Ryan Moore awaits Leger mount

Published on Monday 6 September 2010 17:22

RYAN Moore may have to wait until Thursday to find out which horse he will ride in this weekend's Ladbrokes St Leger, with connections of Snow Fairy and Total Command biding their time before making a decision.

Should conditions ease enough at Doncaster for Sir Michael Stoute's liking, the recently-returned champion jockey will be required for the outsider Total Command.

Potential downpours on Town Moor will have Ed Dunlop worried for the better-fancied Snow Fairy, who Moore helped to achieve an Epsom-Irish Oaks double during the summer.

Richard Hughes stepped in to steer her to second in the Yorkshire Oaks when Moore was out with his wrist injury and the Irishman is in the frame again should both horses start on Saturday.

Dunlop said: "It depends on the weather. If it's not too bad, she'll definitely run. I've never had a runner in the St Leger and I would love to. Godolphin's horse (Rewilding] will be tough to beat. I hope she runs well but if she doesn't stay, she won't be bullied and have a hard race. Ryan will hopefully ride and if not Ryan, then it will be Richard Hughes or Eddie Ahern, although they don't know that and I will have to speak to Mrs Patino first."

Aidan O'Brien was unable to shed much light on the jockey situation for his two intended runners, Joshua Tree and Midas Touch. "It's very possible Johnny Murtagh will ride at Doncaster but it's not definite," said O'Brien. "We have the National Stakes and the Irish St Leger in Ireland that day and it's all a bit up in the air."

Mark Tompkins, who saddled Bob's Return to win the Leger in 1993, is looking forward to sending Great Voltigeur fourth Ted Spread, particularly in light of the weather forecast. "I'm pleased to hear the forecast but it has got to happen. If it rains, it will suit him," said Tompkins.

Twelve horses remained in the race at the latest entry stage.