Previewing the St Leger Stakes: Insights from experts and insiders

Frankie Dettori to Don Juddmonte Silks for Final British Classic Appearance aboard Arrest

In a surprising turn of events, Frankie Dettori will be riding Arrest in the highly anticipated Betfred St Leger at Doncaster. This final appearance in a British Classic race is expected to be momentous for the renowned jockey.

Dettori, who has won the prestigious Town Moor showpiece six times throughout his illustrious career, had originally been set to partner with Gregory, his Royal Ascot winner. However, due to unfavorable weather conditions in South Yorkshire during the week preceding the race, he made a last-minute switch and opted for John and Thady Gosden-trained Arrest instead.

The decision seems fitting as it aligns him with connections that have provided him with numerous triumphs over the years. Barry Mahon, European racing manager for owner Juddmonte Farms expressed excitement about partnering with Dettori once again: “Any time Frankie is on board is great and I suppose the association he has had with Juddmonte over the years has been so strong… We can hopefully dream of another victory on Saturday.”

Race Redemption for Arrest

The Betfred St Leger presents an opportunity for redemption for Arrest after his disappointing performance as favorite in his final Derby at Epsom earlier this summer under Dettori’s guidance.

However, connections believe that their previous missteps were due to running him on quick ground during the peak of summer. They are hopeful that Arrest, a son of Frankel, will excel on his preferred ground and showcase his stamina over the challenging one-mile-six-furlong trip.

Mahon acknowledged their previous errors: “In fairness to the horse, we made two bad calls with running him on good to firm ground at Epsom and Ascot… We know he likes an ease in the ground and if you forget those two runs, then his record is pretty outstanding.”

While there is always an element of uncertainty when it comes to stamina over longer distances, Arrest’s strong finish in the Geoffrey Freer Stakes indicates that he should handle the extra furlong well. His comfortable performance over a mile and five-and-a-half furlongs at Newbury further adds to this optimism.

The Clarehaven Team

The Gosden team has not only entered Arrest but also Gregory and Middle Earth into this highly competitive race. Kieran Shoemark will ride Gregory, who showcased his affinity for longer distances by winning the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot before experiencing defeat for the first time in the Great Voltigeur.

John Gosden spoke highly of Gregory’s temperament: “He’s got a great mind… I trained both the mother and father and he’s inherited all their positive traits towards racing.”

Middle Earth was supplemented into the race by owners Qatar Racing after displaying class in York’s Melrose Stakes. Despite stepping up significantly in class, Oisin Murphy confidently takes up mount duties on this promising colt.

Gosden expressed confidence that Middle Earth can handle both tactical speed tests as well as endurance challenges: “He’s proven he stays [the distance]… It is a long straight; it tests both tactical speed and stamina. He looks like he should be able to answer those calls.”

With the race promising a strong field and intense competition, all eyes will be on Frankie Dettori and Arrest as they strive for another remarkable victory in this British Classic.