by JACK MILNER. Doncaster’s St Leger Festival starts today and it promises to be a fantastic week on Town Moor as anticipation builds towards the fifth English Classic of the season. And at 7/2 the field, it has a wide open feel about it with 14 horses left in at the five-day stage.

Prince Khalid Abdullah’s Excess Knowledge looks the pick of the field on all known form and has the privilege of being trained by John Gosden. The man’s recent record in the race is fantastic; winning the world’s oldest classic in 2010 and 2011 and coming third last year with Michelangelo.

His four successes in the modern era is a record only surpassed by Godolphin and Excess Knowledge looks the pick of his two runners. James Doyle will be in the saddle with William Buick expected to partner Bahrain Trophy winner Feel Like Dancing. BetVictor make Excess Knowledge and Galileo Rock the current joint-favourites and both are expected to thrive over the mile and three quarter trip.

Despite those at the head of the market warranting respect, we need to look for the value however and it could be worth siding with Brian Meehan’s progressive GREAT HALL. He has moved through the handicap ranks with aplomb and the form of his handicap win over a mile and a half looks rock solid. Despite needing to improve by up to a stone, he has the right type of profile.

Richard Hughes will be with us at BetVictor all week, read his thoughts on his rides at Doncaster here

For the latest odds on the St Leger and all the big races from Doncaster please visit BetVictor.