Graffard considers Leger for Sumbal

Trainer Francis Graffard has pencilled in the race for the Qatar Racing-owned grey, who began the year in great style by winning three races - including the Gr.2 Prix Greffulhe at Saint-Cloud - and then ran well when fifth in the Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby). Graffard is also pondering a race at Deauville in advance of the Leger, which this year is worth £650,000.

Speaking earlier today, Graffard said: "Sumbal is coming along nicely and is under consideration for the Ladbrokes St Leger. He needed a little break after the French Derby, but is very well at the moment. He was always a horse I was looking towards the autumn with and hopefully he will be competitive wherever he runs.

"He is a big horse who needs to be well balanced before producing his acceleration and unfortunately he had to change line twice in the straight during the French Derby. He wasn't really able to use his big stride, though once he got balanced he did produce good acceleration to finish fifth. I think with an uninterrupted run he would have finished in the first three and, although I was a bit disappointed at the time, he didn't disgrace himself.

"I would not be scared of stepping up in trip in the St Leger because he is a big galloper. He has a big stride and settles and travels nicely behind horses. He has won left-handed a couple of times and there is a long straight at Doncaster, so it is hard to be boxed in there. I think the race should suit him.

"He has an entry in the Grand Prix de Deauville [Group Two, August 30] beforehand, which is the race I should start him back in. It is close but I think he can do both races. If we decided to aim at the St Leger, the race at Deauville should put him spot on for Doncaster. This will all be discussed with Sheikh Fahad and David Redvers."

There are 28 entries remaining for the world's oldest Classic, the Ladbrokes St Leger, and Sumbal could become the first French winner since Toulon scored in 1991 for trainer Andre Fabre.