Sky Sports Racing’s ambassador, Hollie Doyle, is gearing up for a momentous occasion at Doncaster this Saturday – the 250th running of the St Leger, the world’s oldest Classic race, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. In her latest blog post, Doyle not only marks the historic milestone but also offers a detailed preview of the undercard and a look ahead to the action at Leopardstown. The central storyline at Doncaster revolves around Aidan O’Brien’s quest for a tenth St Leger triumph.
The Ballydoyle legend has entered four horses in the race, and the most talked‑about contender is the highly‑rated Christmas Day. If the colt lives up to his reputation, he could become the first Derby winner to also capture the St Leger since Reference Point did the double 39 years ago. Christmas Day arrives at the start as the odds‑on favourite, but the race is never a foregone conclusion, especially with strong opposition waiting in the wings. One of the most intriguing challengers comes from Aidan’s own son, Joseph O’Brien, who is slated to ride the impressive Enceladus.
The three‑year‑old is stepping up to Group One company for the first time after a dominant display in the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot and a solid performance in the Group Three Gordon Stakes at Goodwood. Enceladus possesses a blend of stamina and turn of foot that could make him a genuine threat to the Ballydoyle stable. While many pundits will focus on Christmas Day and Enceladus, Doyle believes the real chance to secure O’Brien’s historic tenth win lies with another stablemate – Pierre Bonnard. The colt finished a close second to Christmas Day in the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York last month, a race that often serves as a key trial for the St Leger.
Doyle argues that the longer distance of the Leger, a demanding test of stamina, suits Pierre Bonnard perfectly. She contends that the horse has been “crying out for” a race of this length and that a win would allow O’Brien to write a new chapter in his illustrious career. In addition to the main feature, the undercard promises plenty of excitement. GENTLE HURRICANE, after a convincing novice win, chased home Haffner in the Group Three Acomb Stakes at York and now targets the Betfred Champagne Stakes (1 m 45 s) at Doncaster.
Trained by Andrew Balding, the colt will be in familiar territory over seven furlongs, a distance that plays to his strengths and could see him improve on his recent form. Another notable name is Desert Castle, who impressed on debut at Newmarket’s July Course and briefly topped the betting for the 2,000 Guineas.
The step up to Group Two level in the St Leger is a significant test, and Doyle questions whether the colt can handle the increased class and distance. Willie Muir and Chris Grassick have also entered their promising three‑year‑old Breacher, who finished a close third in the Group Three Solario Stakes at Sandown.
That performance earned him a spot in the Leger field and suggests he could be a factor in the finishing order. Beyond Doncaster, Doyle highlights a host of races on Sky Sports Racing’s schedule. At Newbury, the clash between Spy Chief and Catullus will headline Friday’s card, while the Champions Day meeting at Ascot sees Almeraq returning to the track.
Yarmouth will host a busy day featuring Deep Havana versus Pilu, and the John Musker Fillies’ Stakes will showcase Fairy Glen as a strong contender. The Eastern Festival at Yarmouth kicks off with a series of novice contests that promise to unearth new talent.
Turning to the Group Two Betfred Park Stakes (2 m 55 s) at Doncaster, Doyle believes MORE THUNDER could rebound after a less‑than‑ideal performance in top‑mile races. The horse showed brilliance in the Prix Jacques le Marois but struggled to stay the longer distance. A strongly‑run seven‑furlong trip should suit his acceleration.
Qirat, who was runner‑up in the Celebration Mile at Goodwood, is expected to deliver a relentless, end‑to‑end gallop, with Witness Stand also in the mix. However, Tom Marquand’s mount – a colt with the class to overtake them – could turn the tables.
At longer odds, Kevin Ryan’s Volterra is a tempting gamble. The gelding is making his first start since being gelded, having finished a close second to Docklands at Doncaster in March. Doyle notes the boldness of pitching him straight into a high‑class contest but sees potential for a rewarding upset. The Betfred Portland Handicap (2 m 20 s) on Saturday presents another puzzle.
Jack Channon’s GETREADYTORUMBLE, a four‑year‑old who has handled tough assignments in Listed and Group company this year, could pull off a surprise. He previously won a five‑furlong sprint at Ascot in July, beating all but one rival, and may be able to overcome a career‑high rating to claim victory.
Comparatively, last year’s winner Eternal Sunshine appears to be in good form under 5‑lb claimer Laura Young. Both horses tuned up with a win at Hamilton, and Toca Madera, a favourite of the author, deserves a big handicap win after a series of near‑misses at Goodwood and York. Leopardstown also promises high‑octane action on Saturday, with the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes (5 m) set to deliver a thrilling showdown.
The first three finishers from last month’s Juddmonte International – Item, Almaqam, and others – will clash once again. Item, who reversed the order with Almaqam in that “Titanic duel,” must prove his potency on the stiffer Leopardstown surface. Meanwhile, Aidan O’Brien’s Constitution River aims to silence critics after a lackluster run on the Knavesmire.
Doyle believes that if Ryan Moore can settle the colt better, the horse will showcase his true class. Almaqam, who narrowly missed out on the International, will look to confirm that his performance was no fluke.
The track and ground conditions at Leopardstown suit his style, and a faster pace would play into the hands of Kieran Shoemark’s likable colt. Andrew Balding’s Blue Bolt is another standout at Leopardstown.
Unbeaten in four starts this year, the filly targets the Coolmore America ‘Justify’ Matron Stakes (3 m 55 s) and aims to secure a third Group‑One victory, cementing her superiority over Aidan O’Brien’s Precise, who has finished behind her in both the Falmouth Stakes and the Prix Rothschild. While O’Brien could dictate the race with Precise and True Love well drawn, Doyle remains confident that Blue Bolt will prevail. Finally, last year’s winner Fallen Angel, who beat Juddmonte’s star filly in the Sun Chariot, should not be dismissed. The filly enjoys ground that suits her, and Doyle believes she remains a credible contender.
In summary, Hollie Doyle’s blog offers a comprehensive preview of the 250th St Leger, emphasizing Pierre Bonnard as the key to Aidan O’Brien’s tenth Classic triumph, while also highlighting a wealth of supporting races across Doncaster, Newbury, Ascot, Yarmouth, and Leopardstown. Her insights blend form analysis, tactical considerations, and a touch of personal optimism, providing racing fans with a rich narrative to follow on the day of the historic event.