The Weekend Winners panel reconvened to share their premier selections for Saturday’s St Leger Festival, zeroing in on the headline Betfred St Leger Stakes, scheduled for a 3:35 pm start on Sky Sports Racing. Their discussion highlighted several key contenders and offered insight into the form and prospects of each horse.
At the top of the betting ladder sits Enceladus, trained by Joseph O'Brien, with the Ballydoyle stable also represented by Christmas Day and Pierre Bonnard. Returning champion Tom Marquand will be aboard Amelia Earhart, while Saffie Osborne takes the reins on Highway Man. One panelist explained his enthusiasm for Enceladus, noting that the horse was his ante‑post pick because it was slated for Doncaster after a successful run at Goodwood. “He possesses a classic, progressive staying profile rather than having already proven himself in top‑class Classics,” the analyst said.
Enceladus is unbeaten in three starts in 2026, having captured a maiden at Cork, the King George VI Stakes at Royal Ascot, and the Group 3 Gordon Stakes at Goodwood over just under a mile and a half. His Royal Ascot performance, the commentator added, “proved his merit beyond a simple handicap win on a rating of 89. The Gordon Stakes win cemented his place among pattern company, and he finished the race with a powerful finish.” Bred from the legendary Sea The Stars line, Enceladus’s recent step‑up in distance suggests stamina is becoming his dominant attribute.
The upcoming mile‑and‑six‑and‑a‑half‑furlong St Leger distance appears tailor‑made for him. The panelist drew a parallel with Galileo Chrome, the 2020 St Leger victor for O’Brien, saying, “Enceladus’s progression mirrors that of Galileo Chrome, and I suspect the same staying prowess will serve him well.” He also expressed a measured view of Christmas Day, suggesting the horse’s Derby win may have been aided by a weak field and favourable conditions. Another voice on the show identified as a Christmas Day backer, questioning whether the current favourite truly merits the shorter odds. “I’m not convinced the favourite’s recent form justifies the price,” he argued.
“Enceladus’s progressive nature makes him a viable alternative, and I anticipate the market could swing on race day, giving Christmas Day a boost.” The broadcast also highlighted several notable moments from the festival: Saffie Osborne’s emotional victory on Highway Man, which made her the first woman to win a British Classic; a feature on Touleen versus Forty Years On at Doncaster; and a preview of Desert Castle at 6/1 for the 2000 Guineas after a Champagne Stakes win. Turning to the York trial, the panelist noted, “York served as a stepping stone for this race, and the horse handled the rain‑softened ground well. The Irish Derby second‑place finish behind Benvenuto Cellini was respectable, and I view this as essentially a two‑horse contest now that I’ve lost confidence in Pierre Bonnard’s form this season.” He also expressed some skepticism about the Ballydoyle entries, observing, “I’m not sure the two Ballydoyle horses will make a huge leap in this longer trip. Enceladus is appealing, but the cheekpieces raise questions – he’s looked raw behind the bridle, and adding equipment could be a sign they’re trying to coax a marginal gain.” A surprising shift in opinion was revealed regarding Amelia Earhart.
“I never expected to back Amelia Earhart, but with her sex‑allowance factored in, she becomes an intriguing prospect,” the analyst admitted. The filly, a full sister to Cleveland (the Chester Cup winner), was the favourite for the Oaks after a strong showing in the Cheshire Oaks, though she ultimately fell short.
“Perhaps she thrives later in the year on softer ground rather than on firm summer turf,” he suggested. He noted that the trainer has experimented with various headgear – blinkers, a hood, and now none – indicating they are still searching for the optimal setup. “If they’ve finally found the right configuration, she could improve, especially over the longer St Leger distance, where she may have an advantage over her stablemates.” The analyst concluded with a bold wager: “I’ll back Amelia Earhart to finish in the top three at 11/2.” The segment wrapped up by inviting viewers to watch the full Weekend Winners program on the At The Races YouTube channel, promising further analysis, interviews, and the latest racing news.
The panel’s diverse perspectives underscore the unpredictable nature of the St Leger, where seasoned stayers, emerging fillies, and seasoned jockeys all vie for a place in history.