Hollie Doyle's Blog: Backing Pierre Bonnard for O'Brien's Tenth St. Leger Victory

Sky Sports Racing ambassador Hollie Doyle is gearing up for the 250th running of the St. Leger, a marquee event that will take place at Doncaster this Saturday and be shown live on Sky Sports Racing. In her preview she not only highlights the main race but also offers a look ahead at the action coming up at Leopardstown.

The central question on everyone’s mind is which horse might stand in the way of Aidan O'Brien’s quest for a historic tenth win in the world’s oldest Classic, the Betfred St. Leger Stakes (3.35). O'Brien will have four runners in the field on this momentous anniversary, the most likely of which is the highly fancied Christmas Day. If the colt lives up to his reputation, he could become the first Derby winner to claim the St.

Leger since Reference Point did so 39 years ago. A strong challenger is expected to emerge from the stable of O'Brien’s son, Joseph, who will probably ride the impressive Enceladus. The three‑year‑old is stepping up to Group One company for the first time after a dominant display in the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot and a convincing victory in the Group Three Gordon Stakes at Goodwood.

Enceladus will be a serious test for the Ballydoyle team, but Hollie believes the Irish trainer still has a clear path to success. In her view, the decisive factor will not be Christmas Day but rather O'Brien’s hard‑knocking stablemate Pierre Bonnard. The colt finished ahead of the O'Brien runner in the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York last month, proving he possesses the stamina required for the demanding St. Leger distance.

Hollie argues that Bonnard is perfectly suited to the race’s extended trip and could write his own chapter in O'Brien’s legacy. Beyond the Classic, the card offers a wealth of other stories.

Gentle Hurricane, who was well clear of his novice win when he chased home Haffner in the Group Three Acomb Stakes at York, will contest the Betfred Champagne Stakes (1.45) at Doncaster on Saturday. Trained by Andrew Balding, the colt is expected to thrive over seven furlongs in this Group Two contest and could use the experience to launch a successful open‑age campaign. Desert Castle, who made a striking debut on the July Course at Newmarket and briefly topped the betting for the 2,000 Guineas, will be stepping up sharply in class.

While his talent is evident, the jump in grade raises questions about how he will cope with tougher opposition. Willie Muir and Chris Grassick have entered Breacher in the same race after the horse produced a promising third‑place finish in the Group Three Solario Stakes at Sandown.

That performance grants Breacher a legitimate place in the mix for the Champagne Stakes. The weekend also features a historic moment for jockey Saffie Osborne, who will become the first woman to win a British Classic after her ride on Highwayman clinches the St. Leger at Doncaster.

The emotional significance of the achievement was highlighted in a Sky Sports Racing feature that chronicled Osborne’s journey and her reaction to the victory. In the sprint division, MORE THUNDER will attempt to bounce back in the Group Two Betfred Park Stakes (2.55) over seven furlongs. The horse finished strongly in the Prix Jacques le Marois but struggled to stay the distance; a shorter trip should suit his speed and give him a chance to return to the winner’s enclosure.

Qirat, who produced a superb effort to finish second in the Celebration Mile at Goodwood, is expected to set a strong tempo in the same race, with Witness Stand likely to follow suit. Tom Marquand’s mount, however, possesses the class to outstay both rivals and take the prize.

At longer odds, Kevin Ryan’s Volterra is a tempting pick. The gelding is making his first start since being gelded and has been thrown straight into a competitive handicap after a runner‑up finish to Docklands at Doncaster in March.

The gamble could pay off if he finds his rhythm. The Betfred Portland Handicap (2.20) presents another puzzle. Jack Channon’s GETREADYTORUMBLE has shown versatility this season, performing well in both Listed and Group contests and winning a five‑furlong sprint at Ascot in July.

To claim this race he will need to overcome a career‑high rating, but his class makes him a credible contender. Channon’s rival, last year’s winner Eternal Sunshine, looks sharp under a modest five‑pound allowance from trainer Laura Young.

The mare and her stablemate Toca Madera, who has endured a series of near‑misses at Goodwood and York, both deserve a big handicap win after consistent performances. Turning to Leopardstown, the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes (5.00) on Saturday promises a thrilling showdown. The first three finishers from last month’s Juddmonte International will likely clash again, with Item, who edged out Almaqam in that fierce duel, needing to prove his ability on the softer Irish surface.

Aidan O'Brien’s CONSTITUTION RIVER will aim to silence critics after a lackluster run on the Knavesmire. The colt, a brilliant French Derby and Eclipse winner, was unable to settle early in the International; a better trip and a calm ride from Ryan Moore could unleash his true potential.

Almaqam, who was narrowly denied victory in the International, will look to confirm that his performance was no fluke. The horse thrives on firm ground and a fast pace, conditions that should suit him well at Leopardstown. Andrew Balding’s BLUE BOLT remains unbeaten in four starts this year and will contest the Coolmore America ‘Justify’ Matron Stakes (3.55) at Leopardstown. The filly has already demonstrated superiority over Aidan O'Brien’s PRECIS, who has finished behind her in both the Falmouth Stakes and the Prix Rothschild.

While O'Brien may try to control the race with both PRECIS and True Love well placed, Balding expects BLUE BOLT to prevail. Last year’s winner FALLEN ANGEL, who beat the Juddmonte star filly in the Sun Chariot, should not be dismissed.

The mare enjoys the soft ground expected at Leopardstown and could be a factor in the final stages. Overall, the weekend offers a rich tapestry of storylines: a historic St.

Leger milestone for Aidan O’Brien, a groundbreaking Classic win for Saffie Osborne, and a series of compelling handicaps and Group races that will keep racing fans glued to their screens. Hollie Doyle’s insights provide a roadmap for navigating the excitement, and with the added video player compatibility for Chrome, viewers can enjoy every moment in high‑definition clarity.