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Blanco Strengthens O'Brien's St Leger Hand
26/07/10

Harbinger was so brilliant in winning the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot that the performance of second placed Cape Blanco could easily be overlooked, but the Irish Derby winner ran to form and suggested he could yet be a major player in the Ladbrokes St Leger at Doncaster in September, writes Elliot Slater.

Cape Blanco came to the King George on the back of a tremendously gutsy display when beating stable companions Midas Touch and Jan Vermeer in the Irish Derby.

Having been the first to come under pressure more than half a mile out, he showed the same determination to see off Group 1 performers Youmzain and Daryakana to comfortably hold second place, albeit 11 lengths behind the imperious winner.

Aidan O'Brien's Galileo colt has a variety of options for the rest of the season. and his stable companion Midas Touch is already ante-post market leader for Doncaster (as short as 5/2 with one firm).

However, his style of running suggests he could see out the Leger distance and there is absolutely no doubt that he is a very classy performer. The current odds of 12/1 offered by Stan James for the final Classic of the term are very tempting indeed, especially compared to the 6/1 being offered by such as 888Sport and Blue Square.

O'Brien is not averse to arriving mob handed to Classic races and I would not be in the least bit surprised if he chooses to run both horses and has a pacemaker or two in there as well for good measure. Bets Player will keep you informed about O'Brien's decision.

Cape Blanco may head to the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe as late season alternative, and there is always the possibility of a crack at the Breeders' Cup, but at 12/1 you wouldn't have to invest a great deal to have a sporting bet on a horse that would surely run very well in the St Leger if connections allow him to take his chance.