St Anton
St Anton
11th-Jul-2026
I am backing St Anton in this one-mile handicap.
You have to allow him his run in the Britannia Handicap at Royal Ascot last time, but it was his first run at Ascot, you can often forgive a horse an under-par run at Royal Ascot, especially a relatively inexperienced horse. They are confronted with a unique set of circumstances. And, actually, he didn’t run that badly. He travelled well in mid-division to the two-furlong marker, towards the far side of the near-side group, and he threatened briefly to get involved on the run to the furlong marker, before his effort flattened out. He only finished 14th, but he was beaten a total of just over six lengths. It wasn’t that bad a run in such a competitive race.
He should appreciate the calmer waters today, and the return to Newmarket. Before Royal Ascot, he had been nicely progressive this season.
He kept on well from the rear to just get up and win a one-mile handicap at Newmarket's Guineas meeting off a mark of 82, the front two finishing nicely clear, and he went to Carlisle next time and he again stayed on well to win off a mark of 85.
He did well to win that day. He was back in the field early on off a moderate pace, and he stayed on strongly on the near side to get up and beat the progressive Wild Thoughts, who had won his previous four races, the pair of them clear.
St Anton was raised by 6lb by the handicapper for that to a mark of 91, but he is progressive enough to be able to operate off his new mark. He has raced just seven times in his life. Third on his racecourse debut on the July course last year, his record on Newmarket’s Rowley Mile reads 31. The Newmarket tracks obviously suit him.
He was taken out of the Silver Cup at Haydock at the end of May, presumable because of the soft ground, so he should enjoy today’s conditions. He can be slowly away, so when he learns to get away on terms, he should take a nice step forward. He is progressive anyway, and he should go well.
Moonfall was on my shortlist, the Britannia winner, but he is 7lb higher now and he is short. Alfaraz is a player and Wechaad and Tales Of Wisdom are both interesting but, at a bigger price, St Anton is the bet.
ST ANTON WON (ADV 8/1, SP 10/1)
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