Hopefully tomorrow's Doncaster St Leger will be remembered for another glorious chapter in Henry Cecil's career - as a fifth win in the Classic for the much-admired trainer will be the race's only saving grace.

The St Leger is a Classic in name only since the field is as weak as you could trace in the race's history.

Is it any wonder that the track's officials have even been reduced to advertising the meeting on social networking site Facebook?

The oldest Classic of them all, run over an extended mile and three-quarters, is unashamedly looking for friends.

No horse since Nijinsky in 1970 has completed the 'Triple Crown' of Guineas, Derby and St Leger.

Sea The Stars was the first eligible candidate since Dick Hern decided to duck the race 20 years ago with Nashwan, but trainer John Oxx declined the offer and his multiple Group 1-winning colt will instead head to the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp next month.

The withdrawal of ante-post favourite Age Of Aquarius has probably helped the Ballydoyle colt's stud value, for victory in the St Leger would actually devalue a Guineas and Derby winner, as it highlights stamina while implying a deficiency in the more lucrative attribute of speed.

The defection has left the way for Father Time(3.00) to give Cecil what would be a 25th English Classic.

Third behind Monitor Closely and Mastery (who re-oppose) in the Great Voltigeur at York, he may have found the ground too lively. But Father Time travelled well and it is unlikely that the winner will be allowed to dictate matters as he did there.

Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to the colt's owner Khalid Abdullah, says Jamie Spencer's mount has thrived since his last run.

"Father Time has blossomed since. He has done really well and done everything right since his last race," said Grimthorpe. "Henry has always been positive about the St Leger for Father Time, who travelled and quickened well to win a fast-run race at Royal Ascot (the 1m 4f Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes) which was pretty exciting - we know the calibre of horse he can beat.

"Obviously, we are going into unknown territory with the extra couple of furlongs but Father Time is in good nick."

The Group 2 Champagne Stakes also has a select field and Poet's Voice (1.55) can gain compensation for defeat by the highly-regarded Elusive Pimpernel at York.

The Godolphin runner only just failed to make all the running over the same seven-furlong trip he tackles again, but he went a little too quickly and will likely be ridden with more restraint this time.

Hughie Morrison's Intrepid Jack (2.25) is given the vote in a competitive handicap. He has been running in top company this season and, while he may just find the minimum trip too sharp, the seven-year-old was running on well over it when fourth to Barney McGrew at York last time. This slightly further trip looks ideal.

Jeremy Noseda bids for a hat-trick in the Group 2 DFS Park Stakes and while high-class Himalya returns after a 452-day lay-off, preference is for stable companion Arabian Gleam (3.35). He failed to stay a mile in the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot and this drop back to seven furlongs looks more suitable.

Milham's Doncaster C4 tips

1.55 Poet's Voice, 2.25 Intrepid Jack, 3.00 Father Time, 3.35 Arabian Gleam.