DONCASTER 15:35 2w3738

All 11 ran.

Time: 3m 4.04s Closing Sectional: (3f): 36.6s (103.9%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 118%, Betfair SP 100.4%

For depth and competitiveness this was as good a Leger as there's been for years, Capri and Stradivarius already Group 1 winners having landed the Irish Derby and Goodwood Cup respectively on their most recent starts, and they were ed by the likes of Crystal Ocean, Rekindling, Raheen House and Defoe who'd all won recognised St Leger trials in recent months, not to mention Ribblesdale-winner Coronet who was the only filly in the 11-strong field; not only was it a good-quality affair but it was a clean race too, the strong gallop ensured by Ballydoyle pacemaker The Anvil making it a good test, and it looks very solid form with the 3 places filled by the trio that were highest rated coming into the race.

CAPRI (IRE) beat a strong field in the Irish Derby, Group-1 winning form that gave him a big chance, and 11 weeks on he followed up to notch a British classic as well, not in need of the longer trip but seeing it out thoroughly and determinedly, his attitude once again looking a huge asset; chased leaders, travelled well, led over 2f out, tackled inside final 1f, dug deep under pressure; the Arc will be a tougher ask but he's so likeable and genuine that he'd almost certainly give a good if, as expected, that's where he goes; this was a fifth St Leger success for Aidan O'Brien, incidentally, whilst it was a first win in the race for Ryan Moore, giving him the clean sweep of British classics now.

CRYSTAL OCEAN has been a most progressive colt throughout this 3-y-o season and not only improved further on the bare form of his Goodwood win but shaped well, impressing with how he went through the race, very comfortable with the strong pace, and ultimately he was probably outstayed by Capri after very easily getting almost upsides him; patiently ridden, travelled strongly, headway over 3f out, challenged inside final 1f but was one paced in the final 50 yards; although this was a cracking effort there's a suspicion that 1½m will prove to be his optimum trip and he's an exciting prospect for next season.

STRADIVARIUS (IRE) has not only progressed extremely well this year but he's also proved most reliable/likeable and this was another excllent run, more than a match for his Goodwood Cup win, doing it back down in trip and without any allowances back again his own age group; mid-division, headway on inner over 4f out, close up 3f out, stuck to task; his future lies in a different place to the pair that beat him, almost certain to go back up to 2m for the Cup races, and he's certain to be a big force on the staying scene.

REKINDLING bar a blip on fast ground in the Derby, has done nothing but improve all year, better for each increase in trip, benefiting from that again here and looking a thorough stayer in the making, shaping well with a view to the Long Distance Cup on Champions Day (will be suited by 2m); held up, headway under pressure over 2f out, stayed on well.

CORONET ran creditably, still in top form, but she didn't convince with her stamina for the longer trip, surprisingly so given how she's often seen her races out, although this was almost an extra 3f for her; mid-division, travelled well, close up over 2f out, no extra inside final 1f.

COUNT OCTAVE ran about as well as could have been expected in a Group 1 for the first time, backing up the improvement from Goodwood last time; mid-division, ridden 3f out, one paced, always around same position.

RAHEEN HOUSE (IRE) possibly found the task and trip beyond him, certainly not seeing things out on the day; mid-division, effort 3f out, weakened over 1f out, made little impression.

VENICE BEACH (IRE) underperformed but did too much too soon right at the head of the main group; chased leader, disputed over 4f out, weakened over 2f out.

DOUGLAS MACARTHUR (IRE) has had his limitations exposed now and was well held, doing too much too soon ittedly as well, chasing The Anvil at the head of the main group, going on over 4f out until 3f out but having no more to give.

DEFOE (IRE) has had an excellent campaign but wasn't himself here, not looking comfortable quite a long way out; held up, pushed along 4f out, weakened 2f out, never dangerous.

THE ANVIL (IRE) was in as a pacemaker and can have a line put through this run; soon well clear, headed over 4f out, eased off.