Balakheri, one of Sir Michael Stoute's three runners, can thwart North Yorkshire's chances of landing the St Leger for the first time in 29 years at Doncaster tomorrow.

The final Classic race of the season is the target for Bandari, trained at Middleham by Mark Johnston, and Bollin Eric, trained by Tim Easterby at Great Habton near Malton.

But the county's two talented flag-bearers may have to play a supporting role to Balakheri in the Rothmans Royals-sponsored £400,000 showpiece.

Balakheri has already beaten Bollin Eric once, in the King Edward V11 Stakes at Royal Ascot in June, winning by a commanding three and a half lengths on good-to-firm ground, which he faces again tomorrow.

Balakheri subsequently finished fifth in the Irish Derby, but seemed to run below-par on that occasion in a race which came only 10 days after his Ascot exertions.

Teed-up since for a St Leger tilt, he has been impressing on the home-gallops in recent weeks and is expected to relish this step up to an extended one mile-and-three-quarters.

Sir Michael also saddles Goodwood winner First Charter and Highest, who divided Bandari and Bollin Eric in last month's Great Voltigeur Stakes at York.

That race, in which little more than half-a-length covered the first three horses home, was a muddling affair, run at a stop-start gallop, and Bollin Eric, who was finishing strongest of all, could well come out best of the trio this time.

This extra distance should suit the Easterby colt, who had finished second in the Dante Stakes on Knavesmire in May, but the one negative against him is that he is likely to find the Doncaster ground plenty quick enough.

Even though he flopped in the Derby, Bandari has enjoyed a fine season, winning the Lingfield Derby Trial, the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood and the Great Voltigeur.

He looks sure to be difficult to beat, but his attacking style of racing could leave him vulnerable to hold-up rivals over this longer distance.

Not since Bill Elsey's Peleid in 1973 has the North had a St Leger winner.

Bollin Eric and Bandari are primed to end that drought, but Sir Michael Stoute, a trainer for 30 years, has won every Classic bar the Leger and tomorrow Balakheri is my Nap selection to provide the Newmarket handler with his first success in Britain's oldest Classic race.

The £75,000 Polypipe Flying Childers Stakes is the main supporting race, and Speed Cop, a dual-winner this season, is my fancy to work the oracle for trainer Ian Balding and jockey Martin Dwyer.

The in-form Ring of Destiny should go well for Peter Harris and Tony Culhane in the ladbrokes.com Handicap.

Royal Cavalier, winner of the November Handicap at Doncaster last season, should not be overlooked in the Torne Valley Handicap.

Whatever the fate of Bollin Eric in the St Leger, Tim Easterby should make a bold bid in the concluding Battle of Britain Nursery with Flighty Fellow, a winner at Thirsk last time out and a horse who seems to be improving with racing.

Saturday's tips:

Doncaster

1.50 - Sarayat

2.25 - Speed Cop

2.55 - Nashaab

3.35 - Balakheri (Nap)

4.10 - Ring of Destiny

4.45 - Royal Cavalier

5.15 - Flighty Fellow

Goodwood

2.15 - Inchdura

2.45 - Flak Jacket

3.20 - Moon Ballad

3.55 - Smokin Beau

4.30 - Hawkwind

5.05 - Impersonator

5.40 - General Smith

Updated: 13:48 Friday, September 13, 2002