Ainippe to prove quickest in Flying Childers Stakes
DAY THREE of the Ladbrokes St. Leger Festival at Doncaster gets underway today with some speedy juveniles in the Group Two Flying Childers Stakes (1.40pm).
Most exciting of all is the appearance of AINIPPE, who remains unbeaten after two impressive victories in Ireland. Her trainer Ger Lyons wouldn’t make the trip across the Irish Sea unless he thought this Captain Rio filly had a real chance.
Qatar Racing were quick to snap her up after a striking debut and their jockey-in-waiting, Andrea Atzeni, has been put up in order to establish a partnership before bigger targets next year.
Cotai Glory is likely to dispute favouritism, having the strongest form of the home challenge. The Charlie Hills-trained colt won well at Goodwood last time out and finished close to the promising Limato before that but Ainippe should prove too much for him in receipt of 3lb.
In the Ladbrokes Mallard Stakes (2.10pm) STOMACHION looks dangerous as he steps up in trip to tackle more than 1m 4f for the first time.
Several come here after showing their hand in the competitive Ebor, with Elidor and Retirement Plan both seeking compensation after finding little room in the closing stages at York.
Stomachion appeals as an improver over this distance, though, and you can trust Ryan Moore to judge this gelding’s stamina perfectly in the final furlongs.
The competitive six-furlong handicap at 3.45pm provides a perfect opportunity for DANZENO. This son of Denounce’s last run came in a Group Three at Newcastle, which he won cosily from a talented field.
After a break, this progressive type can record a victory here against some older and more exposed horses, before returning to Pattern races. The biggest threat is perhaps Badr Al Badoor, who has been steadily improving this year for trainer James Fanshawe.
Pointers…
AINIPPE 1.40pm Doncaster
STOMACHION e/w 2.10pm Doncaster
DANZENO 3.45pm Doncaster
@BillEsdaile