Classic cruise: Al Riffa stamps class on Irish St Leger

The Melbourne Cup-bound Al Riffa stamped his class on the Comer Group International Irish St. Leger.

Winner of the National Stakes on this day three years ago, Joseph O’Brien’s charge doubled his Group One tally in Germany last summer and opened his account for the current campaign in the Curragh Cup over this course and distance in mid-July.

The most recent of those victories prompted ownership group Australian Bloodstock Two to get involved ahead of a planned trip to Flemington in November, and he appears a major contender for a race his trainer has previously won with Rekindling in 2017 and Twilight Payment in 2020.

Ridden by Dylan Browne McMonagle, Al Riffa (3-1) was given a patient ride as Karl Burke’s front-running Al Qareem committed for home from the front at the top of the straight.

Ralph Beckett’s previously unbeaten British raider Amiloc moved smoothly into his slipstream and looked a major player, but Al Riffa then arrived on his tail with even more in the tank and kicked four lengths clear in the final furlong.

O’Brien’s charge was cut to 8-1 from 12-1 for the Melbourne Cup by Coral.

More to follow...