Kevin O’Malley’s ITV Racing Tips on Day 3 of the St Leger Festival

Kevin O’Malley tackles the four feature races at Doncaster on Friday, with some strong opinions ahead of the action of day three of the St Leger Festival.

Gosden’s Alfaatik ideal for Mallard test

A son of Sea The Stars, Alfaatik (1:40 Doncaster) has been progressing nicely through his handful of career outings to date. But last time out at York, his battling win over Dark Jedi hinted at pattern class ability. He runs off a mark of 94 now so does need to keep improving, but Jim Crowley’s mount could really take off now he’s stepping up to 1m6f and he rates a really interesting prospect for the middle distance to staying divisions. 

Don’t discount a big run from Loughnane’s charge

There are a couple of improving sorts representing big stables in this handicap over six and a half furlongs. However, David Loughnane’s Tranchee (2:10 Doncaster) rates as an interesting contender at likely decent odds here under rising talent Ray Dawson, whose 5lb claim is very useful. The War Front gelding won at Wolverhampton in July and has backed up that form with two solid looking seconds at Newbury and Haydock recently. He’s nicely weighted and shouldn’t be discounted.

Sacred to make use of fillies’ allowance in Flying Childers

William Haggas’ Sacred has succumbed to the finish of Campanelle and Miss Amulet in two top races against her own sex at Royal Ascot and York. On Friday at 2:40, the athletic Exceed And Excel filly takes on the boys too and her 3lb pull with The Lir Jet and Steel Bull can see her land a second career win. She’s clearly a proper Group class performer waiting to happen and has plenty of speed to burn. Doncaster should suit and Tom Marquand rides. Huge chance. 

Spanish Mission can capitalise on Strad’s absence

Spanish Mission has been holding his form remarkably well in good company across all of his recent outings, including when finishing just over six lengths behind Stradivarius in the Ascot Gold Cup. Last time out, the Noble Mission colt won the Chester Stakes over 1m6f in good style and he looks sure to run a huge race in the Doncaster Cup today in the absence of last year’s winner and staying division king, Stradivarius. William Buick is a suitable replacement to regular pilot Jamie Spencer and this horse seems to have benefitted from a chance of scenery since joining Andrew Balding.