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, while also highlighting the top‑class contests scheduled for Champions’ Weekend at The Curragh. I have never hidden my admiration for Forty Years On, a filly who can instantly make a mark in high‑class company when she lines up for the feature race at Doncaster this Sunday – the Japan Racing Association Sceptre Fillies Stakes (3.05). Her recent performances have shown she possesses the class and composure to take on the best, and I expect her to be a serious contender.
George Scott, fresh from his triumph in Friday’s Doncaster Cup aboard Caballo De Mar, has identified a perfect opportunity for this exceptionally progressive daughter of Mayson. She was far superior to her rivals in a valuable Goodwood handicap last month, and her connections are keen to see her step up to a Group‑level test. The filly settles easily under the saddle and could notch her sixth win in eight starts, potentially at the expense of Shadwell’s Touleen, who arrives with solid Group‑One credentials after a disappointing run in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot. Touleen looked a little uneasy in her last outing in the Valiant Stakes, so a pair of cheekpieces might sharpen her focus.
By contrast, Planet Seeker appears over‑valued based largely on her York form and a respectable fourth place in the Group 3 Oak Tree Stakes at the Goodwood Festival. The market may be rewarding her past performances a bit too generously. Turning to the Betfred Mallard Handicap (3.40) on Sunday, there is little to criticize about SAY WHAT YOU SEE, who has been a model of consistency for trainer Liam Bailey this season. After a near‑miss at Southwell, he produced an eye‑catching run at York’s Ebor Festival, closing strongly from well off the pace to finish third over twelve furlongs.
A longer trip should suit him well, and his form suggests he could be a strong contender. Racing round‑up: Almeraq is slated for an Ascot return on Champions’ Day. Today on Sky Sports Racing: Fairy Glen is among the favourites in the John Musker Fillies’ Stakes at Yarmouth, while the Eastern Festival at Yarmouth kicks off with exciting novice action.
Saffie Osborne: "There are plenty more jockeys like the Leger‑winning Saffie who just need a chance," says Kevin Blake. Today on Sky Sports Racing: Windsor’s flat season finale headlines Monday’s card. St Leger: History‑maker Saffie Osborne fights back tears after her Doncaster triumph.
There may also be a worthwhile run for Godolphin’s Valedictory, who was a touch one‑paced over two miles at York previously but showed genuine class earlier in the season with back‑to‑back victories at Goodwood and Newmarket. He will be looking to prove a point off his current rating.
Please use a Chrome browser for the best video‑player experience. I am also keen on 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 displayed top‑form over a longer distance at Chester when a poor draw and a disrupted run compromised his chances. George has a strong hand in the race, with stable‑mate Oliver Show also bringing solid form.
Oliver’s effort behind the eventual winner Inspired at Goodgoods last time reads well, and the first‑time visor adds an interesting tactical element. I am looking forward to seeing LANGSTONE return to a more forgiving surface in the Betfred City Of Doncaster Handicap (2.30) on Sunday.
Clive Cox’s three‑year‑old broke his maiden over the course and distance in the spring, then followed up on the all‑weather surface but did not relish the firm ground in the Britannia at Royal Ascot. He has been off the track since, so he arrives at Town Moor fresher than his rivals and should be well‑treated off a slightly reduced rating of 92. Zooming should also benefit from a kinder going, making his first start on a softer surface 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 off a workable rating of 94.
I cannot wait to watch SUN GODDESS step back up to Group One level in the Moyglare Stud Stakes (2.50) at The Curragh on Sunday after her dominant display in a valuable sales race at York last month. Aidan O’Brien’s filly overcame traffic problems on the Knavesmire, but her class shone through as she won by an impressive six lengths. This will be a sterner test, as she tackles seven furlongs for the first time on a firmer track, yet I am confident the Phoenix Stakes winner can rise to the occasion.
Green Empress travelled well from the start in the Group Two Debutante Stakes over the course and distance last month, beating the re‑opened Alpha, Ibelieveicanfly and Dancing Destiny, and now looks the primary threat in her upcoming race. The way Starlust finished behind US‑based Bacio in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York tells me he can handle another demanding contest in the BAR 1 Betting Flying Five Stakes (3.25) at The Curragh.
Ralph Beckett’s five‑year‑old returned from a spell at stud and appears to have rediscovered the form that earned him the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint two years ago. TIME FOR SANDALS has shown solid form in her last two runs, and I liked the way she surged home in the Nunthorpe after repeatedly encountering traffic mid‑race.
If the race unfolds in her favour, she could become the one to beat with Kieran Shoemark aboard. Juddmonte colt Monogram displayed class when scoring over the course and distance for Joseph O’Brien and could step up to Group One company with ease in the Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes (4.00).
However, his lack of experience may give GIANT SEQUOIA an edge. Aidan O’Brien’s first string won the Group Two Futurity Stakes here last time and is clearly a colt of immense potential.
Based on that performance, the son of the great Frankel still has room for improvement and could make a significant impact at the highest level, earning my vote for a mouth‑watering renewal. With a seven‑race unbeaten streak, I am eager 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 stepping 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 threat. Jan Brueghel looked as good as ever when winning this season’s Coronation Cup and will relish the added test of stamina. Overall, the final day at Doncaster promises a mix of seasoned Group performers and rising stars, each looking to capitalize on their form and the unique conditions of the festival.
Whether you are backing a proven Group winner or a promising handicap contender, there will be plenty of opportunities to back a winner and enjoy top‑quality racing.