Gamble on Leger Hope, Main Sequence, Gathers Pace

Things haven’t really gone the way of Main Sequence since his fine run when a five-length second to the tremendous Camelot in the Investec Derby at Epsom in June, but punters appear to believe the David Lanigan-trained colt offers the best value against the odds-on St Leger favourite, and are backing him accordingly, writes Elliot Slater.

With less than a week to go to the final classic of the 2012 Flat racing season, Main Sequence has been supported from 12/1 in the St Leger 2012 odds to a top-priced 8/1 across the board. He is now a clear second-favourite behind the Aidan O’Brien-trained market leader, who is generally a 4/11 shot to become the first horse since the great Nijinsky in 1970 to win the colts’ Triple Crown.

The winner of the Lingfield Derby Trial prior to coming second at Epsom, Main Sequence then had an awful trip when repeatedly denied a run in the Grand Prix de Paris, a contest won by Imperial Monarch (may re-oppose at Doncaster), who finished a length-and-a-quarter ahead of Lanigan’s unfortunate stable star. 

The tactical nature of the Group 2 Great Voltigeur Stakes at York would also have failed to suit the son of Aldebaran, who is clearly blessed with plenty of stamina; while he stayed on well inside the final furlong, he had given too much rope to the eventual winner, Thought Worthy, a top priced 10/1 shot for the Leger.

Reports suggest that Main Sequence has come out of the York contest in fine style. Those bidding to lower the colours of Camelot look sure to attempt to expose any stamina chinks in his armour by making the mile-and-three-quarter St Leger a searching gallop.

It appears that punters are reckoning that, if there is to be a shock, Main Sequence could well be the one to provide it. Click here to read the bookies’ appraisal of David Lanigan’s horse.