Secret State now 8-1 for St Leger glory after impressive handicap success

Secret State: could he be a Classic winner?

Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Wednesday: Goodwood

Secret State may have earned the chance to avenge his dam and claim a Classic victory by scoring an impressive success at Goodwood on Wednesday.

His odds for the Cazoo St Leger were slashed in to to 8-1 from 12-1 after he defied top weight in the 1m4f handicap to complete a four-timer.

In 2010 Jacqueline Quest sprang a huge shock when passing the post first in the 1,000 Guineas at 66-1, only to be demoted as she hung right and interfered with runner-up Special Duty, who was controversially awarded the race.

A dozen years on, her son Secret State hung left in the closing stages of this £50,000 event but he was clear of his rivals at the time and ran out a ready length-and-a-quarter winner under William Buick.

‘We came here with a lot of confidence’

The 11-4 favourite, who won the King George V Handicap at Royal Ascot last month, would be stepping up to 1m6f in the Leger but his jockey said: “He stays well. You’d think he would step up in trip in time. He’s very genuine. I’m not quite sure why he hung left today. It’s the first time he’s been on the track so that’s maybe why.”

Trainer Charlie Appleby won the Leger with Hurricane Lane last year and is now eyeing a key Doncaster trial.

“I think probably the most logical step now is to head to the Great Voltigeur with him,” he said. “He’s most definitely improving with each run. We came here with a lot of confidence. The Ascot race’s form worked out very well. He’s done nothing but improve throughout the early summer.

“I think the Voltigeur’s going to be a great race this year – I think most likely we’ll probably see the Leger winner there.”

Cazoo St Leger card and betting

Results, replays and analysis

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FIRST PUBLISHED 2:39PM, JUL 27 2022