Ocean Can Make Waves At St Leger

Paul looks at this month’s major races

- Paul

An impressive winner of the Gordon Stakes at Glorious Goodwood, CRYSTAL OCEAN can reward Sir Michael Stoute’s patient approach by providing the trainer with a second St Leger, nine years on from Conduit’s success.

The Sea The Stars colt had progressed steadily from winning a Nottingham maiden in April, finishing third behind Permian in both the Dante at York and the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot. Things didn’t go to plan that day – caught wide and rushed up to challenge on the long sweeping bend for home – and he reversed form with the runner-up when staying on strongly to score with plenty in hand at Goodwood.

He proved that day that soft ground isn’t a problem and, though his stamina isn’t guaranteed, he looked better the further he went last time. Having skipped the Derby and been brought along steadily by Stoute, Crystal Ocean remains open to further progression.

This year’s St Leger looks a strong renewal, with joint market-leader (at the time of writing) Capri expected to line up in the Great Voltigeur – where he will take on Cracksman – while this feature goes to press. The York contest is sure to prove a pivotal trial and the Irish Derby winner is another who ought to have little problem with the 1m6f trip. The grey was ridden positively at the Curragh last time – having been caught wide throughout in the Epsom equivalent – and a bold showing at York is likely to see him head the market for this.