Sky Sports Racing’s ambassador Hollie Doyle is gearing up for the concluding day of the St Leger Festival at Doncaster, broadcasting live on Sky Sports Racing alongside the premier action of Champions’ Weekend at The Curragh. In her preview, Doyle openly expresses her admiration for the filly Forty Years On, a horse that has the ability to make an immediate impression when stepping up to pattern level in the feature race at Doncaster on Sunday – the Japan Racing Association Sceptre Fillies Stakes, offered at odds of 3.05. Trainer George Scott, fresh from his triumph in Friday’s Doncaster Cup with Caballo De Mar, has identified a prime opportunity for this exceptionally progressive daughter of Mayson. Forty Years On was clearly outclassing her opponents in a valuable Goodwood handicap last month, suggesting she is ready for a step up.
Doyle notes that the filly handles the ground with ease and could secure her sixth win from eight starts, potentially at the expense of Shadwell’s Touleen, a proven Group One performer whose recent effort in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot was hampered by bad luck. Although Forty Years On appeared a little awkward in her previous start in the Valiant Stakes, Doyle believes that a simple equipment change – the addition of cheekpieces – could sharpen her focus.
She also points out that the rival Planet Seeker may be over‑rated, having relied heavily on a good York run and a respectable fourth place in the Group 3 Oak Tree Stakes at the Goodwood Festival. Turning to the Betfred Mallard Handicap (3.40) on Sunday, Doyle praises the consistency of trainer Liam Bailey, whose horse has delivered a string of solid performances this year. After a near‑miss at Southwell, the horse produced an eye‑catching effort at York’s Ebor Festival, coming from well off the pace to finish a strong third over twelve furlongs. That stamina should serve it well over the longer distance on the Doncaster track.
In the broader racing roundup, Doyle highlights several upcoming fixtures: Almeraq is set for an Ascot return on Champions Day; Deep Havana and Pilu will clash at Yarmouth; Fairy Glen is well‑fancied in the John Musker Fillies’ Stakes at Yarmouth; and the Eastern Festival at Yarmouth promises exciting novice action. She also references a comment from Kevin Blake, who says there are many more jockeys like Leger winner Saffie Osborne who simply need an opportunity. The Godolphin entry Valedictory, who was a little one‑paced over two miles at York last time, could be a pleasant surprise.
Earlier in the season Valedictory displayed real class with back‑to‑back victories at Goodwood and Newmarket, and now has something to prove after a modest recent run. Doyle also recommends George Boughey’s lightly raced Asuka in the Betfred "The Classic Bookmaker" Handicap (1.55) on Doncaster’s Sunday card.
Dropping back to six furlongs on a large galloping track should suit Asuka, especially after the Night Of Thunder gelding proved his top‑form over a longer trip at Chester when a poor draw and an interrupted run hampered his chances. She notes that George has a strong hand in the race, with stablemate Oliver Show also bringing good form. Oliver Show’s effort behind the eventual winner Inspired at Goodwood suggests he could be a factor, and the first‑time use of a visor adds an intriguing tactical element. Looking ahead to the Betfred City of Doncaster Handicap (2.30) on Sunday, Doyle is eager to see Langstone return to a more forgiving surface.
Trained by Clive Cox, the three‑year‑old broke his maiden over the course and distance in the spring and then performed well on all‑weather, though he disliked the fast ground in the Britannia at Royal Ascot. Having not raced publicly since, Langstone arrives fresher than his rivals and is well‑treated, now carrying a slightly reduced rating of 92. Zooming, another Cox trainee, should also benefit from a kinder going.
The filly won her maiden at Newmarket last autumn and has been heavily campaigned this year. Dropping into handicap company for the first time at a workable rating of 94 could see her thrive.
Doyle can’t wait to watch Sun Goddess return to Group One company in the Moyglare Stud Stakes (2.50) at The Curragh on Sunday after a dominant win in a valuable sales race at York last month. Aidan O’Brien’s filly overcame trouble at Doncaster but still produced an impressive six‑length victory. The step up to seven furlongs on a firmer surface will be tougher, yet the Phoenix Stakes winner appears fully capable of handling the challenge.
In the Group Two Debutante Stakes last month, Green Empress travelled well from the start, beating the likes of Alpha, Ibelieveicanfly and Dancing Destiny, and now looks the main threat in her upcoming race. Starlust’s performance behind US‑trained Bacio in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York suggests he can contest another high‑profile contest in the BAR 1 Betting Flying Five Stakes (3.25) at The Curragh. Ralph Beckett’s five‑year‑old, returning from an unproductive spell at stud, seems to have rediscovered the form that earned him the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint two years ago. SANDALS has shown solid form in her last two outings, and her flash‑home finish in the Nunthorpe after encountering mid‑race trouble impressed Doyle.
If the race unfolds favorably, she could become the one to beat with Kieran Shoemark aboard. Juddmonte colt Monogram displayed class when winning over course and distance for Joseph O’Brien and could step up to Group One competition in the Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes (4.00).
However, his lack of experience may give an edge to Giant Sequoia, Aidan O’Brien’s first‑string runner who won the Group Two Futurity Stakes at the same venue last time and is widely regarded as 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 Doyle’s vote for a thrilling renewal.
With a seven‑race unbeaten streak, Scandinavia is poised to 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 the stiff Curragh track, and he could justify his short odds in pursuit of a fifth top‑level victory. Stable companion Jan Brueghel, also a Doncaster St Leger winner, presents a clear threat.
After winning this season’s Coronation Cup, Jan Brueghel will relish the added test of stamina. Doyle concludes that the day promises a blend of seasoned champions and emerging talent, making the final day of the St Leger Festival a must‑watch for any racing enthusiast.