Johnston looks for big run from St Leger hope

Long-distance Flat races are, after all, his speciality thanks to the exploits of legendary stayers like Double Trigger, who was third to Moonax in 1994.

But the Middleham trainer will have a clearer idea today about this year’s Classic prospects when his St Leger hope, Namibian, lines up in the sportingbet.com Great Voltigeur Stakes – the premier trial ahead of next month’s Doncaster’s showpiece.

Jockey Silvestre de Sousa certainly has no doubts. He believes Namibian can win him a first Classic after powering clear to land the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot before franking that form at Glorious Goodwood.

Johnston, however, is more circumspect, given that today’s field includes Aidan O’Brien’s Seville, the ante-post St Leger favourite.

The Cape Cross colt officially has 8lb to find with Seville, according to the handicapper, but Johnston remains hopeful of a big run.

“It’s not all about ratings and he’s past handicapping now. He’s going to have to run against these horses some time and if he hadn’t met them here, he’d have met them in the Leger,” said Johnston.

“There are no doubts about the trip with this horse. He can compete over any trip you want to throw at him.

“The ground shouldn’t be a problem and he’s been absolutely fine since Goodwood, so we’ll see how we get on.”

It will, nevertheless, be a tough task, given the confidence that continues to emanate from O’Brien’s Ballydoyle stables about Seville – the runner-up to the Queen’s Carlton House in the Dante in May.

The son of Galileo, one of the best Derby winners in the past decade, Seville has, surprisingly, yet to win this season despite showing smart juvenile form last year.

However, he appeared to put his disappointing Epsom Derby run behind him – he was a distant 10th to Pour Moi – by finishing second in both the Irish Derby and the Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp.

“We’re happy enough with him and he seems to be coming out of his races fresh and well,” said big-race jockey Seamie Heffernan.

“He’s getting more mature and stronger all the time, so I’m hoping for a big run tomorrow.

“I don’t think the ground is an 0issue with him. I think you just want a bit of luck and want them turning up with a big will every day.

“The Galileo horses seem to be the ones to be with at the moment. They are tough and they are up for it every day.

“I would think if all goes well then the Leger will be his next run after the Voltigeur. This is one of the main Leger trials and I would think that is why Aidan is running him.

“I love riding big-race winners in England and I hope I can have another at York.”

O’Brien also saddles likely pacemaker Regent Street.

In-form trainer Roger Charlton is represented by Al Kazeem, who makes his first racecourse appearance since landing a 10-furlong Newbury handicap in May.

Charlton said: “It’s a considerable step up in class for him and also a step up in distance on what looks set to be rain-softened ground.

“He hasn’t run since May, having had a setback after his last run and while he’s in good form and ready to start back, I’m sure he’ll improve on whatever he does.”

But, while Charlton’s horses deserve to be respected, it is difficult to see beyond Namibian or Seville.

A note of caution is required. The ill-fated Rewilding, put down after breaking a legin last month’s King George at Ascot, won the Great Voltigeur last year and was backed off the boards for the St Leger where he could not live with the William Buick-inspired Arctic Cosmos, who had enjoyed a six-week lay-off.

A great race today may light up Knavesmire but it may also put paid to a horse’s Leger prospects. Johnston will be acutely aware of this, hence his decision to regard the Voltigeur as a stepping stone to greater success in the future.

Ebor meeting going report

With no rain forecast for the next 24 hours, the going is set to be good/soft, good in places on Knavesmire for the opening day of the Ebor Festival.