THE RACING comes thick and fast this weekend with some top quality viewing and, of course, the final Classic of the year, the Ladbrokes St. Leger Stakes.  Normally the weakest of the domestic Classics it hasn’t stopped some decent types taking the prize, a term that definitely describes the main protagonists in Honolulu and Lucarno.  Honolulu ran a blinder to finish second to the outrageously well-handicapped Purple Moon in the Ebor, technically giving the winner 10lbs.  However, it may be worth siding with the Great Voltiger winner Lucarno to settle any stamina fears and claim the prize.  This imposing son of Dynaformer has been a fine performer this year, making his racecourse debut in April and contesting many of the premier middle distance races in the interim.  Although from a fast family on the dam’s side his relentless galloping style, on a course similar to York where he won over 1m4f, could see him triumph.  Moreover the form of his earlier efforts (in the Derby, Princess of Wales’s Stakes and Great Voltiger Stakes) looks solid.  He stands a great chance.  St Leger day opens with the Champagne Stakes over 7f for two-year-old colts and geldings.  Last years race produced a thrilling finish between subsequent class acts, Vital Equine, Cockney Rebel and Eagle Mountain.  While it’s too early to make statements about this group I would be surprised if the winner wasn’t above average, something that can probably be credited to Paul Cole’s River Proud.  Beaten by the shortest of short heads by one of the seasons leading Juveniles (Winker Watson) in the July Stakes this scopey son of American sire Proud Citizen can land this pot for the Whatcome stable.  If you’re still going by 4.15 you may want to cast an eye down to Warwick for the 1m handicap.  Ragheed was denied by a neck in a valuable contest at Ripon on his latest start having put up good performances when winning his previous two starts.  The form of those races looks up to scratch and may reward followers over the quirky Laa Rayb.  Finally don’t forget Yeats in the Irish St. Leger.  One of the best stayers in recent times.  Should win.      

Selections – 2.10 Doncaster, 9 River Proud

                                                                4.15 Warwick, 2 Ragheed