Sky Sports Racing ambassador Hollie Doyle is gearing up for the 250th running of the St Leger, a marquee undercard at Doncaster this Saturday, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. She also takes a moment to glance at the upcoming action at Leopardstown. The central question on everyone’s mind is who could possibly thwart Aidan O'Brien’s quest for a historic tenth win in the world’s oldest Classic, the Betfred St Leger Stakes (3.35) at Doncaster. O'Brien will have four runners in the field on this momentous anniversary, including the leading contender Christmas Day, who is aiming to become the first Derby winner to capture the St Leger since Reference Point did so 39 years ago.
Joseph O'Brien, Aidan’s son, appears to be the most likely challenger to the Ballydoyle dominance with his impressive colt Enceladus. Enceladus is stepping up to Group One company for the first time after strong performances in the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Group Three Gordon Stakes at Goodwood.
Nevertheless, I am convinced that O'Brien can secure the victory, not with Christmas Day, but with his hard‑knocking stablemate Pierre Bonnard. Pierre Bonnard finished ahead of Christmas Day in the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York last month, a race that demanded genuine stamina. That test is exactly what he needs to prove his staying ability, and a win would allow him to write his own chapter in racing history.
For the best viewing experience, please use the Chrome browser to access the video player. In the Group Two Betfred Champagne Stakes (1.45) at Doncaster on Saturday, Andrew Balding’s colt Gentle Hurricane will be looking to improve on his novice win, which he left far behind when he chased home Haffner in the Group Three Acomb Stakes at York last month. Over seven furlongs, Gentle Hurricane will be right at home and should be able to translate that comfort into a solid performance in the open renewal.
Desert Castle, who made a big splash on debut at the July Course in Newmarket by jumping to the head of the 2,000 Guineas betting, is now stepping up sharply in class. While his early form was impressive, the jump in grade raises some legitimate questions about how he will cope against more seasoned rivals. Willie Muir and Chris Grassick have entered Breacher in this higher‑grade contest after a promising third place in the Group Three Solario Stakes at Sandown.
That run has earned Breacher a place in the conversation and suggests he could be a factor on the day. Other highlights from Sky Sports Racing’s schedule include Windsor’s flat‑season finale on Monday, Saffie Osborne’s emotional victory in the St Leger at Doncaster, and Touleen’s showdown with Forty Years On at the same venue. Osborne’s win marked a historic moment as she became the first woman to claim a British Classic, riding Highwayman to triumph. The Leger Festival also features Desert Castle at 6/1 for the 2000 Guineas after a successful Champagne Stakes outing at Doncaster, underscoring his rising profile.
Turning to the Group Two Betfred Park Stakes (2.55) on Saturday, the return to seven furlongs could see More Than Thunder make a comeback. After falling short in the Prix Jacques le Marois last month, a strongly run seven‑furlong trip should suit his speed and stamina blend. Qirat, who ran a superb race to finish second in the Celebration Mile at Goodwood, is expected to provide a relentless, end‑to‑end tempo, with Witness Stand likely to tag along. However, Tom Marquand’s mount, a talented runner, has the ability to outstay them both.
At longer odds, I am inclined to back Kevin Ryan’s Volterra, who is making his first start since being gelded. It is a bold move to drop him straight into a race of this caliber after a second‑place finish to Docklands at the same track back in March, but the potential reward is enticing. The Betfred Portland Handicap (2.20) on Saturday presents a tricky puzzle. My tip goes to Jack Channon’s GetReadyToRumble, a four‑year‑old who has performed admirably in both Listed and Group company this year and showed class when he beat all but one in a five‑furlong sprint at Ascot in July.
To win, he will need to rise above a career‑high rating, but his class gives him a genuine chance. I slightly favor GetReadyToRumble over last year’s winner Eternal Sunshine, who is likely to make another strong bid under a 5‑pound claim by trainer Laura Young.
Both horses tuned up with a good win at Hamilton recently, while my personal favorite Toca Madera deserves a big handicap victory after a series of near‑misses at Goodwood and York. Leopardstown’s Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes (5.00) on Saturday promises a thrilling contest, with the first three finishers from last month’s Juddmonte International expected to clash again. Item, who famously overtook Almaqam in that dramatic duel, must prove he can handle the firmer ground at Leopardstown as well as he did at York.
Meanwhile, Aidan O’Brien’s Constitution River is looking to silence his critics after a lackluster run on the Knavesmire. I am prepared to overlook the French Derby and Eclipse winner’s defeat, as he simply gave up his chance early in the race. If Ryan Moore can settle him better, the colt could showcase his true ability. Almaqam deserves credit for nearly winning the International and can demonstrate that his performance was no fluke on a surface that should suit him.
The faster the pace, the better for Kieran Shoemark’s likable colt. Andrew Balding’s unbeaten four‑year‑old Blue Bolt can continue his golden summer in the Coolmore America ‘Justify’ Matron Stakes (3.55) at Leopardstown. Having won all four of her starts this year, she is poised to claim a third top‑level victory and confirm her superiority over Aidan O’Brien’s Precise, who has finished behind her in both the Falmouth Stakes and the Prix Rothschild. While Aidan may try to control the race with Precise and True Love well drawn, I still expect Blue Bolt to prevail.
Last year’s winner Fallen Angel, who beat Juddmonte’s star filly in the Sun Chariot, should not be dismissed either, as she will likely relish the ground that suits her. In summary, the St Leger weekend offers a blend of historic milestones, emerging talent, and seasoned champions across both Doncaster and Leopardstown.
Whether it is Pierre Bonnard’s quest for O’Brien’s tenth Classic, Blue Bolt’s bid for continued dominance, or the tightly contested handicaps, the racing calendar is packed with storylines that will keep fans glued to their screens.