2016 St Leger runner profiles: All you need to know about the nine entries in Doncaster Classic

Has run some solid races in defeat this season without getting his head in front.

Finished a well-beaten eight lengths fourth of six to Idaho last time out in the Group 2 Great Voltigeur at York, looking very one paced in the process. Fully exposed and zero chance on all known form.

Housesofparliament

Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
Form: 5-2134412

One of three runners for leading Irish trainer O’Brien, Housesofparliament looks the stable second string, so maybe a forecast choice. Has been kept very busy this season and showed a likeable attitude when landing a Group 3 at Newmarket on his penultimate outing.

The son of Galileo also posted a solid effort last time out when a 1 3/4 length runner-up to Idaho at York and is versatile as regards ground. Looks sure to go well.

Idaho

Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
Form: 14-23321

A progressive colt who ran very well to finish third to Harzand in the Investec Derby at Epsom, before going down by just 1/2 a length to the same rival in the Irish equivalent.

Warmed up for this with an impressive success in the Group 2 Great Voltigeur over 1m 4f at York when staying on strongly from off the pace to win going away by 1 3/4 lengths.

Looks sure to appreciate the step up in trip and brings the strongest form to the table. Idaho has the ideal profile for this race and the one to beat.

Muntahaa

Trainer: John Gosden
Form: 32131

A lightly-raced and unexposed colt who has won two of his five starts and is bidding to give trainer John Gosden his fifth winner in the race.

Ran a stormer at Royal Ascot when staying on strongly to finish third to Across The Stars in a Group 2 over 1m 4f, suggesting the extra two furlongs in this would be right up his street.

Showed a good attitude to score last time out at Chester on a track which didn’t play to his strengths and should have plenty more to offer, having not made his racecourse debut until April this year. Muntahaa is a major contender.

Ormito

Trainer: Andrew Balding
Form: 2147-33022

Has posted some solid efforts to make the the frame this season, including when runner-up in a Group 3 at Newbury last time out.

However, had finished behind Sword Fighter and Ventura Storm in his two outings prior to that and no reason why he should turn the tables with those rivals.

Up against it and will need to step up significantly on what he has achieved so far to make any sort of impact.

Sword Fighter

Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
Form: 3-213115

A tough and consistent sort who has shown improved form throughout the season. After landing the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot he showed a good attitude to beat Landofhopeandglory by two lengths in the Group 2 Coral sponsored Curragh Cup.

Was also far from disgraced last time out when fifth in the Goodwood Cup over 2m and is a guaranteed stayer. That is a big plus and no surprise to see him go well at a price. Sword Fighter looks an each-way player.

The Tartan Spartan

Trainer: John Patrick Shanahan
Form: 17

Scored in good style on debut at Thirsk and ran well when seventh of 18 to Sword Fighter at Royal Ascot. Still looks a work in progress and a big ask for him to win a Classic on just his third start. Rank outsider.

Ventura Storm

Trainer: Richard Hannon
Form: 3110-186011

Comes into the race in terrific shape having landed a Listed contest at Hamilton and Group 3 at Deauville.

The form of the latter has been boosted with the runner-up having since come out and won, and Ventura Storm now gets the services of champion jockey Silvestre De Sousa in the saddle for the first time.

This son of Zoffany is clearly thriving at present and, although he needs to raise his game to another level, it would be no surprise to see him outrun his odds and possibly make the frame.

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