Since its inception in 1928, ‘the stayers classic’ has only been held on three tracks. Wembley (until 1998), Wimbledon (until 2016) and more recently at Perry Barr.
Always a tough test around the huge Wembley circuit, the Leger became more arduous from 2003 when switching from 660m to 668m, and then 687m.
In 2017, trainers’ opinion was sought as to whether to stage the Leger over Perry Barr’s shorter 660m course or the tougher 710m, with the latter winning out.
So what kind of dog does it take to win a Perry Barr St.Leger? We looked back on the three previously held over the course and distance.
According to the stats to data so far, the Leger winner will need to have the potential for a ‘low 43’ second run.
2019 winner Redzer Ardfert clocked 43.12 (-15) in the final. Calico Ranger won the previous year in 43.09 (N) and Rubys Rascal clocked 42.99 in 2017.
Rascal is the current track record holder in 42.69.
In terms of running styles, this is one event where early pace has only limited benefit.
Redzer Ardfert didn’t lead in either the 2019 semi final or final until the latter stages. At one stage he was five lengths adrift of Ava Storm in the final.
Calico Ranger was five lengths off the pace back in fourth place with a lap to go in the 2018 final, and didn’t lead until coming off the last bend.
In 2017, Rubys Rascal, who had been beaten in the last Wimbledon Leger final, relied on solid finishing to qualify and only scraped through his semi by half a length.
In the final, he found himself (uncharacteristically) in second place (16.41 sect) to Keplar Nine before taking a fifth bend lead and winning by an ever extending four and a half.
In contrast, the last two Wimbledon Legers were early paced buckles. Fizzypop Buddy disputed the lead in both, picking up Droopys Tamera in 2015, and being outstayed by Ferryforth Fran a year later.
2014 Leger winner Roxholme Dream, another front running Wimbledon type, was the last bitch to take the event. In fact, she is the only female winner in the last 15 years. There are 19 bitches and 17 dogs competing this year.
All three Perry Barr winners to date have been strong running, seasoned open racers of at least 32kg in weight – Redzer Ardert and Calico Ranger were 35 kilo dogs.
A profile that would comfortably fit the 2019 runner-up Antigua Fire with trainer Mark Wallis chasing a record sixth Leger victory.
No dog will attract great attention than Roxholme Kristof, who at 6-4 is the shorted priced ante post Leger favourite in living memory (and at a mere 29kg!).
He has not raced beyond 680 metres to date but has a 28.27 (-20) trial over the 480 course. To put that into perspective, without considering the going allowance, it is the fastest time over course and distance in three years.
Will he stay 710m? The best clue we have is taken from Derby Final night at Nottingham over the 680m course. Kristof (2-7f) ran from T5 and was beaten by another of tonight’s runners Blue Tick George (T1). Look out too for Zascandil (T6) and Salacres Pippy (T3).
