Wachman warns punters over Galileo Rock’s St Leger participation

David Wachman has issued a warning to punters about Galileo Rock’s participation in Saturday’s Ladbrokes St Leger.

The trainer has said the ante-post favourite will only run at Doncaster if ground conditions for the world’s oldest classic don’t get too soft.

“As Galileo Rock prefers a sound surface, he will only run in the St Leger if the ground is suitable,” the Co. Tipperary based trainer said today. “Given his position in the betting, we feel it is only fair to let people know what the situation is.”

Ground conditions at Doncaster are good to soft but with a forecast for more significant rain.

Galileo Rock, currently a 7-2 favourite in some lists, was one of 11 final declarations for the Leger this morning.

Aidan O’Brien will bid to win the world’s oldest Classic for a fourth time by saddling Queen’s Vase winner Leading Light and the lightly-raced Foundry. He booked his place when runner-up on his seasonal debut in the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York.

O’Brien’s son Joseph rides Leading Light with Ryan Moore booked for Foundry, while the Ballydoyle trainer removed his other entry, Eye Of The Storm.

John Gosden, responsible for three of the last six winners of the world’s oldest Classic, relies on Excess Knowledge.

As Gosden has withdrawn Feel Like Dancing, his stable jockey William Buick will team up with Libertarian for Godolphin and trainer Charlie Appleby.

Appleby is also responsible for Cap O’Rushes. The Gordon Stakes winner is the mount of Mickael Barzalona, who was victorious 12 months ago on Encke.

Godolphin have a third Leger contender in Secret Number from Saeed bin Suroor’s stable.

The only filly in the field is Investec Oaks heroine Talent, trained by Ralph Beckett, while the Brian Meehan-trained Great Hall, Andrew Balding’s Havana Beat and Ralston Road, trained by Pat Shanahan, complete the field.

Additional reporting PA