Bandari raring to go for St Leger challenge

Connections of Bandari can hardly wait for Saturday's Rothmans Royals St Leger after the ante-post favourite came through his latest workout "raring to go" this morning.

The Alhaarth colt had his entry for the £400,000 contest confirmed at today's five-day stage and, with trainer Mark Johnston away at the Keeneland Sales, his wife Deirdre was continuing his Leger preparation on Middleham Moor.

"I ride him out every day and he felt in terrific form again this morning," she said.

"He used to get light and need time after a race but he's taken his last two runs extremely well and is heavier than he's ever been at present."

Making all the running in the Leger is a tall order, but the front-running tactics used on Bandari of late may not be repeated at Doncaster according to Johnston.

"He's shown in the past that he doesn't have to make the running. If anything it would suit him to have a lead on Saturday and we're just counting the days now."

Hopes that the King Edward VII Stakes winner Balakheri can give Sir Michael Stoute his first Leger success have also risen on the back of some striking recent homework, but Godolphin's racing manager Simon Crisford reports that the 1,000 Guineas and Oaks heroine Kazzia is still battling-against the clock after developing a foot abscess late last week.

"Kazzia was a lot better over the weekend, but it looks like it's going to be touch and go for her. Our other entry Mamool has been going extremely well but is a probable rather than a definite runner at this stage," he said.