The closing day of the Betfred St Leger Festival brings an exciting head‑to‑head between two of the season's most promising fillies: Toulee n and Forty Years On. The highlight of the programme is the Group 3 Japan Racing Association Sceptre Fillies' Stakes, where the two rivals will test each other over the classic distance at Doncaster.
Touleen, currently the highest‑rated runner for trainer Owen Burrows and now partnered with new jockey David Probert, has demonstrated the ability to produce top‑class performances when everything clicks. Despite that, she has suffered two defeats in her most recent outings, both at the same level as today’s race. Her connections have decided to add cheekpieces to her tack in an effort to sharpen her focus and finally secure a stakes victory. Many observers feel she was unlucky in her loss to Precise in the Coronation Stakes earlier in the campaign, so there is a strong belief that she is due a win.
On the opposite side, George Scott’s Forty Years On has been on a rapid upward trajectory. She has won each of her last two starts and showed a turn of foot that impressed on the same course and distance earlier in the season. That recent display suggests she will be a formidable opponent in what is expected to be a hot, fast race.
The filly’s profile has risen quickly, and she will be keen to add another Group win to her resume. The market also contains several each‑way contenders. Darnation and The Prettiest Star are both listed as solid support for the front‑runners, while the 102‑rated Magic Basma hopes to rediscover the form that saw her win on debut more than a dozen starts ago.
A strong entry in the Betfred City of Doncaster Handicap is Wechaad, who will be sent out by the Roger Varian stable. This son of Oasis Dream, a winner over the same course and distance last season, has been placed in a few respectable defeats and appears to be building toward a more competitive effort. After a third‑place finish at Newmarket, his connections are confident he can step up on a track that suits his pedigree. The day’s racing will also be highlighted on Sky Sports Racing with a series of special features.
The St Leger itself will make headlines as Saffie Osborne becomes the first woman to win a British Classic, riding Highwayman to victory at Doncaster. Osborne’s emotional post‑race interview captured the historic moment, and the story will be featured across the network’s coverage. In other news, Desert Castle, currently priced at 6/1, is being tipped for the 2000 Guineas after a strong showing in the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster. Meanwhile, jockey Hollie Doyle shared a blog entry expressing her admiration for Forty Years On ahead of the Sceptre Stakes, underscoring the filly’s growing reputation among industry insiders.
The Betfred Mallard Handicap will see Valedictory and Say What You See lead a nine‑horse field. Valedictory, trained by John and Thady Gosden, has been a consistent summer performer, winning two of six starts.
After a slightly disappointing run at York, his connections have fitted a visor for today’s race in the hope of sharpening his concentration. Say What You See, a son of Belardo, has been upgraded after another impressive effort at York and could be a serious threat if he replicates that form. Other notable runners include Ernst Blofeld, who has long hinted at greater ability, and lightly‑raced All In You, both of whom could provide value for punters seeking an outsider. Over at Town Moor, the Betfred "The Classic Bookmaker" Handicap at 1.55 pm will be led by Asuka, who is expected to be a popular choice for the George Boughey‑Billy Loughnane partnership.
Opposing her is Completely Random, a horse that finished fourth in the Stewards' Cup and has been given a 2‑lb weight increase to 104 for this contest. Further south at Bath, the afternoon will feature two sprint and stamina contests.
Dark Sun and Geemann will clash in the Loud Hire Production Services Bath Summer Sprint Series Final Handicap at 3.50 pm, following the 3.15 pm Staging Hire Bath Summer Stayers' Series Final Handicap, which is headlined by Boilermaker. Across the English Channel, French racing action continues with Francis‑Henri Graffard’s Rayevka taking centre stage in the Prix du Petit Couvert at 1.33 pm. Attention will then shift to the Prix du Pin at 2.50 pm and the Prix du Prince d'Orange at 3.25 pm, where Daryzan will meet Phineas in what promises to be a competitive finish.
Overall, the final day of the St Leger Festival offers a rich tapestry of storylines: a historic classic win, a potential breakthrough for Touleen, a rising star in Forty Years On, and a host of supporting races that provide opportunities for both seasoned and emerging talent. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports Racing, and the latest updates, interviews, and expert analysis will be available throughout the day, ensuring that no moment of this thrilling festival is missed.