Racing: Hair blows into Leger picture

THE decision by Doncaster's administrators to make the entry system for the St Leger more owner-friendly has been rewarded with a surprisingly large number of horses remaining in the 10 September race at yesterday's forfeit stage. The 18 standing their ground represent a rise of seven on last year and six more than the same stage in 1992. More may be added at a cost of pounds 17,500 at the supplementary entry stage a week before the race.

Red Route and Midnight Legend head the betting for the record purse of pounds 300,000, but they may be opposed by a pair with the qualification of having already been placed in a Classic: Wind In Her Hair, the Oaks runner-up, and Tikkanen, who finished fourth in the Prix du Jockey-Club. The Jonathan Pease-trained Tikkanen has been introduced into the betting at 12-1 by William Hill, while Hawker's News, out of action since June, and Wind In Her Hair, are 20-1.

Midnight Legend will first be tested in the March Stakes at Goodwood on Saturday when Lanfranco Dettori will take over the ride from Jason Weaver, who is tied to the Mark Johnston-trained Double Trigger in the St Leger.

After the Leger the next British Classic will be the 1995 2,000 Guineas following the announcement that the 1,000 Guineas, rather than the colts' Classic, is to be switched to the Sunday of Newmarket's May meeting. The 2,000 will be staged on the Saturday of the three-day fixture.

ST LEGER ENTRIES: Broadway Flyer, Capias, Double Trigger, Golden Ball, Hawker's News, Ionio, Marsoom, Midnight Legend, Moonax, Party Season, Pearl Kite, Red Route, Rubhahunish, Rudagi, Sacrament, Summit, Tikkanen, Wind In Her Hair.