Sir Michael Stoute has confirmed Patkai will spearhead his annual attempt to win the Ladbrokes St Leger at Doncaster, on Sept 13, despite the three-year-old’s poor effort at Goodwood.

But Stoute also said he could have as many as three runners in the final Classic of the season.

Patkai left Stoute baffled after suffering a crushing defeat in the Great Voltigeur Stakes, but he is prepared to forgive the Queen’s Vase winner one bad run. “It could have been the track that he didn’t like, it could have been the ground, or it could have been both,” Stoute said.

“But he came back fine. There was nothing physically wrong and we will press ahead with training him for the Leger. He’s still a baby. He showed that when he won at Haydock [prior to his Royal Ascot success],” he pointed out.

Stoute said he could also be represented by Doctor Fremantle, who has been recovering from a slight bruise which set him back. “He may also run in the Leger, but we will decide late on whether he takes his chance. He might take me right up to the race [with the decision].

“He will have a strong piece of work next weekend and we will see how he comes out of that,” Stoute said of the Derby fourth.

The stable’s third St Leger possibility is Conduit, who is owned in the same interests as Patkai.

Stoute has never won the St Leger, and it remains the only Classic missing from his impressive record.
(Source: Telegraph)