Turf Talk: Idaho seems unopposable for St Leger

Idaho ridden by Seamie Heffernan winning the Betway Great Voltigeur Stakes at York.

While earlier in the week there may have been grounds for taking him on, the fact that neither Red Verdon or Twilight Payment have made the final field has made his task that much easier.

Third in the Derby at Epsom behind Harzand, he got even closer to Dermot Weld’s star in the Irish version, when, if anything, he was outstayed.

However, such is his class edge over his rivals he might not truly need to see out the extended mile and three-quarters to claim the final Classic of the season.

According to the bookmakers his chief danger is John Gosden’s Muntahaa, but his form is some way below the level which Idaho has already reached, with Aidan O’Brien at pains before he ran in the Great Voltigeur to stress his charge would only improve after a break.

It looks to be his to lose, with stablemates Housesofparliament and Sword Fighter looking the main threats so an O’Brien clean sweep is not out of the question.

Judicial finally looks like delivering on his early promise and can land the Ladbrokes Portland for Julie Camacho.

A winner at Thirsk early in the season and last time out at Chester, this trip of five and a half furlongs looks ideal.

Up to a career-high mark of 99, the four-year-old is filling out his frame and Roger Charlton’s former inmate, although having a quirk or two, is very talented.

William Haggas’ Rivet created a huge impression when winning the usually informative Convivial Maiden at York and can handle the step up in grade for the At The Races Champagne Stakes.

Just about the only runner during the Ebor meeting to shun the far rail, if anything it enhanced his profile as he came around the whole field under Frankie Dettori.

SOBOT’S SELECTIONS

BATH: 2.10 Secret Witness, 2.45 Beau Mistral, 3.20 Aventus, 3.50 Good Omen, 4.25 Lady Hare, 4.55 Peak Storm, 5.30 Fanci That, 6.05 Cersei.

CHESTER: 1.40 Kiribati, 2.15 Alejandro, 2.50 Mountain Bell, 3.25 Harome, 3.55 De Veer Cliffs, 4.30 Casterbridge, 5.00 Hereawi.

DONCASTER: 2.00 Rivet, 2.35 Judicial (next best), 3.10 Buckstay, 3.45 IDAHO (NAP), 4.20 Harbour Master, 4.50 Third Time Lucky, 5.25 Missed Call, 6.00 Argus.

LINGFIELD: 1.50 Lady Blanco, 2.25 Fast Play, 3.00 Unforgettable Filly, 3.35 Art Echo, 4.10 Salateen, 4.40 Gale Song, 5.15 Sweet Dragon Fly.

MUSSELBURGH: 4.15 Horsforth, 4.45 Marsh Pride, 5.20 Sky Gypsy, 5.55 La Contessa, 6.30 Novalina, 7.00 Gabrial The Terror, 7.30 Dark Command.