Scandinavia leads 26 St Leger hopefuls

Goodwood Cup winner Scandinavia heads 26 entries for the Betfred St Leger, the final Classic of the season to be run at Doncaster on September 13.

Aidan O’Brien dominates the potential field numerically with 11 possible runners hailing from his Ballydoyle yard.

Justify colt Scandinavia has been a relatively late bloomer, finishing fifth to Carmers in the Queen’s Vase at Ascot before winning the Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket.

He stepped into open company at Goodwood last week and despite being overlooked by Ryan Moore in favour of Illinois, ran out the winner.

His dual Derby-winning stablemate Lambourn would be another huge player if he turns up, as would Whirl, winner of last week’s Nassau Stakes over 10 furlongs at Goodwood.

Galveston, Oaks victor Minnie Hauk, Mount Kilimanjaro, Puppet Master, Saratoga, Shackleton, Stay True and Thrice are other Ballydoyle possibles.

Carmers could have a trip to Yorkshire before his big day with Paddy Twomey considering the Great Voltigeur Stakes for his prep – or he could stay closer to home.

“The Leger entries were today and if he runs (beforehand) it will be either in the Great Voltigeur or the Vinnie Roe (at Leopardstown) and then the Leger,” said Twomey.

“Those two races are within a day of each other so we’ll see which race looks more suitable.”

Other notable entries include Charlie Johnston’s Lazy Griff, placed in the Derby at Epsom and the Irish equivalent, Tennessee Stud and Arabian Force.

Gordon Stakes victor Merchant was not entered by William Haggas.