Talent’s preparations ‘not ideal’ but Beckett is hopeful

No horse has completed the Epsom Oaks and St Leger double since the brilliant User Friendly, and her Yorkshire jockey George Duffield, galloped into the history books 21 years ago.

Although 41 fillies have landed the final Classic of the season since its inaugural running in 1776, only six have prevailed since World War Two – even though they receive a significant three pound weight concession from colts.

However, Beckett, who is based in Hampshire at Andover, is unperturbed, particularly so given his Look Here ran a fine race to finish third five years ago when Sir Michael Stoute finally ended his St Leger jinx with the Frankie Dettori-inspired Conduit.

“Look Here ran a very good race for us in the St Leger when she was third in 2008. I wasn’t sure she got home and it was probably a very good Leger, won by Conduit,” said Beckett.

“Talent is in good shape. She has not had the ideal preparation, as I was keen to run her in the Yorkshire Oaks but the ground was too quick. I think she would be better with a run under her belt.

“She galloped at Kempton over a mile last week and we were pleased with the way it went. She doesn’t knock herself out in her work.

“We have always felt she is a strong stayer and that the St Leger is the right race for her under the right conditions.

“She needs a bit of juice in the ground, not like the ground when she ran in the Irish Oaks. I am not convinced that the ground was the only reason for her poor performance in Ireland, but I wouldn’t want to run her on fast ground again until I knew for sure.”

Talent was ridden to Epsom Oaks glory by champion jockey Richard Hughes after Beckett’s 
No 1 rider Jim Crowley opted to ride the stable’s more fancied Secret Gesture who finished second.

However, Crowley has been booked to ride Talent on Saturday as he seeks his first Classic.

Victory would be a remarkable achievement for a horseman who began his career at Bingley under the tutelage of Grand National-winning trainers Sue and Harvey Smith, and rode around 200 winners over obstacles, before switching to the Flat with great success.

Conversely Lambourn trainer Jo Hughes says Doncaster will have to miss the rain if London Bridge is to become her first St Leger runner.

The son of Arch completed a hat-trick of wins in a 12-furlong handicap at Ripon on June 20, and finished third in a valuable handicap over the same trip at 
Ascot on July 13.

He stepped up in distance and class for the Listed Prix Michel Houyvet over 15 furlongs at Deauville on August 15, in which he ran respectably to finish fourth.

“I was slightly disappointed with his run in France, but he has come out of it well,” said Hughes who has booked former champion jockey Paul Hanagan.

“I don’t think the French style of racing suited him because they are inclined to go slower and try and quicken, whereas our horse is an out and out galloper.

“I wouldn’t be at all concerned about the trip in the St Leger and the English style of racing should suit him better.

“Before his run in France, he had been improving with every run and I don’t think he has achieved his full potential yet.

“He is still improving in himself so we have to give it a go.”