Hollie Doyle's Blog: Enthusiastic Support for Forty Years On in the Sceptre Stakes

Sky Sports Racing’s ambassador Hollie Doyle offers a preview of the concluding day of the St Leger Festival at Doncaster, broadcasting live on Sky Sports Racing alongside the high‑calibre contests that make up Champions’ Weekend at The Curragh. I have never hidden my admiration for Forty Years On, a filly capable of making an immediate impression when she steps up to compete in a Pattern race. She will contest the headline event at Doncaster on Sunday – the Japan Racing Association Sceptre Fillies Stakes (3.05).

Her credentials are impressive, and her presence adds a compelling storyline to the card. George Scott, who secured victory in Friday’s Doncaster Cup aboard Caballo De Mar, has identified a prime opportunity for this forward‑thinking daughter of Mayson. She proved far superior to her rivals in a valuable Goodwood handicap last month, and now she is primed to translate that dominance onto the Doncaster track.

Forty Years On possesses a natural ease underfoot and is well‑placed to notch her sixth win from eight starts. The most likely challenger is Shadwell’s Touleen, a filly with solid Group One credentials who is coming off a disappointing run in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Touleen’s class is undeniable, but the combination of Forty Years On’s recent form and her ability to settle well could see her prevail. In her previous outing in the Valiant Stakes, Forty Years On appeared a little awkward, suggesting that a set of cheekpieces might sharpen her focus. Meanwhile, Planet Seeker, who has been priced on the strength of a good York performance and a respectable fourth in the Group 3 Oak Tree Stakes at Goodwood, may be over‑valued given the step up in class. Turning to the Betfred Mallard Handicap (3.40) on Sunday, there is little to criticize about SAY WHAT YOU SEE.

Trainer Liam Bailey has enjoyed a string of consistent performances this year, building on a near‑miss at Southwell with an eye‑catching run at York’s Ebor Festival where he finished a strong third over twelve furlongs after coming from well off the pace. The longer trip at Doncaster should suit his running style.

Today's Sky Sports Racing schedule also highlights Windsor’s flat‑season finale, which will headline Monday’s programming. The St Leger itself delivered a historic moment as Saffie Osborne became the first woman to win a British Classic, riding Highwayman to victory at Doncaster. Osborne’s emotional triumph was a centerpiece of the festival’s coverage. In related news, Desert Castle is priced at 6/1 for the 2000 Guineas after a convincing Champagne Stakes win at Doncaster, indicating that the race could produce a strong contender for the classic.

Godolphin’s Valedictory, who showed a hint of one‑paced stamina over two miles at York, may have a chance to rebound. Earlier in the season he demonstrated his class with back‑to‑back victories at Goodwood and Newmarket, and now he will look to prove his worth off his current rating. For those watching via Chrome, a more accessible video player is recommended. I am also keen on George Boughey’s lightly‑raced ASUKA in the Betfred "The Classic Bookmaker" Handicap (1.55) on Sunday’s Doncaster card.

Dropping back to six furlongs on a large galloping track should suit the Night Of Thunder gelding, who displayed top form over a longer distance at Chester when a poor draw and a disrupted run compromised his chances. George has a strong hand in that race, with stablemate Oliver Show also bringing impressive recent form. Oliver’s run behind the eventual winner Inspired at Goodwood was encouraging, and the addition of a first‑time visor could provide an extra edge.

I am looking forward to seeing LANGSTONE return to a more forgiving surface in the Betfred City Of Doncaster Handicap (2.30) on Sunday. Trained by Clive Cox, this three‑year‑old broke his maiden over the course and distance in the spring and subsequently performed well on all‑weather surfaces, though he struggled on the fast ground at the Britannia at Royal Ascot.

Having not been seen in public since, he arrives at Town Moor fresher than his rivals and carries a slightly reduced rating of 92. Zooming should also benefit from a kinder going, making his first start since a maiden win at Newmarket last autumn more attractive. He has been heavily campaigned this year and is now stepping into handicap company with a workable rating of 94. I can’t wait to watch SUN GODDESS return to Group One level in the Moyglare Stud Stakes (2.50) at The Curragh on Sunday after a dominant performance in a valuable sales race at York last month.

Aidan O’Brien’s filly overcame a troubled trip on the Knavesmire, yet her class shone through as she won by six lengths. The step up to seven furlongs on a firmer surface will be a test, but her Phoenix Stakes triumph suggests she is up to the challenge. Green Empress, who travelled well from the start in the Group Two Debutante Stakes last month, beating the re‑opposing Alpha, Ibelieveicanfly and Dancing Destiny, appears to be the main threat in that race. Starlust’s effort behind US‑based Bacio in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York indicates he can handle another demanding contest in the BAR 1 Betting Flying Five Stakes (3.25) at The Curragh.

Ralph Beckett’s five‑year‑old returned from a spell at stud and seems to have rediscovered the form that earned him the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint two years ago. SANDALS has shown solid form in her last two runs, and I liked the way she finished strongly in the Nunthorpe after encountering repeated trouble mid‑race.

If the race unfolds in her favour, she could become the one to beat with Kieran Shoemark aboard. Juddmonte colt Monogram displayed class when scoring over the course and distance for Joseph O’Brien, and he looks ready to step up to Group One company in the Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes (4.00).

However, his lack of experience may give an edge to GIANT SEQUOIA, a first‑string Aidan O’Brien colt that won the Group Two Futurity Stakes here last time and possesses immense potential as a son of the legendary Frankel. Based on his unbeaten streak of seven races, I am eager to see the brilliant SCANDINAVIA enhance his reputation in the Comer Group International Irish St Leger (4.35) on Sunday. Aidan O’Brien’s Gold Cup winner is dropping back to a mile and six furlongs, a distance that should suit him on a stiff track, and he could justify his short odds in pursuit of a fifth top‑level victory.

Stable companion Jan Brueghel, also a Doncaster St Leger winner like Scandinavia, is the obvious rival. He looked as good as ever when winning this season’s Coronation Cup and will relish the added stamina test presented by the Irish St Leger.