The Great Voltigeur Stakes forms part of York’s Ebor Meeting, and this Group 2 Contest is considered a trial for the following month’s St Leger. It is named after the winner of the 1850 Derby and St Leger winner Voltigeur, and the inaugural race took place in 1950 to celebrate the anniversary of those successes by one of the best horses Yorkshire has ever produced.
The race itself takes place over 12-furlongs, and 13 horses have won this race and the St Leger, though the last was 2007 winner Lucarno.
Trends
- The 2016 winner Idaho was the shortest-priced winner this century at 5/6
- Monitor Closely was the longest-priced winner this century at 28/1
- Sir Michael Stoute has trained 4 winners this century, whilst John Gosden and Aidan O’Brien have both trained 3
- Frankie Dettori is the only jockey still riding to have trained 2 winners this century
Major Contenders
Cracksman
Sets a decent standard having finished third in the Epsom Derby and second in the Irish Derby, and trainer John Gosden knows how to win this race. Likely to also have the benefit of Frankie Dettori in the saddle. May not have the stamina to win a St Leger though.
Capri
Vastly more experienced than Cracksman, so it was a good effort to bounce back from finishing sixth in the Epsom Derby to beat the Derby-third in the Irish Derby. That effort strongly suggested he may possess the more stamina of the two, and looks overpriced if this is confirmed as his next target.
Benbatl
His best two runs have come over 10-furlongs so far, with his second in the Dante Stakes here at York backed up with a Group 3 win at Royal Ascot. His run in the Dante Stakes suggests he’s got something to find with Cracksman, on a line through Permian, and he may lack the stamina for this extra distance.
Permian
The Dante Stakes winner has since gone on to run creditably when winning a Group 2 at Royal Ascot, and when second in a Group 1 in France. Probably needs to find more, but is proven at the course, and on most types of ground.
Mirage Dancer
Lightly-raced contender from the Sir Michael Stoute Yard, but he could only manage third behind Benbatl at Royal Ascot. Shaped as though he might prefer an extra 2-furlongs there, but breeding suggests otherwise.
Khalidi
Bounced back from being well-beaten in the Epsom Derby, when second to Permian at Royal Ascot, and this John Gosden trained horse has St Leger written all over him. Should also enjoy the long straight at York, and could easily outrun his current odds.
Crystal Ocean
Well-backed for the Derby before finishing third in the Dante, and again finished third behind Permian at Royal Ascot. Something of a talking-horse, but it will be no surprise if Sir Michael Stoute improves him before taking the St Leger route.
Summary
Cracksman and Capri have obvious chances but, as neither have been confirmed as runners yet, it could be worth taking a chance on either Khalidi or Crystal Ocean at the current prices, and Khalidi is just preferred after his strong-finish at Royal Ascot.
Betting Tip: Khalidi Each-Way @