2010 ST LEGER BETTING TIPS AND EXCLUSIVE PREDICTIONS
Godolphin's big colt Rewilding (Tiger Hill) is looking for his first Group 1 victory after a solid score in the Group 2 Great Voltigeur Stakes at York back in mid-August. I think he should be able to stretch out to 1m6f but the fact that he's been bet down so harshly gives me reason to start looking around for additional value here and I generally like to play Godolphin runners, but I'm just not willing to do outright business at a 6/4 price, though I will be playing him at the top end of some forecast selections.
Rewilding is a justified favourite based on Saeed Bin Suroor's strike-rate in this race and Godolphin are actually looking for their second win on the bounce after having captured the 2009 edition with Mastery (Sulamani).
Dandino (Dansili) is taking a big step up in class after absolutely rocking and rolling on the handicap circuit this year and then just missing in a tough 2nd place to Rebel Soldier (Danehill Dancer) at Goodwood in the Group 3 Betfair Gordon Stakes. Bet365 has him priced at 7/1. He is a definite contender for 2nd place though Rewilding has more experience at this level.
Snow Fairy (Intikhab) represents the ladies here and this filly was second in the Yorkshire Oaks a few weeks back and will look to progress here after proving her value in the Ivestec Oaks at Epsom. Adding the Irish Oaks at the Curragh to her credit ensures that she's a formidable competitor here and I think she is the biggest potential spoiler in the race. An each-way forecast with Rewilding could pay dividends. She trades at 8/1 with Bet365.
AP O'Brien's Midas Touch (Galileo) finished second to Rewilding in the Great Voltigeur and also just missed out on the Irish Derby when bested by Cape Blanco (Galileo). He is a thereabouts type who hasn't scored since his seasonal debut in the Group 2 Derby Trial Stakes at Leopardstown. You can back him at 7/1.
William Buick has the ride abord Arctic Cosmos (North Light) and they're priced at 7/1 having had a few respectable outings this year. The Gosden-trained colt still hasn't grabbed that elusive first graded score and I reckon this may be too big a step up at this stage.
My early tip: Snow Fairy by half a length over Rewilding with Dandino a few steps behind.