It is highly uncommon to have major European Classics run on the same day and thus there is added significance that Godolphin have switched Frankie Dettori from Doncaster to ride Marienbard in the Jefferdon Smurfit Memorial Irish St Leger at the Curragh this afternoon.
This is a colt that they bought from Saif Ali at the close of 2000 and the decision spells out the stable's confidence that he can fill a gap in the current season in which their only English, Irish or French Classic winner was the subsequently disqualified Noverre.
Marienbard ran sixth to Millenary in last year's English St Leger but came home to Michael Jarvis's Newmarket yard very sore and the idea that there was good improvement to come from three to four has worked out even if there has only been one victory so far.
At Deauville last time out he was second to last year's French Derby winner Holding Court who stole a march on his rivals and nothing could get to him. Most recent work has been impressive and he can not merely take his revenge on Millenary but also see off two of the oldest and toughest stayers in England, Persian Punch and Yavana's Pace, whose career began with Michael Cunningham.
Vinnie Roe gave 2lb and a head beating to John Oxx's Doncaster runner Pugin in the Ballycullen Stakes pver the St Leger course and distance and looks the best of the home defence.
Yesterday's battle between the Godolphin and Ballydoule two-year-olds went Sheikh Mohammed's way with Dubai Destination but at The Curragh tomorrow Aidan O'Brien can claw a far richer purse back as Hawk Wing and Naheef have a head to head encounter in the Aga Khan Studs National Stakes. Since His Highness took over the sponsorship of one of the historic Irish two-year-old stakes it has been been a fruitful store of future Classics winners such as Desert King, King Of Kings and Sinndar.
Michael Kinane is hoping to win the Rothmans Royals St Leger at Doncaster today - at the first attempt.
Kinane (42), who has ridden numerous big-race winners around the world, partners Great Voltigeur Stakes victor Milan, one of four runners for Ballydoyle trainer Aidan O'Brien in today's £350,000 feature.
He said: "It will be good to add this race to all the other Classics I've competed in over the years. I'm merely hopeful, as always where racehorses are concerned."
His boss O'Brien added: "Milan won the Voltigeur very well last time and he's done well since. Michael has always liked him." Milan is set to go off favourite for the 225th running of the oldest Classic after attracting strong support with William Hill. The colt has been cut to 15 to 8 from 5 to 2 and has deposed Mr Combustible (9 to 4 from 7 to 4) at the head of the market.
Jamie Spencer (21), who gets the leg up on O'Brien's Tote Ebor winner Mediterranean, will also be making his St Leger debut.
O'Brien had been impressed with Mediterranean at York and he said: "He was drawn 20, it was his first run in a handicap and he won on the bit so I thought it was a really good performance." The Ballydoyle team is completed by likely pacemaker Saddler's Creek and the maiden Life Match.
