Sky Sports Racing’s ambassador, Hollie Doyle, is gearing up for the final day of the St Leger Festival at Doncaster, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing alongside the premier action of Champions’ Weekend at The Curragh. In her preview, Doyle makes it clear that she holds a deep admiration for the talented filly Forty Years On, a horse that has consistently proven she can make an immediate impact when stepping up to higher‑class competition. The filly is set to contest the headline race at Doncaster on Sunday – the Japan Racing Association Sceptre Fillies Stakes, currently priced at 3.05. George Scott, who rode Caballo De Mar to victory in Friday’s Doncaster Cup, believes that Forty Years On presents a perfect opportunity for the progressive daughter of trainer Mayson.
After a dominant performance in a valuable handicap at Goodwood last month, where she left her rivals far behind, she appears ready to take on the next challenge. The filly handles the ground with ease and, if everything goes to plan, could notch her sixth win from eight starts. Her main rival in the Sceptre Stakes is likely to be Shadwell’s Touleen, a horse with solid Group One credentials who was unfortunately unlucky in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot.
While Forty Years On looked a little uneasy in her previous outing in the Valiant Stakes, Doyle suggests that a simple piece of equipment – cheekpieces – might sharpen her focus and bring out her best. In contrast, Planet Seeker, who has been receiving a lot of attention due to a strong performance at York and a respectable fourth place in the Group 3 Oak Tree Stakes at the Goodwood Festival, may be over‑rated at the moment. Turning to the Betfred Mallard Handicap (3.40) on Sunday, Doyle highlights the reliability of trainer Liam Bailey, whose horses have delivered a string of rock‑solid performances this year. One of his contenders, after a near‑miss at Southwell, produced an eye‑catching finish at York’s Ebor Festival, staying on from well off the pace to finish third over 12 furlongs.
That kind of stamina should serve him well over the longer distance on the Doncaster card. The day’s broadcast will also feature a clash between Spy Chief and Catullus at Newbury, with additional live coverage from Newton Abbot and Wolverhampton on Friday.
In the broader racing round‑up, Almeraq is slated for a return to Ascot on Champions Day, while Deep Havana and Pilu will meet 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. Saffie Osborne, a rising jockey, received praise from Kevin Blake, who noted that many talented riders like the Leger‑winning Osborne simply need the right opportunity to shine.
In the Betfred ‘The Classic Bookmaker’ Handicap (1.55) at Doncaster, Doyle points to George Boughey’s lightly raced Asuka as a horse to watch. Dropping back to six furlongs on a large galloping track should suit the Night Of Thunder gelding, who demonstrated top form over a longer trip at Chester despite a poor draw and a disrupted run. George also has a strong hand in the race with stablemate Oliver Show, who brings impressive recent form after finishing behind the eventual winner Inspired at Goodwood.
The first‑time visor on Oliver Show adds an intriguing tactical element. Another notable entry is Langstone in the Betfred City Of Doncaster Handicap (2.30).
Trained by Clive Cox, the three‑year‑old broke his maiden over the same course and distance in the spring and followed up with a win on all‑weather, though he struggled on the fast ground at the Britannia at Royal Ascot. Since then, Langstone has not been seen publicly, meaning he arrives at Town Moor fresher than his rivals. He will be carrying a slightly reduced mark of 92, which should make him competitive.
Zooming, a filly returning to a more forgiving surface for the first time since her maiden win at Newmarket last autumn, is also worth monitoring. She has been heavily campaigned this year and drops into handicap company with a workable mark of 94, suggesting she could be a serious contender. On the Curragh, all eyes will be on Sun Goddess as she steps back up to Group One level in the Moyglare Stud Stakes (2.50). After a dominant six‑length victory in a valuable sales race at York last month, the Aidan O’Brien‑trained filly showed class even after encountering trouble on the Knavesmire.
The upcoming race will test her over seven furlongs on a firmer track, but Doyle is confident that the Phoenix Stakes winner has the talent to handle the challenge. Green Empress, who traveled well and secured a win in the Group Two Debutante Stakes over the same course and distance last month, will also be a key player. She beat a strong field that included Alpha, Ibelieveicanfly, and Dancing Destiny, and now looks the main danger in her upcoming start.
Starlust, who finished a close second to US‑based Bacio in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York, is another horse Doyle believes can handle another demanding race in the BAR 1 Betting Flying Five Stakes (3.25) at The Curragh. The five‑year‑old, trained by Ralph Beckett, returned from a spell at stud and appears to have recaptured the form that earned him the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint two years ago. Sandal’s recent form has been solid, and her flash‑finish in the Nunthorpe after repeatedly encountering mid‑race trouble suggests she could be the horse to beat with Kieran Shoemark aboard. Meanwhile, Juddmonte colt Monogram, who displayed class when winning over course and distance for Joseph O’Brien, may be ready to step up to Group One competition in the Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes (4.00).
His lack of experience could be a factor, potentially giving an edge to Giant Sequoia, a first‑string Aidan O’Brien colt who won the Group Two Futurity Stakes here previously and is widely regarded as a colt of immense potential. Aidan O’Brien’s Gold Cup winner Scandinavia, unbeaten in seven races, is set to test his stamina over a mile and six furlongs in the Comer Group International Irish St Leger (4.35) on Sunday.
The horse’s previous success over longer trips suggests the stiff track at the Curragh should not pose a problem, and he is a strong candidate to secure a fifth top‑level victory. His stable companion Jan Brueghel, also a Doncaster St Leger winner, looks to be the main threat after a convincing win in this season’s Coronation Cup.
Overall, the final day of the St Leger Festival promises a blend of seasoned champions, rising stars, and intriguing handicappers. Hollie Doyle’s insights highlight the depth of talent on the cards and provide a roadmap for viewers looking to follow the action live on Sky Sports Racing.