Free betting tips: Simon Holt previews Saturday's St Leger meeting at Doncaster

Recommended bets, Saturday September 12

2pts win Danzeno in 2.25 Doncaster at 9/1

2pts win Santiago in 3.35 Doncaster at 3/1

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A combination of class and stamina is required in all the Classic races, and the Irish Derby winner SANTIAGO boasts both attributes in his bid to add Saturday's Pertemps St Leger at Doncaster.

Successful over a mile-and-three-quarters in the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot in June, the Aidan O'Brien-trained son of Authorized backed up just eight days later to win at The Curragh, going clear of his rivals approaching the final furlong and then staying on strongly to hold his fast-finishing stable-companion Tiger Moth by a head with the re-opposing Dawn Patrol (also trained by O'Brien) five lengths away in third.

A month later, Santiago was pitched up against the mighty Stradivarius in the Goodwood Cup and, while connections believe he may have under-performed, he still ran creditably against his older rivals to finish third having had every chance two furlongs out.

It's possible that the two miles on the Sussex Downs just found him out, but he has been freshened up since and this course and distance should be perfect as he seeks to give both his trainer - and jockey Frankie Dettori - a seventh success in the oldest Classic.

On ratings, Pyledriver is the one to beat after an impressive victory in the Great Voltigeur, the most traditional St Leger trial, at York where he pulled three-and-a-half lengths clear of Highland Chief and Mogul who had previously fought out the Gordon Stakes at the Goodwood Festival.

William Muir's likeable colt, who was hampered in the early stages of the Derby previously, still looks progressive but an extra two-and-a-half furlongs here asks a big question.

Royal Ascot winner Hukum looks the other leading contender after standing a rise in class to win Newbury's Group Three Geoffrey Freer Stakes in impressive fashion but, while his stamina is fairly assured after that victory over a mile-and-five furlongs, this represents another step up in class whereas the selection has won and run well in two Group Ones.

In the bet365 Portland Handicap, the booking of in-form apprentice Ray Dawson takes the eye aboard DANZENO who continues to run with tremendous consistency.

Slowly - a pound at a time - the handicapper is releasing his vice-like grip on the nine-year-old who didn't get the clearest of runs behind Count D'Orsay at Haydock last week and had previously chased home the much improved Glen Shiel at Newcastle.

Effective at both five and six furlongs, this intermediate distance may well prove ideal for Danzeno, and his rider's 5lb allowance - seen to advantageous effect aboard Ataser, Documenting and Tranchee in recent days - could help secure a much deserved victory.

Posted at 1625 BST on 11/09/20

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