It's amazing how time flies by. Today, at Doncaster, it's St Leger day, the last Classic of the season. We know there is going to be a big field as 14 runners were declared on Thursday morning, however it was only yesterday afternoon that trainer Roger Varian confirmed favourite Kingston Hill as a runner.

Varian was concerned about the drying ground for the Derby runner up, but yesterday afternoon he said: "I am pleased to confirm that Kingston Hill will be a definite starter in the St Leger. Having spoken to Andrea, he is happy that the ground is still good. It is unlikely to ride much quicker (on Saturday) and we are looking forward to taking our chance."

Normally when it comes to finding the Leger winner John Gosden has been a good place to start looking as no other trainer can head to Doncaster with a more impressive recent record in the season's final Classic.

Stable jockey William Buick picked Derby third Romsdal over Forever Now and Marzocco, with Gosden seeking his fourth Leger since 2007 after the achievements of Lucarno, Arctic Cosmos and Masked Marvel.

He was, though, triple-handed in 2012 and 1993, and left with just one third-placed finish.

"The Leger is a race with good depth," said Gosden.

"The ground is likely to be on the quicker side of good on Saturday but they will be fine.

"I am very pleased with Forever Now who won at Goodwood and has matured fast - he is still a big frame of a horse but he will stay the trip well. We will drop him out and he will stay well.

"The thing about the Leger is the last furlong and a half - one furlong and 132 yards. Romsdal ran great in the Derby but disappointed in the King George.

"But he seemed in good form at the weekend and we have given him plenty of time to come to his strength. He will stay on his dam's side.

"Marzocco may find the trip a bit sharp but apart from that will run well."

Hartnell, who was only sixth in the Great Voltigeur at York, is one of a Mark Johnston trio, but only Somewhat would prefer the quicker going.

The trainer's wife, Deirdre, said: "Hartnell goes on any ground but we would prefer it to be on soft side for him.

"We've been placed going all the way back to Double Trigger and then with Bandari and Corsica and have punched above our weight once or twice. I think that if the ground was a bit softer, both Alex My Box and Hartnell would have fantastic chances."

While one of Johnston's three coming home on front would be a super result for Yorkshire racing, so would Compton Park in the Portland.

Les Eyre, who returned to Britain earlier this year after having successfully trained in Spain for a number of years, has done so well with this fellow so far this season, and there could well be more to come.

Compton Park has been a real flag-bearer for the Ebor-winning handler and has won three of his last four starts - but they have all been over six furlongs.

"He travels very well in his races and that is why we don't think the drop in trip will be an issue," said Eyre.

"I'm surprised how effective he was earlier in the season on ground with cut. In Spain he wanted it like a road so I hope it keeps drying.

"He's gone up 17lb for three wins, which seems a bit harsh as the furthest he's won by is a length and three-quarters.

"With his style you have to hide him in among horses and then pounce in the last furlong.

"His only disappointing run came at Ripon and David Allan got off and said to never run him there again as he didn't like the undulations.

"It's a bit ambitious, maybe, but it didn't look like he'd get in the Gold Cup at Ayr and this is worth more money than the Silver Cup.

"He's got a good chance but I'd prefer an extra 100 yards for him."

After the St Leger, Joe Fanning and Ryan Moore are taking a helicopter to Leopardstown's valuable twilight card, in truth they might need their helicopter to get by Australia in the Qipco Irish Champion Stakes.

The Epsom and Curragh Classic winner was not inconvenienced by the drop back in distance for the Juddmonte International Stakes at York which he won in great style from The Grey Gatsby.

O'Brien made it clear Australia was only just ready to return to the track when he turned up on the Knavesmire last month.

"We were delighted he ran in York and got through it and look forward to Leopardstown with him," he said.

"He was only ready to go racing that day. He'd had a good break and done very well. He was only ready for a good racecourse gallop.

"That was the state he was at and obviously we were a bit worried going into a big race like that, but he came out of it well and we were delighted with the performance on the day.

"We'll take one race at a time. Leopardstown is the next target. I suppose we'll discuss his next race after that. That's what we've always done with every race so far."

Australia's rider Joseph O'Brien is welcoming the challenge in what looks a solid renewal.

He said: "It's great there's a good field.

"You have to beat the best to be the best and the more the better horses turn up the better.

"It's such a competitive race and very exciting.

"I might never get to ride another one like him again."