The climax of the St Leger Festival arrives with a showdown between Toulee n and Forty Years On in the Group 3 Japan Racing Association Sceptre Fillies' Stakes. This feature race, held on the final day of the Betfred St Leger Festival, pits two of the season's leading fillies against each other, promising a thrilling contest for racing fans. Touleen enters the race as the top‑rated horse for trainer Owen Burrows, now partnered with jockey David Probert.
She has demonstrated top‑class ability on her day, but recent form shows two defeats in her last two outings, both at this level. Her connections have added cheekpieces in an effort to sharpen her focus as she seeks her maiden stakes victory. Many observers felt she was unlucky in the Coronation Stakes earlier in the season, where she was narrowly beaten by Precise, and they hope the new equipment will give her the edge she needs.
Facing her is George Scott’s Forty Years On, a filly whose profile has risen sharply after winning her last two starts. Her performance over the same course and distance in her previous outing suggested she thrives in the hotter conditions expected today, making her a genuine threat to Touleen. The betting market reflects the close nature of the contest, with both horses attracting strong support.
The race also features several each‑way contenders. Darnation and The Prettiest Star both offer solid chances and could profit from a well‑timed finish. Meanwhile, Magic Basma, rated 102, is looking to snap a long winless streak that dates back to her debut thirteen starts ago; a victory would end a frustrating drought and restore confidence in her connections. In the broader Betfred City of Doncaster Handicap, Wechaad is set to head the field, a popular choice for trainer Roger Varian.
The son of Oasis Dream proved his class over the same course and distance last season, and although he has endured a few defeats, he appears to be building back to his best form. After a respectable third at Newmarket, his connections hope the Doncaster track will provide the platform for a forward‑moving performance. Other notable mentions from the day's programme include Hollie Doyle aboard Arapaho Gold, who aims to extend an unbeaten run for Michael Dods in the Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury.
Sky Sports Racing will also broadcast a busy card featuring Spy Chief versus Catullus at Newbury, plus action from Newton Abbot and Wolverhampton. The racing round‑up highlights Almeraq’s return to Ascot for Champions Day, while Deep Havana and Pilu clash at Yarmouth, and Fairy Glen is fancied in the John Musker Fillies' Stakes at the same venue.
Yarmouth’s Eastern Festival kicks off with promising novice races, and fans are encouraged to stay updated via the Sky Sports Racing app for the latest news, interviews, and features. In the Godolphin blue, Military Code tops the weights with a helpful 7‑pound concession to Toby Moore.
The two‑year‑old has yet to win this season but showed improved form in his last outing and has been given a further weight drop, suggesting his connections see potential for a breakthrough. Other horses worth watching include Langstone, who has performed well on this track, and Zooming alongside last‑time winner Lion Of Mali, both considered among the best of the rest in the field. The Betfred Mallard Handicap presents an open contest with Valedictory and Say What You See among nine runners.
Valedictory, trained by John and Thady Gosden, has been a consistent summer performer, winning two of six starts. After a sub‑par run at York, his team will fit a visor in an attempt to sharpen his focus for today’s race. Say What You See, a son of Belardo, leads the opposition for trainer Liam Bailey and jockey Billy Garritty. He has been upgraded after an impressive effort at York, and a repeat performance could see him finish strongly.
Among the remaining runners, Ernst Blofeld has long hinted at greater ability, while lightly raced All In You offers a fresh perspective in this competitive group. On Town Moor, the Betfred ‘The Classic Bookmaker’ Handicap at 1.55 pm is headlined by Asuka, who is expected to be a popular choice for the George Boughey‑Billy Loughnane partnership. Opposing her is Completely Random, who ran a solid fourth in the Stewards’ Cup and has been given a 2‑pound weight increase to 104 for the contest.
Further south at Bath, the 3.50 pm Loud Hire Production Services Bath Summer Sprint Series Final Handicap sees Dark Sun and Geemann duel, following the 3.15 pm Loud Hire Staging Hire Bath Summer Stayers’ Series Final Handicap, which is highlighted by Boilermaker. Across the English Channel, French racing offers its own excitement. Francis‑Henri Graffard’s Rayevka is the star attraction in the Prix du Petit Couvert at 1.33 pm. Attention then shifts to the Prix du Pin at 2.50 pm and the Prix du Prince D’Orange at 3.25 pm, where Daryzan will take on Phineas in a test of speed and stamina.
Overall, the final day of the St Leger Festival promises a packed programme filled with high‑quality contests, from the headline fillies’ clash to a variety of handicaps and international races. Whether you are backing a favorite, looking for an each‑way value, or simply enjoying the spectacle, the day offers something for every racing enthusiast.