The Weekend Winners panel reconvened to share their headline picks for Saturday’s St Leger Festival, with a particular focus on the Betfred St Leger Stakes, slated for a 3:35 pm start on Sky Sports Racing. The discussion turned to the current market leaders, the horses that appear most likely to challenge for the classic title, and the jockeys who will be aboard them.
At the moment, Enceladus tops the betting charts for trainer Joseph O'Brien. The Ballydoyle stable also has two other strong contenders in the mix – Christmas Day and Pierre Bonnard – both of which are being closely examined by the pundits. Veteran rider Tom Marquand will take the reins on Amelia Earhart, while rising star Saffie Osborne is slated to ride Highwayman.
One of the panelists explained his confidence in Enceladus, noting that the horse was his ante‑post choice because it was certain to head to Doncaster after a solid performance at Goodwood. “He possesses a beautifully progressive staying profile,” the analyst said.
“He’s already three‑for‑three in 2026, having captured his maiden at Cork, then the King George VI Stakes at Royal Ascot, before stepping up to Group 3 level and winning the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood over just under a mile and a half.” The commentator added that Enceladus’s Royal Ascot form proved he was more than a well‑handicapped runner. “He won on a mark of 89, which could have led some to underestimate him, but the Gordon Stakes showed he belongs in pattern company and he finished his race with a powerful finish. He’s by Sea The Stars, and his development since moving up in distance suggests stamina is becoming his dominant attribute rather than sheer speed.” Looking ahead to the St Leger’s testing distance of a mile and six‑and‑a‑half furlongs, the panelist argued that the race is perfectly suited to Enceladus.
“People have compared him to Galileo Chrome, who O’Brien trained to win this very race in 2020. Christmas Day, on the other hand, benefitted from a weak field and favourable conditions in the Derby, so his win there may not be as convincing.” Another voice on the show identified as a Christmas Day backer. “Does the favorite really have the form to justify being shorter‑priced than Enceladus?” he asked.
“I’m not convinced. Enceladus’s progressive nature makes him a solid option, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the market swings on the day, giving Christmas Day a bit of extra support.” The broadcast also highlighted other racing stories slated for Sky Sports Racing that day, including the opening of Yarmouth’s Eastern Festival with novice action, a feature on Kevin Blake’s comments about jockeys like Saffie Osborne who need more opportunities, Windsor’s flat‑season finale, and a tribute to Osborne’s historic win as the first woman to claim a British Classic aboard Highwayman.
Turning back to the St Leger, the panel discussed the York trial run, which they view as a stepping stone toward Doncaster. “If the ground is soft, as it was at Epsom, I have no concerns – Enceladus handled that surface well,” one expert noted. “The Irish Derby second‑place finish behind Benvenuto Cellini was respectable, and I’m beginning to see this as a two‑horse contest now that my confidence in Pierre Bonnard has waned.
I prefer a horse that has already ticked the box on a big day.” A third commentator expressed a more measured outlook, describing the upcoming Leger as “a fairly average renewal” and questioning whether the two Ballydoyle entries will improve enough over the longer trip. He praised Enceladus but wondered about the decision to fit cheekpieces: “He’s looked raw and a bit behind the bridle before; perhaps the cheekpieces will help, but you usually don’t want to light a stayer up when you’re adding distance.” Nonetheless, he acknowledged that Enceladus appears to be the strongest staying prospect among the market leaders. The conversation then shifted to Amelia Earhart, a filly who has attracted attention due to her sex allowance.
“I wasn’t sure she’d be a serious contender, but my figures show she’s been improving steadily,” the analyst admitted. “She started as the favourite for the Oaks after a strong showing in the Cheshire Oaks, but she fell short there.
She may simply prefer the cooler autumn conditions rather than the firmer summer ground, so Doncaster could suit her perfectly.” Further observations were made about the headgear changes the filly has undergone. “They’ve experimented with blinkers and a hood, and now everything is off. That suggests they’ve found something that could give her a final edge,” the speaker said.
“She’s a full sister to Cleveland, the Chester Cup winner, so she has proven stamina in her pedigree. Of all the Ballydoyle horses, she might benefit most from the longer distance, and she isn’t priced heavily. I’ll back her to finish in the top three at 11/2 odds.” In summary, the Weekend Winners team presented a nuanced picture of the St Leger field: Enceladus is the market leader with a strong staying pedigree and a progressive race record; Christmas Day remains a solid alternative, especially if the betting market shifts; Pierre Bonnard has lost some favor; and Amelia Earhart could be the surprise factor, offering value for those willing to back a filly with a solid pedigree and improving form.
The panel’s insights, combined with the broader racing coverage on Sky Sports Racing, provide bettors with a comprehensive set of angles to consider as the classic approaches.