Geoff Lester: London – The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe might only be 11 days away, but John Gosden is keeping his pair of aces at Chantilly up his sleeve until he sees all the likely cards on the poker table.

Geoff Lester: London – It seems fashionable to knock the St Leger these days, but the world’s oldest classic, first run in 1776, has brought together an exceptional bunch of stayers for the latest renewal at Doncaster on Saturday, including two Group 1 winners.

Geoff Lester: London – How Coolmore fare at Leopardstown on Saturday and The Curragh 24 hours later will be crucial in Aidan O’Brien’s attempt to close in on Bobby Frankel’s world record of 25 Group 1 winners in a season, set in 2003.

Geoff Lester: London – John Gosden trains the best three-year-old in Europe in Enable – “Is there a better one in the world?” asked Frankie Dettori – but he arguably also has the second-best in Cracksman. So why not have a face-off in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Chantilly on 1 October?

Geoff Lester: London – York is often referred to as “the Ascot of the North” and not only is the quality of racing there for this week’s popular Ebor meeting almost as good as it was on the Royal Heath in June, the champagne will be less expensive and we don’t have to dress up in toppers ‘n tails!

Geoff Lester: London – We will all be rooting for Anthony Delpech on Saturday when he makes his first appearance at Ascot’s popular Shergar Cup meeting as part of the Rest of the World team.