Look to Beckett for Leger inspiration

Look to Beckett for Leger inspiration

Punting
Michael Duffy

IT’S a shame that Look Here has had such an interrupted preparation for Saturday’s St Leger at Doncaster. Her winning performance in the Epsom Oaks had ‘Leger’ written all over it and the quality of horse behind her that day speaks follows for the form. Moonstone, Katiyra, Lush Lashes and Michita were all adrift that day and that bunch have won three Group 1s, a Group 2 and a Listed race between them since. Her achievement looks all the better when you consider that was just her third career run.
One thing’s for sure, it she was trained just about anybody but Ralph Beckett, she would be a warm order for Saturday’s race. She’ll stay, she’ll love the probable ground and at 5-1 she’s a bet. The favourite is Frozen Fire, who has been popular in the shops, and any well-backed candidate from Aidan O’Brien’s yard has to be respected. But you still couldn’t be convinced about his temperament and he needs to come off a fastly-run race, something not guaranteed at Doncaster.
We’ve already recommended Unsung Heroine and at 12s, if she gets the go-ahead, she’s still a decent bet. Her inexperience is the most compelling reason why she won’t win, but Tommy Stack had her very straight for her two racecourse runs.
Recommended: Look Here 5-1. Already recommended: Unsung Heroine 12-1 (St Leger, Doncaster, Saturday).

Arc triumph for Soldier of Fortune?
IT might seem a little foolhardy to be taking 5-1 about a horse running in just under four weeks time, but we just can’t get away from Soldier of Fortune and the Arc de Triomphe.
As a three-year-old he ran a brilliant race in last year’s renewal, leading until the final 200 yards before fading (slightly hampered) into fifth. This year Soldier of Fortune has been earmarked as Ballydoyle’s Arc horse (we’re ignoring Duke of Marmalade’s lofty position with some firms) and Aidan O’Brien has put him aside for an autumn campaign.
You’d have to be a brave punter to be taking the short price about Zarkava at this stage because a) she’s never raced against older horses and b) she’s never raced against colts. As good as connections think she is – and they’re very fond of her – at that price, no matter how good she is, she ain’t a bet. Soldier of Fortune is.
Recommendation: Soldier of Fortune 5-1 (Arc de Triomphe, Longchamp, October 4).

Lay of the week
IF you arrived down from Mars and took a look at the Premier League table, you would think it’s been a fantastic start to the season for Liverpool.
They are, after all, ‘Safely’ into the group stages of the Champions League and perched in second place in the table with just goal difference separating themselves and leaders Chelsea. The truth, of course, is much different, because Rafa Benitez’s team have been truly awful. No width and no imagination, only an organised defence has saved their blushes. But that defence will get its stiffest examination on Saturday when champions Manchester United come to town, Berbatov and all.
United are favourites to win at Anfield and Liverpool should be layed at around 7-4 given that Fernando Torres is a serious injury doubt.
Recommended: Liverpool 7-4 (v Manchester United, Saturday, 12.45pm).