Hurricane Lane favourite for St Leger as Ayadar bows out

This has seen the Irish Derby and Grand Prix de Paris victor Hurricane Lane strengthen his credentials for the Doncaster race, with Planet Sport Bet making him the 4/5 favourite for the encounter.

Meanwhile, trainer Charlie Appleby is expected to take Adayar to the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on October 3. Adayar is currently 4/1 to win the Longchamp contest.

Hurricane Lane may once again face Richard Hannon's Mojo Star - who finished one place ahead of him when second in the Derby but was then only fifth in the Irish equivalent at the Curragh.

Ottoman Emperor is at 13/2 with Planet Sport Bet, while Lone Eagle is at 15/2.

Aidan O'Brien, a six-time winner of the St Leger, still has eight in contention this year. These include Sir Lamorak (22/1) and Sir Lucan (14/1). The latter was second to Ottoman Emperor at Goodwood and then fourth in the Great Voltigeur - in which stablemate The Mediterranean was runner-up, and may again re-oppose.

Murtagh says that Ottoman Emperor, currently 13/2 second favourite behind Hurricane Lane, is in fine form as he prepares for the St Leger.

READ MORE: Hurricane Lane leads the early charge towards the St Leger at Doncaster