Appleby backs Hurricane Lane for St Leger

Trainer Charlie Appleby believes Hurricane Lane will successfully make the step up to one-and-three-quarter miles in Saturday's St Leger at Doncaster. 

The Frankel colt has had an impressive short career to date, winning five of six starts. 

Following the disappointment at the Epsom Derby, where he finished third behind Adayar, he has recorded two Group One victories, taking out the Irish Derby at Curragh and the Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp, storming to a six-length win in the latter. 

Now, the three-year-old is set for a step up in distance at Doncaster, as Appleby attempts to win the world's oldest Classic for the first time. 

Appleby said: "Obviously, it [stamina] is the big question for all of them. Will they stay the extra two furlongs? In his case, I think he will.

"He goes into the Leger with rock-solid form. He's only been beaten once — he finished third in the Derby and he lost two shoes.

"We feel there is enough evidence there to say he will stay." 

Quinn has confidence in Highfield Princess

Trainer John Quinn believes Highfield Princess can continue her excellent form at Doncaster on Wednesday. 

The four-year-old filly has been ultra consistent this year, finishing in the top three in each of her eight races and securing three wins in the process, including the Buckingham Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. 

Now, she is preparing for the seven-furlong Sceptre Fillies' Stakes following a runner-up spot in the Group Two City of York Stakes. 

Quinn is confident she possesses all the ingredients to win on Town Moor, admitting: "I'm very happy with her — she's in grand nick. 

"Touch wood she seems in good form at home, so let's hope for a big run — let's hope she wins. 

"She's a very consistent filly who is versatile, genuine and tough." 

St Mark's Basilica on course for Irish Champions Weekend

Coral-Eclipse winner St Mark's Basilica looks set for a blockbuster showdown with Tarnawa in Saturday's Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown. 

The duo are two of 13 entries for Saturday's Group One encounter. 

St Mark's Basilica, trained by Aidan O'Brien, has won two Group One races in France this year but has not appeared since his Coral-Eclipse Triumph at Sandown in early July. 

Tarnawa was a three-time Group One winner in autumn last year and won on his seasonal reappearance in August, crossing the line over six lengths clear of the chasing pack in the Ballyroan Stakes at Leopardstown. 

Jim Bolger's Poetic Flare is also entered, having won the St James' Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. 

Adayar suffers Arc preparation setback

Derby hero Adayar will not be able to race in the Prix Niel this weekend due to a leg infection and will instead go straight for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. 

The son of Frankel won the King George Stakes at Ascot last time out in classy fashion to make it back-to-back Group One triumphs. 

His next challenge is the Arc, although his preparations have been put on hold due to an issue with his leg. 

Appleby said: "Adayar missed a couple of days, and after discussions, we felt there was no need to press on to a trial (for the Arc). So, the decision was made to head straight to the Arc. 

"He has resumed full training. And as a Derby and King George winner, he fully deserves to be running in what is shaping up to be a vintage Arc."