The St Leger Likely To Be the Target for Luxembourg

Luxembourg ended last season as one of the best two-year-olds in Europe. He was expected to be Aidan O’Brien’s leading Derby hope in 2022, however, a setback has ruled him out of the race at Epsom.

Connections of the colt are now considering the St Leger, the oldest Classic in Britain. The race takes place over 1m6f at Doncaster and the stiffer test it offers may be ideal for the son of Camelot.

If successful at Doncaster, Luxembourg will achieve what his sire was unable to do. Camelot went into the 2012 St Leger looking to win the Triple Crown, following victories in the 2,000 Guineas and Derby. However, he had to settle for second place in the final British Classic of the season behind Encke.

Luxembourg has been installed as the 6/1 joint-favourite in the St Leger betting. He is likely to be one of the best horse racing tips for the race, as he has the class and stamina to be successful in the contest.

O’Brien Looking for Seventh St Leger Success

Irishman O’Brien has been successful in the St Leger on six occasions. Milan, Brian Boru, Scorpion, Leading Light, Capri and Kew Gardens have all come out on top for the Ballydoyle operator at Doncaster.

In total, O’Brien has won 40 British Classics, making him the most dominant trainer in recent history. With a strong team of horses in his yard, that number is likely to be extended in 2022.

Luxembourg could be joined in the St Leger by Stone Age. The three-year-old was very impressive at Leopardstown on his latest appearance in a trial for the Derby. He stretched away from his rivals in the closing stages of the 1m2f contest.

Changingoftheguard is also one of the leading colts at Ballydoyle this year. He showed his stamina when he landed the Chester Vase by over six lengths. That race took place over the extended 1m4f trip at Chester, and he made all the running in an excellent performance.

Other Considerations for Luxembourg

Luxembourg has an entry in the Irish Derby at the Curragh which takes place in late June. His participation in the Irish Classic may depend on how quickly he returns to training following his injury.

O’Brien has dominated the Irish Derby over the last couple of decades, winning the race 14 times. He was successful with Camelot in 2012, in what a magnificent year for the colt across Europe.

Like the majority of O’Brien’s leading colts and fillies, Luxembourg also has an entry in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp in October. That is the most prestigious turf race in Europe and this year’s renewal is expected to be one of the best in recent years.

O’Brien last won the French race in 2016 with Found. Luxembourg is likely to be part of a strong team of Ballydoyle runners who make the trip to Pairs at the back end of the season.

Although he has to miss the Derby, Luxembourg still has the chance to end the year as the highest-rated three-year-old. His best performances are likely to still be ahead of him over the longer distances.