DONCASTER 15:35 2w3738

Non Runners: ENGLISH KING (FR).

Time: 3m 1.94s Closing Sectional: (2f): 25.4s (98.7%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 115%, Betfair SP 103%

An open renewal of the St Leger; most of those with good form claims gave their running, ed by a less considered runner who was much improved for the emphasis on stamina, that very much the key to the outcome, a good gallop enabling the strongest stayers to overcome a trio that travelled a bit better, the winner the least exposed in the line-up and improving rapidly, a potential Cup horse for next season; 4 of the first 5 were sired by Derby winners, incidentally, the winner giving his sire his first Group 1 winner after seconds for Cayenne Pepper in the Irish Oaks and Sir Ron Priestley in the last year.

GALILEO CHROME (IRE) has improved in leaps and bounds this summer and took the step up from listed company in his stride, well served by the increased emphasis on stamina and showing a very willing attitude under a rider at the top of his game (regular rider ruled out the previous day due to a positive Covid-19 test); in touch, shaken up over 3f out, challenged soon after, led inside final 1f, kept on well, ridden out; he's surely a Cup horse for next year, not yet at the limit of his ability or stamina.

BERKSHIRE ROCCO (FR) had finished behind both Pyledriver and Santiago earlier in the summer, but this strong test of stamina brought out the best in him and he showed much improved form, deserving full credit for the effort and races at 2m+ likely to be on the agenda next season; in touch, effort straight, led over 2f out, headed inside final 1f, kept on well.

PYLEDRIVER ran creditably, but this tested different qualities to his wins over shorter at Ascot and York and he probably isn't so stout a stayer as either of the pair that beat him; held up, took keen hold, good headway over 2f out, every chance 1f out, hung left, kept on; he's shown himself a very smart colt more than once this summer and will remain a contender in good races to come.

SANTIAGO (IRE) strong in the betting, ran at least as well as previously whilst again coming up short, a little lacking when it came to the scrap in the final 1f; held up, travelled well, smooth headway over 2f out, every chance soon after, not quicken well inside final 1f; he's very smart and there wasn't anything wrong with his finishing effort at Ascot or the Curragh, but he has traded at odds on in-running for all 4 of his defeats.

HUKUM (IRE) came up short taking a further step up in class, though there was again a lot to like about his effort, lack of stamina rather than lack of ability seeming his undoing; in touch, travelled well, good progress 3f out, every chance over 1f out, no extra; he's very much the type to do well at 4 yrs.

DAWN PATROL (IRE) had a bit to find, even on his third in a substandard Irish Derby, and he ran about as well as could be expected, though never remotely involved; held up, shaken up 3f out, plugged on, made little impression.

SUBJECTIVIST set a much better pace than in the Voltigeur, but a fat lot of good it did him, this just not a race for his style of running to shine; disputed lead, shaken up over 3f out, headed over 2f out, weakened.

SUNCHART ran about as well as could have been expected upped in grade, particularly as he was more involved with the pace than most; disputed lead early, tracked pace after, every chance 2f out, weakened soon after.

TYSON FURY was asked a stern question after just a novice win and wasn't anywhere near up to the task, though he seemed to run to a useful level; in rear, not settle fully, ridden early in straight, ran green, made little impression; it's too early to be suggesting this sort of trip is what he needs to bring out the best in him, however.

MYTHICAL (FR) was used as a pacemaker; disputed lead, ridden 3f out, weakened quickly.

MOHICAN HEIGHTS (IRE) fared no better after 10 weeks off, beaten well before stamina came into play over the longer trip (bred to stay well); held up, labouring 4f out; he needs his sights lowering.