Racing: Lanigan has Main decision on Camelot challenge

Published on 07/09/2012 03:40

CONNECTIONS of Main Sequence will wait until next week before deciding whether to aim the Investec Derby runner-up at the Ladbrokes St Leger.

The colt will be confirmed on Monday for the world’s oldest Classic at Doncaster on Saturday week, in which he would meet his Epsom conqueror Camelot.

However, he also holds an alternative engagement in the Prix Niel at Longchamp the following day.

Trainer David Lanigan will discuss plans with owners the Niarchos family before announcing which will be his 
stable star’s next race.

“He’s still in the Prix Niel and the Leger. We will leave him in both races and we will make a decision next week,” said the Lambourn trainer. “He’s in great form. He worked on Wednesday and will do his last hard piece of work on Saturday.”

Since chasing home Camelot in the Derby, Main Sequence has been an unlucky fourth in the Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp and a strong-finishing second in the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York.

One horse who is on course for Town Moor is the Sir Henry Cecil-trained Thomas Chippendale. Owned by Yorkshireman Sir Robert Ogden, the son of Dansili won the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot before only finishing fifth of six behind Thought Worthy in the Great Voltigeur Stakes last month. However, connections feel the York race was not run to suit and expect a better display, although concede it will be a tall order taking on the Triple Crown-seeking Camelot.

“Thomas Chippendale, we are pretty certain, will be a declared runner for the St Leger,” said the owner’s racing manager, Barry Simpson.

“Sir Robert, being a Yorkshireman, would very much love to win the Ladbrokes St Leger.

“Camelot is obviously a good horse and will be difficult for any horse to beat. He is the horse to beat, and we are there chasing places rather than winning it, but nevertheless it is a great opportunity for him to run.

“They are forecasting a bit of rain next week, so it should potentially be good ground and providing the ground is suitable, he will take his chance.

“I don’t think we have got any concerns about staying the trip. You’ve got to stay the trip in the St Leger and we are pretty confident he will.”

Meanwhile, trainer Peter Schiergen confirmed Danedream on course to defend her crown in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe following a pleasing victory in Germany last weekend.

The four-year-old filly secured the Group One Grosser Preis Von Baden for a second successive year following her narrow defeat of Nathaniel in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot. Although her margin of victory at Baden-Baden was just half a length, Schiergen said; “She is perfect after the race and we were happy with her performance.”

SELECTIONS

Haydock

2.00 Whozthecat

2.30 Lost In Paris

3.05 Bell’Arte

3.35 Sound Amigo

4.10 Piddie’s Power

4.45 Prussian

5.15 Nasri

5.45 Huff And Puff

Brighton

2.10 Joy To The World

2.40 Dazzling Valentine

3.15 Saint Irene

3.45 Disclaimer

4.20 Aciano

4.55 Desert Red

5.25 Sarangoo

5.55 One Way Or Another

Chepstow

2.20 Entrapping

2.50 Croeso Mawr

3.25 Clumber Place

3.55 Red Avalanche

4.30 Offbeat Safaris

5.05 Two Turtle Doves

5.35 Spic ‘N Span

6.05 Peachez

Kempton

6.20 Forgive

6.50 Concise

7.20 Noble Deed

7.50 Meet Me Halfway

8.20 Rainbow Beauty

8.50 Roxy Flyer (nap)

9.20 Hawridge Star

Double

Huff And Puff

5:45 Haydock

Roxy Flyer

8:50 Kempton