The value bet in this weekend’s showpiece is the St Leger winner Lucarno - currently available at 8/1. He is a big stuffy type who has taken plenty of time to get fit. His last run at Newmarket over 1m 4f on July 10 was a huge step up on his previous run at Saint-Cloud behind Youmzain.
At Newmarket Lucarno giving Papal Bull 5lbs made all and went clear over 1f out to score impressively by 1.25l.
On a line through Papal Bull who was 2l behind Youmzain at level weights in the Coronation Stakes Lucarno should finish in front of Youmzain.
The Aidan O’Brien trained Duke Of Marmalade looked a world beater when trotting up by 4l from the subsequent Eclipse second Phoenix Tower at Royal Ascot but that was over 1m 2f.
He has never run over 1m 4f and being by Danehill out a King Mambo mare his pedigree does not shout stamina. An interesting King George stat is that 21 of the 22 winners of the race have reached the first four in a Group 1 over 1m 4f emphasising the stamina requirements of the race.
Youmzain a thoroughly genuine animal ran a great race at Saint-Cloud when reversing Coronation placings with Duke Of Marmalade’s stable companion Soldier Of Fortune.
He was well suited by coming off a very strong pace that day. Saturday’s race is likely to be run at a steadier rate. The very progressive Lucarno looks the one to be on.
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