Kingston Hill a Great bet in Voltigeur

Kingston Hill can further enhance his St Leger claims by landing the Group 2 Great Voltigeur Stakes at York today (3.05).

The Marco Botti trained colt was unbeaten in three runs as a juvenile, running out the impressive winner of the Group 1 Racing Post Trophy on his final start.

The son of Mastercraftman has gone on to perform with great credit in three Group 1 contests this season, including when an excellent runner-up to Australia in the Investec Derby at Epsom on his penultimate start.

Kingston Hill stayed on strongly to be beaten 1 1/4 lengths and the pair pulled 3 1/4 lengths clear of the rest.

The three-year-old was then far from disgraced last time out in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown when fourth of nine to Mukhadram, where the drop down to 1m 2f and slow early pace were totally against him.

Today’s 1m 4f journey is sure to see Kingston Hill in a far better light, especially now dropping down into Group 2 company.

This race represents the easiest task that Kingston Hill has faced all season, and off a an offcial rating of 120 he has 9lbs and upwards in hand on his rivals.

That suggest that this race is Kingston Hill’s for the taking, and with Ryan Moore in the saddle he looks a worthy favourite to land the spoils.

Coral currently go 9/2 about Kingston Hill for the St Leger and I would expect those odds to shorten dramatically if, as expected, he gets the job done with the minimum of fuss.

The most likely one to chase home Kingston Hill in my book is Postoned, despite officially being rated 14lb inferior.

The Luca Cumani trained colt has a progressive profile, and looked every inch a Group performer in the making when easily landing a Listed contest at Hamilton last time out.

Postponed slammed Double Bluff by 3 1/2 lengths, and the runner-up has given the form a boost by on to defy to weight and beat the well-regarded Kings Fete by three lengths in a handicap at Goodwood.