Los Angeles Faces Crucial Decision Between St Leger and Irish Champion Stakes

Aidan O’Brien’s versatile star Los Angeles is set to provide the legendary trainer with a key decision as the colt is being considered for either the Betfred St Leger at Doncaster or the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on September 14. The choice will be pivotal, not just for the horse’s immediate future, but also for his potential journey to the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Los Angeles, who claimed victory in the Irish Derby earlier this summer, reinforced his credentials by winning the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York despite carrying a 5lb penalty. The race wasn’t without drama as stablemate Illinois closed in rapidly in the final furlong, highlighting both Los Angeles’ class and his need for a strong finish.

O’Brien now faces the tactical decision of whether to run the colt in the St Leger, where he would step up to a mile and three-quarters, or to keep him at home in Ireland for the Champion Stakes, a drop to 10 furlongs. Both races present intriguing challenges, with O’Brien well-stocked in each event.

In Doncaster’s St Leger, Los Angeles would be joined by other high-profile Ballydoyle entrants, including the rapidly improving Illinois, the unbeaten Jan Brueghel, and Grosvenor Square, who are among the leading contenders. On the other hand, the Irish Champion Stakes is shaping up to be a blockbuster event, with O’Brien considering sending his dual Derby winner Auguste Rodin and the proven Luxembourg to join Los Angeles in what could be one of the season’s most competitive races.

O’Brien hinted that Los Angeles’ final destination could be influenced by future plans, particularly a potential tilt at the Arc. "He could go to either the St Leger or the Irish Champion Stakes," O’Brien stated. "If he's going to the Arc, he could go for the Irish Champion Stakes. We’ll see what the ground is like at Doncaster, and there are three other horses that could run in the St Leger if he doesn’t go there."

Los Angeles’ post-York recovery has gone smoothly, according to O’Brien, but the decision on where he runs will ultimately depend on how the colt progresses in the coming weeks and the prevailing conditions. With the excitement building around both events, the decision could have significant implications for the autumn racing calendar, particularly with City Of Troy’s planned switch from the Arc to the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

As the date draws nearer, all eyes will be on Ballydoyle as O’Brien weighs up his options and plots a path for one of this season’s standout three-year-olds. Whether Los Angeles lines up at Doncaster for a test of stamina or stays at home for a Leopardstown showdown, the decision is sure to send ripples through the racing world.