Sky Sports Racing’s ambassador Hollie Doyle offers a preview of the concluding day of the St Leger Festival at Doncaster, broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing, while also highlighting the high‑quality contests that will feature on Champions’ Weekend at The Curragh. I have never hidden my admiration for Forty Years On, a filly who can instantly make a mark in top‑class company when she lines up for the feature race at Doncaster on Sunday – the Japan Racing Association Sceptre Fillies Stakes (3.05).
Her reputation for turning heads in a short time is well earned, and the Sceptre Stakes presents a perfect stage for her to demonstrate why she is regarded as one of the most promising daughters of Mayson. George Scott, who secured a victory on Friday in the Doncaster Cup aboard Caballo De Mar, sees a golden opportunity with this progressive filly. After a dominant performance in a valuable Goodwood handicap last month, where she proved far superior to her rivals, she now steps up to a higher level. The filly settles easily under pressure and, if all goes to plan, could notch her sixth win from eight starts, potentially at the expense of Shadwell’s Touleen.
Touleen brings solid Group One credentials to the race, having shown class in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot despite an unlucky run. In her previous outing in the Valiant Stakes, Forty Years On appeared a little awkward, suggesting she might benefit from a pair of cheekpieces to sharpen her focus. Meanwhile, Planet Seeker seems slightly overrated based on her York performance and a respectable fourth place in the Group 3 Oak Tree Stakes at Goodwood.
The field, therefore, offers a clear narrative: a talented, lightly‑raced filly against a mix of seasoned campaigners, making the Sceptre Stakes a compelling contest for punters and fans alike. Turning to the Betfred Mallard Handicap (3.40) on Sunday, it is hard to fault the form of Say What You See. Trainer Liam Bailey has delivered a string of rock‑solid performances this year, building on a near‑miss at Southwell and an eye‑catching run at York’s Ebor Festival where the horse surged from the back to finish a strong third over twelve furlongs.
The longer distance should suit the horse well, and the betting market reflects that confidence. Another intriguing prospect is Godolphin’s Valedictory. Though he appeared a little one‑paced over two miles at York previously, earlier in the season he demonstrated real class with back‑to‑back victories at Goodwood and Newmarket.
Now, stepping down in distance, he will be keen to prove that he can still produce a high‑level performance off his current rating. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player. I am also keen on George Boughey’s lightly‑raced Asuka in the Betfred "The Classic Bookmaker" Handicap (1.55) on Doncaster’s Sunday card.
Dropping back to six furlongs on a large galloping track should suit the Night Of Thunder gelding, who confirmed his top form over a longer trip at Chester despite a poor draw and an interrupted run that hampered his chances. Boughey’s stable mate Oliver Show also brings strong form, having run a respectable race behind the eventual Goodwood winner Inspired.
The addition of a first‑time visor adds an interesting tactical element. Langstone’s return to a more forgiving surface in the Betfred City Of Doncaster Handicap (2.30) is another story to watch. 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. Since then he has not been seen publicly, arriving on Town Moor fresher than his rivals and carrying a slightly reduced rating of 92, which could give him a competitive edge.
Zooming, a mare who will also be stepping down in class for the first time since her maiden win at Newmarket last autumn, should appreciate the more forgiving ground. She has been heavily campaigned this year and now drops into handicap company with a workable mark of 94, offering a chance for a solid run.
At The Curragh, I am eager to see Sun Goddess back at Group One level in the Moyglare Stud Stakes (2.50). After a dominant victory in a valuable sales race at York last month, where she overcame a troubled trip on the Knavesmire to win by six lengths, the filly proved her class.
The Moyglare presents a tougher test – a step up to seven furlongs on a firmer surface – but her recent Phoenix Stakes win suggests she has the stamina and speed to handle the challenge. Another key contender is Green Empress, who travelled well from the start in the Group Two Debutante Stakes last month, beating the re‑opposing Alpha, I Believe I Can Fly, and Dancing Destiny.
She looks the main danger in the field, offering a blend of speed and staying power. Starlust’s performance behind US‑based raider Bacio in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York indicates he can handle another demanding sprint in the BAR 1 Betting Flying Five Stakes (3.25) at The Curragh. Ralph Beckett’s five‑year‑old, returning from a spell at stud, appears to have rediscovered the form that earned him the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint two years ago.
Sandals’ recent form has been solid, and her flash‑finish in the Nunthorpe after repeatedly encountering mid‑race trouble shows she can still produce a winning effort. With Kieran Shoemark aboard, she could become the race’s dominant figure if circumstances align.
Juddmonte colt Monogram displayed class when winning over course and distance for Joseph O’Brien and could now step up to Group One competition in the Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes (4.00). However, his lack of experience may give an edge to Giant Sequoia, Aidan O’Brien’s first‑string colt who won the Group Two Futurity Stakes here last year and is regarded as a horse of immense potential. The son of the legendary Frankel still shows room for improvement, making him a strong candidate for a mouth‑watering renewal. Finally, the unbeaten Scandinavia, with a seven‑race winning streak, is set to enhance his reputation in the Comer Group International Irish St Leger (4.35) on Sunday.
Aidan O’Brien’s Gold Cup winner is stepping back to a mile and six furlongs, a distance that should suit him on the stiff Irish track. He will be looking to secure a fifth top‑level victory, while stable companion Jan Brueghel – another Doncaster St Leger winner – poses a serious threat after his recent Coronation Cup triumph. Both horses promise a thrilling conclusion to a festival filled with high‑quality racing and compelling storylines.