Hollie Doyle's Column: Backing Pierre Bonnard for a Tenth St. Leger Triumph for Aidan O'Brien

Sky Sports Racing’s ambassador Hollie Doyle is gearing up for the 250th running of the St. Leger and a thrilling undercard at Doncaster this Saturday, all broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. She also gives us a quick glance at what’s happening at Leopardstown. The big question on everyone’s mind is who could possibly stand in the way of Aidan O'Brien clinching a historic tenth victory 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, including the hot favourite Christmas Day, who is aiming to become the first Derby winner to capture the St. Leger since Reference Point did it 39 years ago.

The most likely challenger to spoil the Ballydoyle party appears to be O'Brien’s own son, Joseph, with the impressive Enceladus. Enceladus is stepping up to Group One level for the first time after a strong showing in the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot and a solid performance in the Group Three Gordon Stakes at Goodwood.

The colt’s recent form suggests he could be a serious threat. Nevertheless, I remain convinced that Aidan will complete the feat, not with Christmas Day but with his reliable stablemate Pierre Bonnard. Pierre Bonnard finished ahead of Christmas Day in the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York last month, a race that tested stamina more rigorously than the St. Leger itself.

That performance shows he thrives over long distances and could write his own chapter of history by delivering O'Brien’s tenth Classic win. --- **Other Highlights on the Card** *Gentle Hurricane* turned his novice win into a dominant effort when he chased home Haffner in the Group Three Acomb Stakes at York last month. He now has a chance to improve on that performance in the Betfred Champagne Stakes (1.45) at Doncaster on Saturday.

Trained by Andrew Balding, the colt is perfectly suited to the seven‑furlong distance and should be able to use his experience in a Group Two contest to great effect. *Desert Castle* made a striking debut on the July Course at Newmarket, soaring to the top of the 2,000 Guineas betting.

However, the step up in class for the St. Leger is substantial, and it remains to be seen whether his early promise can translate to the longer trip and tougher competition.

*Breacher*, entered by Willie Muir and Chris Grassick, is another horse to watch after a promising third place in the Group Three Solario Stakes at Sandown. That performance earned him a place in the mix for the St.

Leger, and he could be a useful factor in the race’s outcome. --- **Racing Round‑up** - *Almeraq* is set for an Ascot return on Champions Day. - *Fairy Glen* is well fancied in the John Musker Fillies’ Stakes at Yarmouth.

- The Eastern Festival at Yarmouth kicks off with exciting novice action. - Saffie Osborne, fresh from her St.

Leger win, fought back tears in an emotional post‑race interview, with Kevin Blake noting there are plenty of talented jockeys waiting for their chance. - Windsor’s flat season finale headlines Monday’s action. - The St. Leger itself produced a historic moment as Saffie Osborne became the first woman to win the race in decades, prompting an outpouring of support from the racing community.

--- **Seven‑Furlong Group Two: Betfred Park Stakes (2.55)** More Thunder has struggled in top‑mile contests this year, but the return to seven furlongs in the Betfred Park Stakes on Saturday could see him back in the winner’s enclosure. He was unable to stay the mile‑plus distance in the Prix Jacques le Marois last month, so a shorter, sharper trip should suit his speed‑type profile. *Qirat*, who was runner‑up in the Celebration Mile at Goodwood, will likely set a strong, end‑to‑end tempo alongside *Witness Stand*. However, Tom Marquand’s mount – the horse he rides in the race – possesses the class to overhaul both rivals if the pace suits him.

At longer odds, I’d love to see Kevin Ryan’s *Volterra* give a big effort on his first start since being gelded. It’s a bold move to drop him straight into a Group Two contest after a second‑place finish to *Docklands* at the same track back in March, but the potential upside is huge. --- **Handicap Action: Betfred Portland Handicap (2.20)** The Portland Handicap on Saturday is a tricky puzzle, but my tip is Jack Channon’s *GETREADYTORUMBLE*. The four‑year‑old has performed admirably in Listed and Group company this season and proved his mettle in a five‑furlong sprint at Ascot in July, beating all but one rival.

To win, he will need to rise above his career‑high rating, but his class gives him a genuine chance. I slightly favour him over last year’s winner *Eternal Sunshine*, who will be carrying a modest five‑pound allowance from trainer Laura Young. Both horses tuned up with a solid win at Hamilton, and *Toca Madera* also deserves a big handicap win after a series of near‑misses at Goodwood and York. --- **Leopardstown – Irish Champion Stakes (5.00)** The Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on Saturday promises a blockbuster showdown, with the first three finishers from last month’s Juddmonte International set to clash again.

*Item*, who turned the tables on *Almaqam* in that dramatic duel, must prove he can handle the stiffer Leopardstown surface as well as he did at York. Meanwhile, Aidan O’Brien’s *CONSTITUTION RIVER* is looking to silence his critics after a lacklustre run on the Knavesmire. I’m prepared to forgive the French Derby and Eclipse winner for a disappointing performance earlier in the season; if Ryan Moore can settle him better, the colt could demonstrate why he was once considered a great prospect. *Almaqam* earned huge credit for almost winning the International, and the Leopardstown course should suit his turn of foot.

The faster the pace, the better for Kieran Shoemark’s likable colt. --- **Matron Stakes (3.55) – Coolmore America ‘Justify’** Andrew Balding can continue his golden summer with the unbeaten *BLUE BOLT* in the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown. The filly is unbeaten in four starts this year and looks poised to claim her third Group‑One 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.

Even though *Precise* and *True Love* are well drawn, I still expect *Blue Bolt* to prevail. Last year’s winner *Fallen Angel* also remains a factor; she beat Juddmonte’s star filly in the Sun Chariot last season and should not be dismissed on a surface that suits her.

--- **Final Thoughts** The St. Leger weekend is shaping up to be a festival of high‑quality racing across two venues. From the historic quest for Aidan O’Brien’s tenth Classic win with Pierre Bonnard, to the exciting under‑card contests featuring rising stars like Gentle Hurricane and Desert Castle, there is plenty for punters and fans to analyse. Meanwhile, Leopardstown offers its own drama with the Irish Champion Stakes and Matron Stakes providing marquee moments.

Whether you are a seasoned tipster or a casual observer, the blend of seasoned champions and emerging talent promises a weekend of unforgettable racing moments. Keep an eye on the form, watch the ground conditions, and enjoy the spectacle that only a quarter‑century celebration of the St. Leger can deliver.