STRADIVARIUS has become a bit of a forgotten horse in the William Hill St Leger but can make his presence firmly felt by lifting the final British Classic of the year.
John Gosden's charge has been on a stellar trajectory this year, winning off a mark of 78 at Beverley before going on to add a Royal Ascot triumph and Group One honours.
He lines up at Doncaster on a rating of 116, which does give him a bit to find with Irish Derby hero Capri, but it was hard not to have been impressed by his staying credentials as he just edged out Gold Cup hero Big Orange in the Goodwood Cup last time.
Admittedly, he had a chunky pull in the weights that day – but the way Stradivarius picked up from off the pace certainly caught the eye and he clearly has the heart for a fight after outbattling one of the toughest horses in training.
While that victory came over two miles, Stradivarius' previous success in the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot shows a mile and six furlongs holds few fears as he picked off the reopposing Count Octave in the final furlong, with possibly a little more in reserve than the neck verdict suggests.
