here. Under an enterprising Buick ride at York last time, Thought Worthy was fourth behind Camelot in the Derby and stepped up on that effort when making all in the Voltigeur. He looks sure to appreciate the step up in trip and looks the pick of Gosden’s three-pronged attack. Michelangelo was a beaten favourite in the Group 3 Gordon Stakes at Glorious Goodwood last time after winning a valuable prize at Newmarket over ten furlongs. He seems to prefer fast ground though and looked to have no excuses over 1m4f when last seen. Rab Havlin has been given the task to make sure there is a decent pace and Dartford, Gosden’s other runner, is likely to set a decent gallop.

David Lanigan’s stable star Main Sequence was second in the Derby to Camelot and looks to hold the strongest form credentials of those hoping to upset the odds. He must reverse the Voltigeur form with Thought Worthy though, but the manner in which the Ted Durcan-ridden colt stayed on last time suggests the extra distance should also be in his favour. Ursa Major represents the sole Irish challenge but he merits respect on the back of his St Leger Trial Stakes win at the Curragh last month.  Thomas Carmody’s charge travelled like the best horse in the race when upstaging the well-regarded Hartani and a similar performance should see him in the place money.

The progressive Guarantee from the William Haggas yard may be another of those scrapping it out for the minor honours and could take a hand in the betting without Camelot market. Since winning his maiden over 1m4f at Newbury, the son of Authorized has improved to win two valuable handicaps including latterly the Melrose at York. He needs to step up on that effort once more but it is entirely possible that he will and is another who should see out the longer trip. Thomas Chippendale and Encke complete the line-up, the former having scored in Group 2 company previously but both look up against it in this field. Get ready for Cheltenham 2013 with free bet offers from bookmakers.

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