Rain will make it hard to beat the Spread

The forecast of heavy rain at Doncaster could not be better news for Darryl Holland, who rides Ted Spread in Saturday's St Leger.

Twelve runners have been declared for the final English Classic of the season, headed by hot favourite Rewilding, who landed the Great Voltigeur Stakes in style at York last month. The Mark Tompkins-trained Ted Spread was fourth that day on ground that was quicker than advertised.

Doncaster's clerk of the course David Williams admits that the likely deluge of rain that is due to hit the track later this week may have a significance on the going. The four-day meeting gets under way tomorrow and although the ground is currently described as good to firm, up to 30 millimetres of rain forecast over the next couple of days.

William said: "It's certainly going to be on the easier side of good and I think the ground is going to be pretty cut up by Saturday." That is music to the ears of Holland, who hopes that the Chester Vase winner, as big as 20-1 with Victor Chandler, will benefit. Holland said: "When he goes up the watered gallop at Newmarket, he really likes to get his toe in. He has a high cruising speed on soft ground and hopefully the rain will get into the ground and blunt his rivals.

"Ted Spread will make a lovely Cup horse next season. We're looking to win, but will settle for a place. That's the least we're hoping for."

The participation of Oaks winner Snow Fairy, bidding to become the first filly to win the race since User Friendly in 1992, is in doubt. A spokesman for Ed Dunlop's stable said: "The last thing we want to see is a lot of rain. We'll take a view once the meeting gets underway."