Sky Sports Racing ambassador Hollie Doyle is gearing up for the 250th running of the St. Leger at Doncaster this Saturday, with a strong undercard that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing.
She also takes a moment to preview the action at Leopardstown. The big question on everyone’s mind is which horse could challenge 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 has entered four runners to celebrate the race’s quarter‑century milestone, the most likely of which is the hot favourite Christmas Day. The colt is aiming to become the first Derby winner to capture the St. Leger since Reference Point did it 39 years ago. A strong contender from the O'Brien stable is his son, Joseph O'Brien, who is slated to ride the well‑regarded Enceladus.
Enceladus is stepping up to Group One company for the first time after impressive displays in the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Group Three Gordon Stakes at Goodwood. He could prove to be the most serious threat to the Ballydoyle party. Nevertheless, I am convinced that O'Brien will complete the double, not with Christmas Day but with his reliable stablemate Pierre Bonnard. Bonnard finished ahead of Christmas Day in the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York last month, a race that highlighted his stamina and determination.
The St. Leger’s demanding distance is exactly the test Bonnard has been craving, and a win would allow him to carve his own place in racing history. For a smoother viewing experience, please use the Chrome browser for the video player.
Turning to the other races on the card, Gentle Hurricane, who left his novice win far behind when he chased home Haffner in the Group Three Acomb Stakes at York last month, is set to try for a better effort in the Betfred Champagne Stakes (1.45) on Saturday. Trained by Andrew Balding, the colt will be in familiar territory over seven furlongs at Doncaster in this Group Two event, and his prior experience should serve him well in an open renewal. The likely favourite Desert Castle made a striking debut on the July Course at Newmarket, propelling himself to the front of the 2,000 Guineas betting. However, the step up in class for the St.
Leger is considerable, and it raises questions about whether he can handle the longer distance and stronger competition. Willie Muir and Chris Grassick have entered Breacher, who earned a promising third place in the Group Three Solario Stakes at Sandown. That performance has earned him a spot in the mix for the St.
Leger, and he could be a dark horse on the day. Other highlights on Sky Sports Racing today include the opening of Yarmouth’s Eastern Festival with exciting novice action, a feature on Saffie Osborne’s comments about giving more chances to jockeys like Leger winner, and the flat‑season finale at Windsor. Saffie Osborne made history by becoming the first woman to win a British Classic when Highwayman clinched the Doncaster feature, and she later fought back tears in a moving post‑race interview. In the Group Two Betfred Park Stakes (2.55) on Saturday, MORE THUNDER, who has struggled in top‑mile races this year, will get a fresh chance over seven furlongs.
He was unable to stay the distance in the Prix Jacques le Marois last month, but a strongly run seven‑furlong trip should suit his speed and stamina blend. Qirat, who ran a big race to finish second in the Celebration Mile at Goodwood, is expected to set a relentless, end‑to‑end tempo, with Witness Stand likely to follow suit. My husband Tom Marquand’s mount has the class to outstay them both.
At longer odds, I would like to see Kevin Ryan’s Volterra deliver a standout performance on his first start since being gelded. It is unusual to drop a horse straight into a race of this calibre after a second‑place finish to Docklands at the same track in March, but the potential reward is enticing.
The Betfred Portland Handicap (2.20) on Saturday presents a tough puzzle, yet I think Jack Channon’s GET READY TO RUMBLE has the speed and determination to prevail. The four‑year‑old has handled tough assignments in Listed and Group company this year and proved his mettle in a five‑furlong sprint at Ascot in July, beating all but one rival.
He will need to overcome a career‑high rating, but his class gives him an edge. I slightly favor him over last year’s winner Eternal Sunshine, who will be carrying a modest five‑pound claim from trainer Laura Young. Both horses enjoyed a good win at Hamilton in their last outings, while my personal favourite 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 showdown, with the first three finishers from last month’s Juddmonte International set to clash again. Item, who surged past Almaqam in that dramatic duel, must prove his ability on the firmer Leopardstown surface, while Aidan O’Brien’s Constitution River will be looking to silence critics after a lackluster performance on the Knavesmire. I am prepared to forgive the brilliant French Derby and Eclipse winner who was out‑paced early in the International; if Ryan Moore can settle him better, the colt can showcase his true talent. Almaqam, who narrowly missed winning the International, deserves credit and can demonstrate that his near‑miss was no fluke on a track that suits him.
The faster they run, the better for Kieran Shoemark’s likable colt. Andrew Balding should be able to extend his golden summer with the outstanding BLUE BOLT in the Coolmore America ‘Justify’ Matron Stakes (3.55) at Leopardstown on Saturday.
Unbeaten in four starts this year, Blue Bolt can secure a third Group‑level victory by confirming her superiority over Aidan O’Brien’s Precise, who has finished behind her in both the Falmouth Stakes and the Prix Rothschild. Aidan could try to dictate the race with Precise and True Love well‑drawn, but 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; the ground at Leopardstown is expected to suit her, giving her a genuine chance to add another win to her record. Overall, the Saturday card offers a blend of seasoned champions, rising stars, and intriguing handicaps, all set against the historic backdrop of the 250th St. Leger and the vibrant atmosphere of Leopardstown. Hollie Doyle’s insights highlight the key narratives and potential upsets, making this a must‑watch day for racing enthusiasts.