STAR-STUDDED ENTRY FOR 2024 WILLWEGO.COM IRISH ST. LEGER

Peter Farrell

The draw for the 2024 renewal of the Willwego.com Irish St. Leger was made earlier today and it has already thrown up some epic clashes ahead of the opening round this Saturday night at Limerick.

In total, there will be eleven first round heats on offer and the eye is immediately drawn to what promises to be a mouth-watering clash in heat three as reigning champion, Clonbrien Treaty, comes up against Miami King, who has been incredible in recent trials over course and distance. Trained by Garry Dempsey, the son of Ballymac Vic has posted 29.50 and 29.30 in successive trials around Limerick and based on that form, Clonbrien Treaty will certainly need to be on his game from the outset. Throw into the mix Seek The Kingdom, who posted a rapid 28.25 on Saturday night, and this could prove the heat of the night.

Hoping to follow in the footsteps of Clonbrien Treaty and do the Kirby/Leger double is Knockeen Dazzler and Daniel O’Rahilly’s star will get his campaign off and running in heat six where he should comfortably advance from his favoured trap six.

Heat two is another eye-catcher. Jaytee Craze posted a scarcely believable 27.89 in a preparation trial a few weeks back and Paul Hennessy’s runner will be fancied to go deep into the Classic. However, he faces stiff opposition straight from the off with the likes of Coolavanny Otto, Radical Harry and the brilliant Faypoint Harvey all involved.

In other heats, Faypoint Sean will be opposed by Superfast Gorden in heat nine, while the concluding heat is another fascinating contest as Carmac King, who is likely to be disputing outright favouritism, takes on Derby runner-up Bockos Crystal and the incredibly fast Ower Cracker. National Produce Stakes winner Unanimouspanther should take plenty of beating in heat eight, while heat four will see one of the performers of last weekend, Barefoot On Fire, take on Ballyhimikin Rex.

A full preview of the opening round heats of the Willwego.com Irish St. Leger will be available on Talking Dogs on Saturday morning.