Los Angeles Displays Grit to Land the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York

Los Angeles solidified his status as one of the top middle-distance three-year-olds in training with a hard-fought victory in the Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes at York, adding another significant win to his impressive record. Following his Irish Derby triumph, the Aidan O’Brien-trained colt showed once again why he is regarded as a leading contender for the autumn’s major prizes.

A son of Camelot, Los Angeles was last seen finishing a strong third behind stablemate City Of Troy in the Derby at Epsom before going on to claim Classic glory at the Curragh. Supplemented for this Group Two event, the 5-4 favorite was bidding to become the first horse to win the Voltigeur carrying a penalty.

Ridden by Ryan Moore, Los Angeles was positioned comfortably in third as his Ballydoyle stable companions Euphoric and Illinois set the pace. As the race unfolded and the leaders began to tire, Moore called on Los Angeles to quicken, and the colt responded gamely, moving to the front as they entered the final furlong.

Challenges emerged from all sides, with Illinois rallying and King’s Gambit looming large, but Los Angeles dug deep to fend them off, holding on by a neck in a thrilling finish. The victory propelled him to the forefront of the betting for the St Leger, with Paddy Power installing him as the 5-2 favorite for the final Classic of the season.

O’Brien, pleased with the colt’s performance, highlighted Los Angeles’ versatility as a key asset moving forward. “He was very tough and we were delighted with him. He’s a lazy horse that stays a mile and a half really well,” said the master of Ballydoyle. “He has plenty of class, so he could go back for an Irish Champion Stakes and run well, or he could step up to the St Leger.”

The trainer added that Los Angeles remains in consideration for a range of targets, including the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, depending on how the season unfolds. “He’s a massive, powerful horse with options over a variety of distances, and he handles any ground. We’ll let the lads decide what’s next, but it’s great to have so many choices.”

For Harry Charlton, King’s Gambit’s close third was another sign of progress, although the race left the trainer pondering his colt’s ideal trip. “He ran a lovely race. William (Buick) felt it rode more like a mile and six the way the race developed,” Charlton observed. “He came there with a winning chance but just ran out of steam. We’ll have to consider what’s next for him, but he’s shown he can be competitive at this level.”

While the St Leger beckons for Los Angeles, O’Brien has a plethora of options across his talented team. Illinois, who finished a strong second, could also be aimed at the extended trip of Doncaster’s showpiece event, while the promising Jan Brueghel is another colt under consideration for the Classic.

In a race that lived up to its billing as a key trial for the St Leger, Los Angeles emerged with his credentials enhanced. His grit and determination in the finish underscored his growing reputation, and whether it’s at Doncaster or in a different direction, this versatile and talented colt looks set to play a leading role in the big autumn contests.