The concluding day of the Betfred St Leger Festival brings a headline clash between two of the season's most promising fillies, Toulee n and Forty Years On, in the Group 3 Japan Racing Association Sceptre Fillies' Stakes. This race, which caps the festival's programme, promises a thrilling showdown as both horses vie for a valuable stakes victory on the historic Doncaster track.
Touleen arrives at the start as the highest-rated runner for trainer Owen Burrows, now partnered with a fresh jockey, David Probert. The mare has demonstrated top‑class ability on her best days, but recent form has seen her finish second on two consecutive occasions, including a narrow defeat in this very grade. Her connections have opted to equip her with cheekpieces in an effort to sharpen her focus and secure that elusive first stakes win. Many observers feel she was unlucky in her loss to Precise in the Coronation Stakes earlier in the season, and the team hopes the added equipment will tip the balance in her favour.
On the opposite side of the stalls sits Forty Years On, trained by George Scott. The filly has been on a rapid improvement curve, having won her last two starts. Her performance over the same distance and course earlier in the year left a strong impression, suggesting she will be a formidable opponent in the warmer conditions expected on race day.
With her recent momentum, Forty Years On is likely to be a serious threat to Touleen's ambitions. The betting market also includes several each‑way candidates.
Darnation and The Prettiest Star both offer good value for punters seeking a place finish, while the 102‑rated Magic Basma is looking to break a long winless streak that stretches back to her debut thirteen starts ago. A solid field of seasoned runners and up‑and‑coming talent rounds out the contest, making the Sceptre Stakes one of the most anticipated races of the festival.
In addition to the fillies' clash, the Betfred City of Doncaster Handicap presents another intriguing story. Wechaad, a son of the renowned sprinter Oasis Dream, will be sent to the front of the field.
The horse, trained by Roger Varian, has previously won over this course and distance, and despite a few defeats, is expected to improve as the race unfolds. After a respectable third‑place finish at Newmarket, connections are hopeful that the familiar Doncaster surface will allow Wechaad to step up and challenge for the win. The festival has been marked by historic moments, most notably Saffie Osborne's groundbreaking victory aboard Highwayman in the St Leger.
Osborne became the first woman to win a British Classic, a milestone that added extra excitement to the final day's programme. Her triumph, along with the success of Desert Castle, who is now priced at 6/1 for the 2000 Guineas after a Champagne Stakes win at Doncaster, underscores the quality of racing on display. Fans can also look forward to a range of other contests. Military Code tops the weights in the Godolphin blue, carrying a helpful 7‑pound allowance thanks to jockey Toby Moore.
Although the two‑year‑old has yet to win this season, he showed improvement in his last outing and has been given a further weight reduction. Langstone, Zooming, and last‑time winner Lion of Mali round out the field, each offering a chance to upset the favourites. The Betfred Mallard Handicap features an open feel, with Valedictory and Say What You See among nine runners.
Valedictory, trained by John and Thady Gosden, has been consistent this summer, winning two of six starts. After a modest performance at York, his connections have added a visor for today, hoping to sharpen his focus.
Say What You See, a son of Belardo, continues to climb the rankings after a strong run at York and could prove a key player. Across the border, the Town Moor hosts a Betfred "The Classic Bookmaker" Handicap at 1.55 pm, headlined by Asuka, who is expected to be a popular choice for the George Boughey and Billy Loughnane partnership.
Opposing her is Completely Random, who finished fourth in the Stewards' Cup and will carry a slightly higher weight of 104 pounds. Further south at Bath, the day's programme includes the Loud Hire Production Services Bath Summer Sprint Series Final Handicap at 3.50 pm, featuring Dark Sun and Geemann, while the Loud Hire Staging Hire Bath Summer Stayers' Series Final Handicap at 3.15 pm sees Boilermaker headline the action. On the continent, French racing continues with Francis‑Henri Graffard's Rayevka taking centre stage in the Prix du Petit Couvert at 1.33 pm.
Attention will then shift 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 a clash of seasoned sprinters. Overall, the final day of the St Leger Festival offers a rich tapestry of storylines—from the tactical battle between Touleen and Forty Years On to historic achievements and promising youngsters across the UK and Europe.
Whether you are a seasoned punter or a casual fan, there is plenty to watch, analyse, and enjoy as the curtain falls on one of the British racing calendar's most celebrated events.