Andrew Balding’s improving Count Octave (20-1) could be ready to fulfill his potential in the final classic of the year, the St Leger in September.
The progressive three-year-old has only seen the racecourse four times, but looks to have the class to win at the top level.
He won his maiden on his second start in good style, clearing a decent Wolverhampton field in encouraging style.
In the Chester Vase he ran on to take fifth in the 1m4f contest which featured Derby winner Wings Of Eagles, but Balding learnt he would be better over a longer trip.
At Royal Ascot, he defied a short break to run on and finish second in the Queens’ Vase, where Stradvarius defeated him by only a neck. John Gosden’s three-year-old has boosted the form by winning the Group One Goodwood Cup on his next start.
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Andrew Balding' sole classic success came with Casual Look's victory in the 2003 Oaks
Count Octave is progressing and certainly has the quality to take a big race like the St Leger, and no one can doubt his capabilities over the 1m6f trip.
The Qatar-owned horse is ticking all the right boxes for the Britain’s oldest classic, and his big price could be worth snapping up before he faces a prep run for Doncaster.
Elsewhere in the race former Royal Lodge winner Best Of Days (50-1), could be an each-way bet for the race.
He enjoyed some top form as juvenile, most notably winning the Group Two Royal Lodge. However he failed to make it to the Derby, as he suffered an injury in the early part of the season.
He didn't beat a rival on return from Royal Ascot, and was a bit disappointing on unfavourable soft ground at Newbury last time out. He is clearly better than that, and has the potential to go well in the final classic of the season
Count Octave is best priced at 20-1 to win the St Leger Stakes, and Best Of Days is our each-way selection at 50-1 for Doncaster's classic on the 16th September.
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