The concluding day of the Betfred St Leger Festival brings an exciting clash between two highly regarded fillies, Tourette and Forty Years On, in the Group 3 Japan Racing Association Sceptre Fillies' Stakes. This race, set against the historic backdrop of Doncaster, promises a compelling duel as both mares aim to secure a valuable stakes victory.
Tourette, currently the top‑rated runner for trainer Owen Burrows and freshly partnered with jockey David Probert, has demonstrated flashes of top‑class ability. While she has produced impressive performances when at her best, she has been edged out in her last two outings, both of which were at a similar level to this contest. In an effort to sharpen her focus, her connections have added cheekpieces to her bridle, hoping the visual aid will restore her winning edge. Tourette's recent campaign has been a mix of near‑misses, most notably a narrow defeat to Precise in the Coronation Stakes earlier this season, which left many observers feeling she was unlucky.
A win today would finally break her stakes duck and confirm her status as a genuine Group performer. Facing her is George Scott's Forty Years On, a filly whose form has been on a steep upward trajectory. She has claimed victory in each of her last two starts, and the manner of those wins suggests she thrives over the course and distance of the Sceptre Stakes. Her recent performances have shown a blend of speed and stamina, making her a formidable opponent in what is expected to be a hot‑filled day at Doncaster.
The betting market has taken note, and she is likely to be a key contender for the top spot. The race also features several each‑way prospects.
Darnation and The Prettiest Star are both listed as potential place finishers, offering value for punters seeking to hedge their bets. Additionally, the 102‑rated Magic Basma is looking to snap a long winless streak; her last victory came in her debut thirteen starts ago, and a strong showing here could signal a return to form.
Beyond the Sceptre Stakes, the Betfred City of Doncaster Handicap presents another intriguing narrative. Wechaad, a son of Oasis Dream, steps up to the starting gate under the guidance of the Roger Varian stable. He proved his class with a win over the same course and distance last season and has since been placed in a series of respectable, albeit defeat‑laden, runs.
After a third‑place finish at Newmarket, connections hope the familiar Doncaster surface will allow him to rediscover his winning ways and perhaps deliver a decisive performance. The festival also marks a historic moment for British racing: Saffie Osborne has become the first woman to win a British Classic, riding Highwayman to victory in the St Leger.
Osborne's emotional post‑race interview captured the significance of the achievement, as she fought back tears while reflecting on the milestone. Her triumph adds a celebratory note to an already vibrant weekend of racing. Other headlines from the day include Desert Castle being quoted at 6/1 for the 2000 Guineas after a successful Champagne Stakes run at Doncaster, and a blog entry from jockey Hollie Doyle expressing her admiration for Forty Years On in the Sceptre Stakes.
Sky Sports Racing's programming schedule highlights Enceladus taking on Christmas Day and Pienne Bonnard in the 250th St Leger, underscoring the festival's blend of tradition and novelty. In the weight‑for‑age division, Military Code tops the handicap with a solid 7‑pound concession to Toby Moore, who benefits from a modest weight allowance.
Though yet to win this season, Military Code displayed improved form in his last outing and has been trimmed by an additional pound, positioning him as a useful contender. The field also includes Langstone, who has shown good form at this venue, and Zooming, alongside last‑time winner Lion Of Mali, both of whom are expected to contest the remaining placings. An open feel characterizes the Betfred Mallard Handicap, where Valedictory and Say What You See lead a nine‑horse lineup.
Valedictory, trained by John and Thady Gosden, has been a consistent summer performer, securing two wins from six starts. After a slightly disappointing run at York, his connections have fitted him with a visor for today’s race, hoping to sharpen his focus.
Say What You See, a son of Belardo, continues his upward trajectory after a strong performance at York. A repeat effort could see him challenge for a place in the final standings. Among the other runners, Ernst Blofeld has always hinted at greater potential, while lightly raced All In You adds another layer of intrigue to the contest. On Town Moor, the Betfred "The Classic Bookmaker" Handicap at 1.55 pm features Asuka as the marquee name, likely to be backed by the George Boughey and Billy Loughnane partnership.
Opposing her is Completely Random, who ran a credible fourth in the Stewards' Cup but has been assigned an additional two pounds, bringing his weight to 104 for the race. Further south at Bath, the 3.50 pm Loud Hire Production Services Bath Summer Sprint Series Final Handicap pits Dark Sun against Geemann, while the 3.15 pm Loud Hire Staging Hire Bath Summer Stayers' Series Final Handicap sees Boilermaker headline the field. Across the English Channel, French racing action continues with Francis‑Henri Graffard's Rayevka starring in the Prix du Petit Couvert at 1.33 pm. The day's program then moves to the Prix du Pin at 2.50 pm and the Prix du Prince D'Orange at 3.25 pm, where Daryzan will meet Phineas in what promises to be a competitive finish.
Overall, the final day of the St Leger Festival offers a rich tapestry of storylines—from historic breakthroughs and seasoned campaigners seeking redemption to emerging talents looking to make their mark. Whether you are a seasoned punter, a casual fan, or someone following the sport for the first time, the variety and depth of the races provide ample reason to stay tuned and enjoy the excitement that Doncaster delivers each year.