Illinois to claim Leger glory at Doncaster

Porta Fortuna he established herself as one of the bets female 1m thoroughbreds around this season and can make it group 1 win number 3 for the year today. She ran a cracker to finish 2nd in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket back in May and then put in a very good performance to beat the smart Opera Singer at Royal Ascot in the Coronation Stakes. One her next out, Porta Fortuna took on the old fillies in the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket, quickening up in the style of a good sort, she pulled 3 3/4 lengths clear of her rivals to win going away. She looks to have a very strong chance today and rates a 4 star win Pick.

Illinois was racing over 1m2f as a 2-year old last season and even at that young age it was always going to be that a test of stamina would see him in best light. That opinion was confirmed when he stayed on strongly to finish 2nd in the Lingfield Derby trial in May. He then went on to win the Queen's Vase over 1m6f at Royal Ascot in clear cut style, staying on strongly at the finish. He has finished 2nd in two subsequent starts over 1m4f against smart opposition and stands out as the best horse in today's field. A return to 1m6f is bound to suit him as will racing on a big galloping track such as Doncaster. Illinois rates a 5 star win Pick.