John Gosden holds a strong hand in the Ladbrokes St Leger (3.15) at Doncaster today, but while Lucarno is the shorter-priced of his two runners, preference is for Raincoat.

He won his first two starts and was then an excellent second to Authorized in the Dante over an inadequate ten furlongs at York in May. He has had little chance in two runs since then – again finding the ten-furlong trip on the sharp side in the French Derby before being unsuited by the pedestrian early pace when a staying-on third to Yellowstone in the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood.

Despite being a son of Barathea, there is every reason to expect him to improve markedly now that he steps up in trip as there is plenty of stamina on the dam’s side of his pedigree.

“The Leger trip will suit him and he could be the horse people have slightly forgotten about,” Gosden said this week. “I’ve had the Leger in mind for him for three or four months.” At 9-1 with totesport and William Hill, Raincoat rates a value bet.

There are greater stamina doubts about Lucarno, who travelled strongly before asserting when a ready winner of the Great Voltigeur at York last time. That form is solid, but he is more speedily-bred than Raincoat and may just be found wanting in the closing stages.

Aidan O’Brien has saddled three of the past six winners of the final classic of the Flat season and fields a four-strong team. The pick of them is Honolulu, who ran a cracking race when runner-up to Purple Moon in the Ebor Handicap at York. Provided he handles this faster surface, he will be a big threat.

Gift Horse looked as though he was returning to form when tried in a visor for the first time over course and distance last month and can lift the Ladbrokes Portland Handicap (2.40).

He has not won since landing the Stewards’ Cup at Goodwood two years ago, but has slipped in the weights this season and shaped with much more encouragement last time when a fast-finishing fifth to Golden Dixie after being given plenty to do. That form looks solid and, given luck in running, he looks sure to go close.

The dangers are headed by Lipocco, who is a progressive three-year-old. He helped to force a strong early pace when runner-up to King’s Apostle over six furlongs at York last time and, with this slightly shorter trip likely to suit, may be tough to pass from a favourable high draw.

Atlantic Sport can improve past some more established juveniles in the Urban-i Champagne Stakes (2.10). A half-brother to the top-class Zafeen, Atlantic Sport made a winning debut in a hot maiden race at Ascot, not hard-ridden despite the winning margin being just a short head. That form is working out well, as while the other placed horses have not run since, the well-beaten fourth and sixth both won their next starts. With that experience under his belt, Atlantic Sport is likely to progress markedly and can take this step up in class in his stride.

The best bet of the day is Duff in the GNER Park Stakes (3.50). He showed a good attitude when making all the running in listed company at York last time and, unexposed over seven furlongs on fast ground, may be hard to pass. The 7-1 offered by Ladbrokes and William Hill rates fair value.

Totescoop6 details
Leg 1 2.10 Doncaster.
Leg 2 2.25 Goodwood.
Leg 3 2.40 Doncaster.
Leg 4 2.55 Goodwood.
Leg 5 3.15 Doncaster.
Leg 6 3.50 Doncaster.
Win fund rollover £89,831
Bonus fund rollover £343,338

Sunday best
Sam’s Cross (2.00 Goodwood)