VARIAN SCOOPS BIGGEST PRIZE OF SEASON

Ian Heitman was delighted to see the two-year-old calendar get back to normal on Town Moor

- Ian Heitman

Doncaster St Leger Meeting

Ten two-year-old races were run over the four days. The first day began with a maiden over a mile and saw an impressive win for Latest Generation who easily justified odds-on favouritism for Simon and Ed Crisford.

Leading all the way under William Buick, he only had to be pushed out inside the last furlong to beat Stay Well a newcomer trained by Hughie Morrison with another newcomer Saligo Bay keeping on well in third for Roger Charlton. Latest Generation has a tremendous pedigree, the first foal out of Group 1 winner Rizeena, and a race like the Group 2 Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket at the end of September should suit him well.

Ataser made it two wins at big festival meetings, following up his York win in the 7f nursery off a 7lb higher mark. Despite a slow start, he finished strongly on the outside of the field taking the lead inside the last 100 yards and showing a good attitude to hold off Party Game to win by head. This was his third win of the year and he shouldn’t go up too much in the weights, rated 86 here, and will continue to run well.

Day two saw three two-year-old races with the first of them a valuable fillies nursery with 15 lining up. Just as Latest Generation had done a day earlier, Spright, who was giving weight to her 14 rivals, led all the way and held on well to beat course winner Nazuna by three quarters of a length and the same margin to the third, favourite, Meu Amor. No doubt Spright’s trainer, Karl Burke, who has a share in the filly, will be looking for a Listed race for Spright next time with the Redcar Two-Year-Old Trophy or Bosra Sham Stakes at Newmarket mentioned.