The closing day of the Betfred St Leger Festival brings an exciting head-to-head between two of the season's most talked‑about fillies, Toulee n and Forty Years On, in the Group 3 Japan Racing Association Sceptre Fillies' Stakes. This contest pits the seasoned campaigner Toulee n, who currently tops the ratings for trainer Owen Burrows and his new jockey David Probert, against the rapidly improving George Scott‑trained Forty Years On, who has been in fine form over her last two outings. Toulee n has demonstrated top‑class ability on her day, but recent form has been a mixed bag. She was beaten in her last two starts, including a narrow defeat in the same grade, and her connections have opted to fit cheekpieces in an effort to sharpen her focus.
The mare was arguably unlucky in the Coronation Stakes earlier in the season, where she was edged out by Precise, a result that left many believing she deserved a better placing. A win in the Sceptre Stakes would give her the first stakes victory of her career and could restore confidence in her ability to compete at the highest level.
Forty Years On, meanwhile, has been on an upward trajectory. The filly recorded victories in her previous two races, and her performance over the same course and distance last time out suggested she thrives on the Doncaster track. Her recent displays have marked her as a genuine threat in this hotter heat, and she will be looking to add another Group win to her résumé.
The race also features several each‑way contenders. Darnation and The Prettiest Star are both rated as solid outsiders with the potential to cause an upset, while the 102‑rated Magic Basma is eager to snap a long‑running winless streak that stretches back to her debut thirteen starts ago. A strong entry in the Betfred City of Doncaster Handicap is Wechaad, who will be backed by the Roger Varian stable.
The son of Oasis Dream claimed a victory over this course and distance last season and, after a respectable third at Newmarket, is expected to improve on familiar ground. Beyond the Sceptre Stakes, the festival has produced a series of notable headlines. Saffie Osborne made history by becoming the first woman to win a British Classic when she rode Highwayman to victory in the St Leger, a moment that captured the imagination of racing fans worldwide. In related news, Desert Castle, fresh from a Champagne Stakes win at Doncaster, is now listed at 6/1 for the 2000 Guineas, highlighting the depth of talent on display at the meeting.
The day's racing action is further enriched by a range of other contests. Military Code tops the weights in the Godolphin blue handicap, carrying a handy seven‑pound concession. Although yet to win this season, the two‑year‑old showed promising form in his last outing and has been dropped another pound, making him a horse to watch. Langstone, Zooming, and last‑time winner Lion Of Mali also appear strong among the rest of the field.
In the Betfred Mallard Handicap, Valedictory and Say What You See lead a nine‑horse field. Valedictory, trained by John and Thady Gosden, has been a consistent performer this summer, securing two wins from six starts. After a modest effort at York, his connections have added a visor for the afternoon, hoping it will sharpen his concentration.
Say What You See, a son of Belardo, continues his upward trend after an impressive run at York and could be a serious contender if he replicates that performance. Other notable runners include Ernst Blofeld, who has long hinted at greater ability, and the lightly‑raced All In You, both of whom could surprise the betting public. Over at Town Moor, the Betfred "The Classic Bookmaker" Handicap at 1.55pm is headlined by Asuka, who is expected to be well‑supported by the George Boughey and Billy Loughnane partnership. Opposing her is Completely Random, who finished a solid fourth in the Stewards' Cup but will carry an extra two pounds, bringing his weight to 104 for the race.
Further south at Bath, the 3.50pm Loud Hire Production Services Bath Summer Sprint Series Final Handicap pits Dark Sun against Geemann, while the 3.15pm Loud Hire Staging Hire Bath Summer Stayers' Series Final Handicap features Boilermaker as the headline act. Across the English Channel, French racing action continues with Francis‑Henri Graffard's Rayevka starring in the Prix du Petit Couvert at 1.33pm, followed by the Prix du Pin at 2.50pm and the Prix du Prince D'Orange at 3.25pm, where Daryzan will meet Phineas in a classic showdown.
Overall, the final day of the St Leger Festival offers a rich tapestry of storylines, from the battle between Toulee n and Forty Years On to the historic achievements of Saffie Osborne and the promising prospects of younger horses stepping up in weight and class. Racing enthusiasts can stay up‑to‑date with the latest news, interviews, and features via Sky Sports Racing, ensuring they never miss a moment of the action.