Overview
- Christmas Day and Maltese Cross meet again at York as the headline rematch, with Maltese Cross a narrow favourite after his Group 1 Grand Prix de Paris success.
- Both colts must carry 5lb penalties for their Group 1 wins, a weight swing that could materially affect a close result between the top two.
- Connections expect quicker ground and a strong pace at York to influence tactics, with Maltese Cross’s turn of foot seen as likely to benefit on faster turf.
- Pierre Bonnard and Superior Choice are the main dangers, with Pierre Bonnard back to form after the Irish Derby and Superior Choice unbeaten this season stepping up in class.
- The Great Voltigeur has long been a key St Leger trial and the run will shape autumn plans for trainers such as Aidan O’Brien, William Haggas and the Gosdens, who will decide between a Leger bid or continental targets like the Arc.