Highwayman

Joseph O’Brien has a big player in the St Leger with Enceladus, the King George V Handicap winner from Royal Ascot who was impressive last time in winning the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood, a race that can be a good pointer to the Leger, but he has been well found in the market, and his other horse Highwayman could be a little under-rated.

The Persian King colt has made big strides in a short space of time.  He won his maiden at Killarney in July by nine lengths, when he stepped up in trip from a mile to almost a mile and a half.  Then he stepped up in trip to a mile and six furlongs and he stepped up in grade for the Listed Vinnie Roe Stakes at Leopardstown, and he won that too, impressively.

He had to deliver his challenge towards the far side that day, away from the favoured stands rail, but he went to the line strongly.  Also, his finishing splits were very good.  They didn’t go a great pace, but even so, for a stayer, he dipped below 12 seconds for each of the last three furlongs, which was impressive at the end of a race run over a mile and six furlongs.

Of course, he is probably going to have to progress again if he is going to win a St Leger, but he is progressive and he is proven at the trip, and he is trained by Joseph O’Brien, who excels in all departments, but who is particularly adept with stayers.  It is significant that it looks like he is going to let Highwayman make the trip, along with Enceladus.

HIGHWAYMAN WON (ADV 11/1, SP 11/1)