Ronnie Arculli's Red Verdon (Lemon Drop Kid) is one of 25 that remain eligible for the Sept. 10 G1 Ladbrokes St Leger, the final British Classic of the season, after Wednesday's declaration stage. Red Verdon was boldly supplemented to the G1 Investec Derby after a pair of handicap victories this spring, and he finished sixth at Epsom before filling fourth in the G1 Irish Derby. He picked up a Group 1 placing last out in Saint-Cloud's G1 Grand Prix de Paris July 14.
“Red Verdon has had a good break since France. We decided to miss York and, all being well, the plan is to go to Doncaster,” trainer Ed Dunlop explained. “There is obviously a short-priced favourite [Idaho] who was very impressive at York. We will have to improve to beat him for sure but we will give it a go.”
Dunlop admitted he doesn't know how his charge will handle the Leger's 14-furlong trip.
“I don't know about the step up in trip,” the trainer said. “His pedigree doesn't scream that he will stay, but he has been finishing strongly over a mile-and-a-half. He also relaxes well in his races and that will give him every chance of getting the trip.”
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