Sky Sports Racing’s ambassador, Hollie Doyle, is gearing up for a spectacular Saturday at Doncaster, where she will be presenting the 250th running of the St. Leger and a high‑quality undercard live on Sky Sports Racing. In this blog she offers her insights on the main event, the historic Betfred St.
Leger Stakes (3.35), as well as a host of other races across Doncaster and Leopardstown. **The St. Leger – A Chance for Aidan O’Brien to Write History** The question on everyone’s mind is which horse can stand in the way of Aidan O’Brien’s quest for a record‑breaking tenth win in the world’s oldest classic race.
O’Brien has entered four runners to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the St. Leger, and the standout is the hot favourite, Christmas Day. If the three‑year‑old colt succeeds, he will become the first Derby winner to capture the St.
Leger since Reference Point did it 39 years ago, a feat that would cement his place in racing lore. The most likely challenger to O’Brien’s dominance appears to be his own son, Joseph O’Brien, who will ride the highly regarded Enceladus.
Enceladus is stepping up to Group One level for the first time after a brilliant run in the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot and a Group Three victory in the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood. The filly’s pedigree and recent form suggest she could be a serious threat, but the O’Brien stable is deep and full of talent. While many pundits will focus on Christmas Day, I am convinced that the real St.
Leger winner will be the sturdy Ballydoyle stalwart Pierre Bonnard. Pierre Bonnard finished ahead of Christmas Day in the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York last month, proving he possesses the stamina and tenacity required for the grueling 1 mile 6 furlongs and 115 yards of the St. Leger. The Voltigeur is often a reliable trial for the Leger, and Pierre Bonnard’s performance there signals that he is peaking at exactly the right moment.
If he can replicate that effort on the Doncaster track, he could give Aidan O’Brien his tenth classic triumph and add another chapter to the O’Brien dynasty. **Other Notable Contenders at Doncaster** *Gentle Hurricane* – After a promising novice win, Gentle Hurricane was out‑classed by Haffner in the Group Three Acomb Stakes at York. The seven‑furlong specialist should find the distance of the Betfred Champagne Stakes (1.45) at Doncaster more suitable. Trained by Andrew Balding, the colt is comfortable over the shorter trip and could use his experience in Group Two company to secure a win in the open renewal.
*Desert Castle* – The likely favourite for the 2,000 Guineas after a dazzling debut on the July Course at Newmarket, Desert Castle now faces a significant step up in class. While his early speed and class are evident, the jump to a higher grade raises questions about whether he can sustain his performance against seasoned rivals. *Breacher* – Trained by Willie Muir and Chris Grassick, Breacher earned a promising third place in the Group Three Solario Stakes at Sandown.
That performance has earned him a spot in the St. Leger field, and he should be considered a dark horse capable of upsetting the odds. *More Thunder* – Although his campaign has been hampered by injury, More Thunder returns to the mile‑plus distance in the Group Two Betfred Park Stakes (2.55) on Saturday. He finished strongly in the Prix Jacques le Marois last month but struggled to stay the mile‑plus trip.
A well‑run seven‑furlong race could suit his turn of foot and give him a chance to re‑enter the winners’ enclosure. *Qirat* – After a gallant effort to finish second in the Celebration Mile at Goodwood, Qirat is expected to produce a relentless, end‑to‑end gallop at Doncaster. He will be matched against the likes of Witness Stand, but Tom Marquand’s mount (the writer’s husband) has the class to out‑finish them. *Volterra* – Kevin Ryan’s gelding Volterra is making his first start since being gelded, and the connections have thrown him straight into a handicap of this calibre.
He previously finished second to Docklands at Doncaster in March, suggesting he can handle the track and the competition. *Betfred Portland Handicap (2.20)* – This race is a tricky puzzle, but Jack Channon’s GETREADYTORUMBLE could be the one to break through.
The four‑year‑old has shown resilience in both Listed and Group company this season and proved his speed in a five‑furlong sprint at Ascot in July. To win, he will need to overcome a career‑high rating, but his class gives him a genuine chance. *Eternal Sunshine* – The previous year’s winner, Eternal Sunshine, returns under a 5‑pound claim from Laura Young. After a solid win at Hamilton, the mare looks ready to make another bold bid.
*Toca Madera* – A personal favourite of the writer, Toca Madera has endured a series of near‑misses at Goodwood and York. A big handicap win would be a fitting reward for the perseverance she has shown throughout the season. **Leopardstown – The Irish Champion Stakes Showdown** The Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes (5.00) at Leopardstown on Saturday promises a thrilling contest, with the first three finishers from last month’s Juddmonte International set to clash once again.
*Item* – After a dramatic head‑to‑head victory over Almaqam in the International, Item must prove his ability on Leopardstown’s stiffer ground. His turn of foot and stamina will be tested, but he has shown he can rise to the occasion. *Constitution River* – Aidan O’Brien’s Constitution River aims to silence his critics after a lackluster run at Doncaster. The colt’s French Derby and Eclipse win showcased his brilliance, but he faded early in the International.
If Ryan Moore can settle him better, Constitution River could demonstrate why he is considered a top‑class colt. *Almaqam* – Almaqam was a whisker away from winning the International and will look to confirm that his performance was no fluke. The softer ground at Leopardstown should suit his style, and a fast pace will play to the strengths of Kieran Shoemark’s colt. **Leopardstown – Matron Stakes (Justify Matron Stakes, 3.55)** Andrew Balding’s unbeaten four‑year‑old BLUE BOLT continues her golden summer campaign in the Coolmore America ‘Justify’ Matron Stakes at Leopardstown.
After winning all four of her starts this year, she is primed to secure a third Group‑level victory and reaffirm her superiority over Aidan O’Brien’s PRECIS E, who has finished behind her in both the Falmouth Stakes and the Prix Rothschild. While O’Brien’s Precise and True Love have favourable draws, my conviction remains that Blue Bolt will prevail.
Last year’s winner Fallen Angel, who bested O’Brien’s star filly in the Sun Chariot, should not be dismissed either; she relishes the ground and could mount a serious challenge. **Final Thoughts** Saturday’s card offers a blend of historic milestones, emerging talent, and seasoned campaigners seeking redemption.
Whether you are rooting for Aidan O’Brien’s quest for a tenth St. Leger, hoping to see Pierre Bonnard etch his name into the record books, or simply enjoying the tactical battles at Leopardstown, the day promises drama, excitement, and plenty of talking points for racing fans worldwide.
Stay tuned to Sky Sports Racing for live coverage, expert analysis, and the inevitable moments that make the sport so compelling.