Scandinavia headlines three-strong Leger challenge for Aidan O’Brien

Aidan O’Brien holds a three-strong hand in his quest for a ninth Betfred St Leger victory on Saturday, as Scandinavia and dual-Derby hero Lambourn headline the seven declared for the final British Classic of the season at Doncaster.

With stable rider Ryan Moore currently sidelined by a leg injury, Tom Marquand steps in to ride market leader Scandinavia, who registered a brilliant victory over his elders in the Goodwood Cup last time out. Marquand rode Galileo Chrome to Leger glory for O’Brien’s son Joseph in 2020.

Sean Levey steered Jan Brueghel to victory for O’Brien last year and this time he will partner dual Derby winner Lambourn, as he bids to bounce back from disappointment in the Great Voltigeur at York.

Stay True finished a place ahead of his stablemate on the Knavesmire and he completes the Ballydoyle trio, with Mickael Barzalona getting the leg up on the son of Galileo.

Paddy Twomey’s Queen’s Vase winner Carmers is another leading contender from Ireland and was in fact ahead of both of O’Brien’s reopposing York runners when second in the Great Voltigeur. He is expected to relish a return to the extended one-mile-and-six-furlong distance.

Roger Varian has won the St Leger twice previously with Kingston Hill and Eldar Eldarov and saddles Queen’s Vase third Rahiebb in search of his third big victory on Town Moor.

The line-up is complete by Andrew Balding’s pair of Geoffrey Freer scorer Furthur and Tarriance, who steps out of handicap company after winning the Melrose at York.

Balding will have leading claims earlier on the card when Gewan attempt to back up his Gimcrack Stakes success in the Betfred Champagne Stakes.

A field of five has assembled, with rivals to Gewan including John and Thady Gosden’s exciting eight-length Sandown scorer Oxagon and John and Sean Quinn’s eyecatching Ayr maiden winner Cape Ashizuri, who is immediately upped in grade.

Charlie Appleby’s Shadow Of Light is the standout name amongst 11 in the other Group race on the card, the Betfred Park Stakes.