One of Australia’s oldest classics might not produce a legitimate champion like it once did, but there’s no denying the VRC St Leger can still capture the imagination.
The St Leger, to be run at Flemington on Saturday, is older than the Melbourne Cup, run for the first time four years before Australia’s greatest race came to life.
Gai Waterhouse – in search of a fifth St Leger since 2013
But its status has declined since revered horses such as Phar Lap (Night Raid) and Tulloch (Khorassan) won on their way to becoming part of racing folklore.
The St Leger is graded as Listed level at Flemington yet because of its historic links to past champions the race is still one for the traditionalists.
Bart Cummings trained seven St Leger winners and his great rival TJ Smith won it six times.
Smith’s daughter, Hall of Fame trainer Gai Waterhouse, will be trying to win her fifth since 2013 when Sacramento (Pierro) takes his place in the 2800m race.
Sacramento appeals as a competent stayer despite taking a conservative path to the ATC Australian Derby.
The three-year-old won country races in NSW before he was asked to make the running in the Derby at Randwick.
Of the horses who rode the speed, Sacramento stayed on the best in finishing fifth in a run that augurs well for his chances against lesser opposition on Saturday.
Sacramento is one of the favourites, along with last-start Caulfield winner Royal Crown (Helmet).
Like last week’s Sydney Gr3 winner Kinane (Reliable Man), Royal Crown ran for the Mick Kent stable before the trainer decided to take a sabbatical.
