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‑grade 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 at the highest level in the feature race at Doncaster on Sunday – the Japan Racing Association Sceptre Fillies Stakes (3.05). Her talent is evident, and she has already shown she can handle the pressure of a big‑stage event. George Scott, who secured victory in Friday’s Doncaster Cup aboard Caballo De Mar, has identified a perfect opening for this exceptionally progressive daughter of Mayson.
After dominating a valuable handicap at Goodwood last month, she appeared far too strong for her rivals, and the Sceptre Stakes presents a logical next step. She settles easily under the jockey’s control and could notch her sixth win from eight starts, potentially at the expense of Shadwell’s Touleen, a filly that brings solid Group One credentials despite a disappointing run in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot. In her previous outing in the Valiant Stakes, Forty Years On looked a little unbalanced, so the addition of cheekpieces may sharpen her concentration.
By contrast, Planet Seeker seems over‑rated based solely on her York form and a respectable fourth place in the Group 3 Oak Tree Stakes at the Goodwood Festival. The balance of form suggests that Forty Years On should be the one to watch. Turning to the Betfred Mallard Handicap (3.40) on Sunday, it is hard to criticize the straightforward approach of trainer Liam Bailey, who has delivered a string of rock‑solid performances this season.
After a near‑miss at Southwell, Bailey produced an eye‑catching run at York’s Ebor Festival, where his horse surged from the rear to finish a strong third over twelve furlongs. The longer distance on the Doncaster track should suit his running style.
Today on Sky Sports Racing the flat season finale at Windsor headlines Monday’s programming, while the St Leger story continues with Saffie Osborne’s emotional reaction after her Doncaster triumph. Osborne has made history as the first woman to win a British Classic when Highwayman captured the St Leger feature at Doncaster. The Leger Festival also highlights Desert Castle at 6/1 for the 2000 Guineas after a Champagne Stakes victory at Doncaster, and there is a promising prospect in Godolphin’s Valedictory.
Although Valedictory was a little one‑paced over two miles at York, earlier in the season he proved his class with back‑to‑back wins at Goodwood and Newmarket. He now seeks to prove his worth beyond his current rating. For a smoother viewing experience, a Chrome browser is recommended for the video player.
I am also drawn to 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 not pose a problem for the Night Of Thunder gelding, who demonstrated top‑form over a longer distance at Chester when a poor draw and a disrupted run cost him a win. George holds a strong position in that race, with stablemate Oliver Show also bringing solid form. Oliver’s effort behind the eventual Goodwood winner Inspired reads well, and the addition of a first‑time visor adds an interesting tactical element.
I look 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, the three‑year‑old broke his maiden over the course and distance in the spring, then followed up on the all‑weather surface but 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 is well‑treated, carrying a slightly reduced weight of 92 pounds. Zooming should also benefit from a kinder going, making his first start since winning his maiden at Newmarket last autumn.
He has been heavily campaigned this year and now drops into handicap company for the first time, carrying a workable weight of 94 pounds. I am eager to watch Sun Goddess back at Group One level in the Moyglare Stud Stakes (2.50) at The Curragh on Sunday after her dominant performance in a valuable sales race at York last month.
Aidan O’Brien’s filly overcame traffic problems on the Knavesmire, yet her class shone through as she won by six lengths. The upcoming race will be tougher, as she steps up to seven furlongs on a firmer surface for the first time, but I am confident the Phoenix Stakes winner can rise to the challenge. Green Empress, who travelled well off a fast start in the Group Two Debutante Stakes last month, beating the re‑emerging Alpha, I Believe I Can Fly and Dancing Destiny, looks the principal threat in her upcoming start.
Starlust’s effort in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York, where he finished just behind the US‑trained Bacio, indicates he can handle another demanding race in the BAR 1 Betting Flying Five Stakes (3.25) at The Curragh. Ralph Beckett’s five‑year‑old, returning from an unproductive spell at stud, appears to have rediscovered the form that earned him the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint two years ago. Time For Sandals has posted solid recent form, and I like the way she surged home in the Nunthorpe after repeatedly encountering trouble mid‑race. If the race unfolds in her favour, she could become the horse to beat with Kieran Shoemark in the saddle.
Juddmonte colt Monogram displayed class when scoring over the course and distance for Joseph O’Brien, and I believe he can step up to Group One company in the Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes (4.00). His main limitation is experience, which could give Giant Sequoia an edge.
Aidan O’Brien’s first‑string colt captured the Group Two Futurity Stakes here last time and remains a prospect of immense potential. Given his unbeaten streak of seven races, I am excited 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 moving back to a mile and six furlongs, a distance that should suit him on a stiff track, and he can justify his short odds in pursuit of a fifth top‑level victory. His stable companion Jan Brueghel, also a Doncaster St Leger winner, poses a clear danger.
Jan Brueghel looked as good as ever when winning this season’s Coronation Cup and will relish the added test of stamina that the Irish St Leger presents. Overall, the Doncaster card offers a blend of proven talent and emerging prospects. Whether you are backing a seasoned Group winner like Forty Years On, an under‑dog with a chance such as Planet Seeker, or a rising star like Sun Goddess, the day promises excitement, drama, and plenty of betting opportunities for all levels of punters.
The combination of seasoned trainers, top‑class jockeys, and a variety of distances ensures that the final day of the St Leger Festival will be a fitting climax to a spectacular meeting.