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 pm start on Sky Sports Racing. The conversation turned to the current market leaders and the jockeys slated to ride them, offering a detailed look at form, pedigree, and tactical considerations. At the moment, Enceladus commands the betting market for trainer Joseph O'Brien, while the Ballydoyle stable has placed both Christmas Day and Pierre Bonnard in the mix. Veteran rider Tom Marquand is set to partner Amelia Earhart, and Saffie Osborne will be aboard Highway Man.
One panelist explained his reasoning for backing Enceladus, noting that the horse was his ante‑post choice because it was already earmarked for a Doncaster run after a successful spell at Goodwood. "He possesses a lovely, progressive staying profile rather than having already proven himself in classic races," the expert said. "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 commentator added that Enceladus’s Royal Ascot performance was a key indicator of genuine class. "Some might have dismissed him as a well‑handicapped horse winning on a low weight of 89, but the Gordon Stakes showed he belongs in pattern company and finished strongly.
He’s by Sea The Stars, and his progression since moving up in distance suggests stamina is becoming his primary asset, not outright speed." Looking ahead to the St Leger distance of one mile and six‑and‑a‑half furlongs, the panelist argued that the trip suits Enceladus perfectly. He drew a parallel with Galileo Chrome, another O'Brien‑trained winner of the 2020 Leger, to illustrate the type of horse that thrives over the extended distance. "Christmas Day’s Derby win was largely down to the frailties of his rivals and the conditions that day," he continued, implying that Enceladus may have a clearer path.
Another voice on the show identified as a Christmas Day backer, questioning whether the current favourite truly merits its short odds. "I’m not convinced the shorter‑priced horse has the form to justify being ahead of Enceladus," he said. "Enceladus’s progressive nature makes him a solid contender, and I expect the betting market to swing on the day, with some support shifting back to Christmas Day." The broadcast also highlighted the broader Sky Sports Racing schedule, mentioning upcoming clashes such as Spy Chief versus Catullus at Newbury, and featured segments on Almeraq’s return to Ascot for Champions Day, Deep Havana versus Pilu at Yarmouth, and Fairy Glen’s prospects in the John Musker Fillies’ Stakes. Additional coverage includes the opening of Yarmouth’s Eastern Festival with promising novice action and an interview with Kevin Blake, who praised the depth of jockey talent beyond Leger winners.
Returning to the individual horses, the panel discussed the York run as a stepping stone toward the St Leger, especially if the ground mirrors the soft conditions seen at Epsom. "If it rains as it did at Epsom, I have no concerns – Enceladus handled that ground well," one analyst noted, while also acknowledging the lingering uncertainty surrounding the Derby form.
The Irish Derby runner‑up behind Benvenuto Cellini was described as a respectable effort, leading the commentator to label the race a potential two‑horse contest, given his waning confidence in Pierre Bonnard throughout the season. The conversation then shifted to the Ballydoyle pairings. The speaker expressed skepticism about the two stablemates making a significant leap in performance over the longer distance, despite Enceladus’s appeal.
He raised a technical question about the use of cheekpieces on Enceladus, observing that the horse has appeared raw behind the bridle and suggesting the gear might be intended to sharpen focus. "You generally don’t want to light a horse up when you’re extending the trip, but he does look the strongest stayer among the market leaders," he concluded.
A surprising turn of sentiment emerged regarding Amelia Earhart. The panelist admitted he had come around to backing her after factoring in the sex allowance. "She’s intriguing – she’s been improving steadily. She was the favourite for the Oaks after a strong showing in the Cheshire Oaks, but fell short on the day.
Perhaps she thrives in the cooler autumn weather rather than the firm summer ground," he speculated. He noted that recent equipment changes – removal of blinkers and hood – suggest the connections have identified a way to extract extra performance. Amelia Earhart is a full sister to Cleveland, the Chester Cup victor, which adds pedigree depth.
"Going up in trip should suit her among the Ballydoyle runners, and if she does, the odds offer good value. I’ll back her to finish in the top three at 11/2," the analyst said. In summary, the Weekend Winners team highlighted Enceladus as the market leader with a strong stamina profile, considered Christmas Day a viable alternative if the betting market shifts, and identified Amelia Earhart as a dark horse with improving form and favorable conditions. Viewers were encouraged to watch the full discussion on the At The Races YouTube channel for deeper insight into each horse’s chances as the St Leger approaches.