'He's improving with racing' - Tabletalk should have a big say in Listed Noel Murless

The Noel Murless was run at Newmarket until 2011 and Headquarters is well represented this time around, with the improving Tabletalk the second highest-rated runner in the field.

The son of Camelot was pitched into the Derby on just his third start in June but was not disgraced when finishing tenth to City Of Troy at Epsom.

He was a decent third next time at this course, but took his form to a whole new level when stepped up in trip, winning the Melrose Handicap at York in August.

Following that victory, when he had subsequent Haydock winner Master Builder back in third, Tom Clover's improver was mooted as a possible candidate for the St Leger. The previous year's winner of the Knavesmire handicap, Middle Earth, had gone on to tackle the Doncaster Classic, but connections decided to give Town Moor a miss and wait for this.

Clover said: "We've had this race in mind for Tabletalk since he won the Melrose Handicap at York and we resisted the option of supplementing him for the St Leger as he needs time between his races.

"He's been in super shape at home and should handle the ground if they can get through it. He's improving with his racing and hopefully can make up into a nice type for next year."

Connections have kept Tabletalk back for the Noel MurlessCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Go Daddy is narrowly the highest-rated runner in the field and is returning to home soil after his excellent third in the Group 3 Deutsches St Leger last time.

Joint-trainer William Muir said: "He ran well on slow and testing ground towards the end of last year so we though he was a mudlark, but he's shown this year that he goes on anything. We've always liked him and there are plenty of positives."

John and Thady Gosden won this with Middle Earth a year ago and are back for more with Pappano, who has a lower profile than his predecessor having won a handicap at Southwell last time.

John Gosden said: "He'll like the trip and showed that he stays well when winning at Southwell last time. We don't know how soft it's going to be but he should handle it."

Andrew Balding and Oisin Murphy have a good record in the contest and are back with smart handicapper Subsequent, as is Ralph Beckett, who has won this three times since 2016 and bids for a fourth with Allonsy, who is on a five-timer.

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