Ante-Post Update – Knowledge cut for Leger after unlucky defeat

The Gordon Stakes at Goodwood has often thrown up a live St Leger contender in the past and John Gosden’s Excess Knowledge could be the one to follow from this year’s race.

Held up by William Buick, the lightly-raced colt found himself trapped on the inside when the pace quickened but flashed home late to take second. The race was won by Cap O’Rushes for Godolphin who saddled Encke to thwart Camelot’s Triple Crown hopes last season.

Cap O’Rushes earned a quote of 12-1 from 33-1 for the Doncaster classic but Excess Knowledge was trimmed to 10-1. Gosden has a fine record in the St Leger and also has Newmarket winner Feel Like Dancing entered at 14-1.

Lady Cecil’s handicap winner Retirement Plan earned a quote of 20-1 for the same race when comfortably holding off the favourite Goodwood Mirage on Friday. Galileo Rock remains firm favourite at 5-1 after being placed in both the English and Irish Derby.

The consistent handicapper Sheikhzayedroad went into many notebooks after his unlucky third behind Forgotten Voice. Connections were far from dismayed by his third-paced effort and are looking forward to a tilt at the Ebor Handicap later this month.

Coral quote Sheikhzayedroad at 16-1 for the York race for which Sir Michael Stoute’s Opinion is currently the 8-1 favourite. The biggest mover in the Ebor market recently has been Sir Mark Prescott’s Pallasator who is now as short as 12-1 despite not having raced this season.

The son of Motivator was last seen winning a handicap at Haydock in September. Sir Mark saddled the favourite Hasten To Add to win the Ebor back in 1996.

Harris Tweed is another possible contender for the Ebor after his runaway victory at the Sussex track. Camborne also earned a 16-1 quote with a promising comeback run in second place for John Gosden.