The Weekend Winners panel reconvened to share their leading selections for Saturday's St Leger Festival, with a special focus on the headline Betfred St Leger Stakes, scheduled for a 3:35 p.m. start on Sky Sports Racing. Among the horses attracting the most attention were Enceladus, currently the market favourite under the tutelage of Joseph O'Brien, and the Ballydoyle pair Christmas Day and Pierre Bonnard. Veteran rider Tom Marquand will be aboard Amelia Earhart, while Saffie Osborne takes the reins on Highway Man.
"I'm backing Christmas Day with Enceladus," one analyst began, explaining that Enceladus had been his ante‑post pick because the colt was destined for Doncaster after a solid run at Goodwood. "He possesses a beautifully progressive staying profile, even though he hasn't yet proved himself in a Classic. He's unbeaten in three starts in 2026, having captured his maiden at Cork, then the King George VI Stakes at Royal Ascot, before stepping up to Group 3 level to win the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood over just under a mile and a half." The pundit continued, noting that the horse's Royal Ascot form has aged well. "Many might have dismissed him as a well‑handicapped runner winning on a low weight of 89, but his Gordon Stakes victory showed he belongs in genuine pattern company, and he finished the race with a powerful closing run.
Bred from the Sea The Stars line, his development since being stretched out in distance points to stamina becoming his dominant attribute rather than sheer speed." The analyst argued that the step up to the St Leger's distance of one mile and six‑and‑a‑half furlongs is perfectly suited to Enceladus. "People have drawn parallels with Galileo Chrome, who also won this race for Joseph O'Brien in 2020. Christmas Day, by contrast, only triumphed in the Derby because the opposition that day was fragile and the conditions were favorable." He then turned his attention to the betting market, questioning whether the current favourite truly merits its short odds. "I'm a Christmas Day backer.
Does the favourite have enough form to justify being priced shorter than Christmas Day? In my view, the evidence is thin. Enceladus offers a compelling angle with his progressive style, and we often see horses with that profile succeed in the Leger. I wouldn't be surprised if the market swings on race day, and I anticipate some backing for Christmas Day as well." The discussion shifted to recent form and the broader race card.
The panel highlighted Almeraq's upcoming return to Ascot on Champions Day, Fairy Glen's strong chances in the John Musker Fillies' Stakes at Yarmouth, and the excitement surrounding the Eastern Festival's novice action. They also mentioned Saffie Osborne's comments on the need for more rides for talented jockeys like the Leger‑winning rider she supports, as well as the final flat meeting at Windsor.
Returning to the St Leger, the commentator reflected on a York trial that served as a stepping stone for the contenders. "If the ground turns out like it did at Epsom – soft and testing – I have no concerns.
The horse handled that surface admirably. The Irish Derby second‑place finish behind Benvenuto Cellini was respectable, and I see this as essentially a two‑horse contest now that my confidence in Pierre Bonnard has waned throughout the season. I favour the runner that has already ticked the box on the big day." He also expressed some reservations about the Ballydoyle entries, questioning whether they would improve enough over the extended distance. "My instinct tells me this Leger renewal is fairly average, and I'm not convinced the two Ballydoyle horses will make a huge leap for the trip.
I like Enceladus, but I wonder why they've fitted cheekpieces – he's looked raw and a bit behind the bridle. Perhaps the gear will settle him, but usually you don't want to brighten a horse when stretching out. Still, he appears the strongest stayer among the market leaders." A surprising turn of sentiment emerged regarding Amelia Earhart.
"I never imagined I'd back Amelia Earhart, but once you factor in her sex allowance, she becomes intriguing. She hasn't won yet, but my calculations show steady improvement.
She was the Oaks favourite after a solid Cheshire Oaks run, only to fall short. Maybe she prefers this time of year and struggles on the firmer summer ground; the cooler autumn conditions could suit her better." The panel noted that her connections have been experimenting with headgear – blinkers, a hood, and now none – indicating they are searching for the optimal setup.
"She’s a full sister to Cleveland, the Chester Cup winner, so stamina runs in her pedigree. Of all the Ballydoyle horses, she should benefit most from the longer distance, and if she does, she won't need to carry a massive weight. I’ll back her to finish in the top three at 11/2." In summary, the Weekend Winners team sees Enceladus as a strong progressive stayer with a pedigree that favors the Leger distance, while also acknowledging the potential for a betting swing toward Christmas Day. They remain cautious about the Ballydoyle duo's ability to step up, yet they are surprisingly optimistic about Amelia Earhart’s chances given her pedigree, recent gear changes, and the likely softer ground.
View the full discussion on the At The Races YouTube channel for deeper insight into each horse's form, the strategic use of equipment, and the betting angles that could shape the outcome of Saturday's classic race.