TALENTED TONY K - Colin Hamilton

Although outstayed by RELAMPAGO in last month's Jamaica Derby, despite Edgar Prado's best efforts to have him see out 12 furlongs, 2000 Guineas and Governor's Cup winner TALENTED TONY K should put his old rival to the sword in tomorrow's St Leger.

Whereas their last meeting was played out in textbook fashion for a stayer, no-hopers keeping Derby distance-suspect TALENTED TONY K's company for nine of 12 furlongs - tomorrow's 10-furlong St Leger will be over before RELAMPAGO knows what hit him.

All the speedsters and middle-distance runners have gone into hiding for the St Leger, except 1000 Guineas winner, QUEEN PAULA, who died earlier this week.

Of the six runners TALENTED TONY K will face at 10 furlongs, none, including RELAMPAGO, has ever won a sprint and will be looking at the colt's rear end all afternoon.

The line-up includes three fillies, SHE'S PLUMMY, BLACK THORN and RAEVEN RENAE, who can all be forgotten, as far as matching TALENTED TONY K for pace is concerned.

That narrows down the challenges to BOLD AVIATOR, RELAMPAGO and ISRAELITE, - yet to win a three-year-old race, which takes care of his chances.

BOLD AVIATOR, who scored a shock win over RELAMPAGO in April, finished 13 lengths behind him in the Governor's Cup and 22 in the Derby. That's 35 lengths in two meetings, which won't change tomorrow.

Going two furlongs shorter in a race void of speed, not to mention sitting level with RELAMPAGO, whom he had allowed 16 pounds and beaten by a short head in the 10-furlong Governor's Cup, TALENTED TONY K is a handicapping no-brainer.

In the Derby, whereas RELAMPAGO left the three-furlong some six to seven lengths behind TALENTED TONY K and under the whip to get closer, Prado was coasting towards the final turn and looking between his legs.

Ellis seized the chance and had RELAMPAGO in a full drive two and a half furlongs out while Prado was waiting on the bridle, hoping TALENTED TONY K could kick off the final turn, that's after 10 furlongs.

The St Leger is 10 furlongs, not 12. Omar Walker won't be waiting around after the first mile and TALENTED TONY K has worked beautifully for the rematch, galloping three furlongs "effortlessly" Monday morning, his trainer said.

The exacta, TALENTED TONY K-RELAMPAGO, is the safe bet on tomorrow's 11-race card.