Racing: For the Notebook: St Leger set to lose Pearl

PEARL KITE and Capias are likely to miss the St Leger at Doncaster on Saturday. Capias, trained by John Gosden, has been declared at the six- day stage for Friday's Troy Stakes at the same meeting.

Pearl Kite, trained by Mark Johnston, was runner-up to the St Leger joint-second favourite Midnight Legend in the March Stakes at Goodwood, but is now being aimed at Wednesday's Park Hill Stakes.

Art Of War, impressive when winning at Kempton on Saturday has been cut by Ladbrokes from 33-1 to 20-1 for next year's 2,000 Guineas.

Three of the top six in the betting for that Classic are entered for Friday's Champagne Stakes at Doncaster. But only one of the trio, Alami, is a certain runner at this stage.

The unbeaten colt, 20-1 for the Guineas, has won both his starts to date, routing four rivals by nine lengths last time.

Chilly Billy, quoted at 20-1 for the 2,000 Guineas, is far from certain to take up his engagement, while Paul Cole may withdraw Sri Pekan (25-1 for the Guineas) because regular rider Richard Quinn is due to start a ban on the day of the race.