Sky Sports Racing’s ambassador Hollie Doyle is gearing up for the 250th running of the St. Leger, a marquee event that will take place at Doncaster on Saturday and be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing.
In her preview she not only highlights the main race but also offers a glimpse of what to expect at Leopardstown later in the weekend. The central question surrounding the world’s oldest Classic, the Betfred St. Leger Stakes (3.35), is which horse might stand in the way of Aidan O'Brien’s quest for a historic tenth win.
O'Brien has entered four runners to celebrate the race’s quarter‑centenary, and the standout among them is the hot favourite Christmas Day. The three‑year‑old colt is aiming to become the first Derby winner to capture the St. Leger since Reference Point did it 39 years ago, a feat that would cement his place in the annals of British racing. A potential spoiler for the Ballydoyle stable is Joseph O'Brien’s Enceladus.
The son of the legendary trainer has campaigned the bay colt with great success in the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Group Three Gordon Stakes at Goodwood. Enceladus will be stepping up to Group One company for the first time, and his recent form suggests he could be a serious threat to the O'Brien contingent. While many pundits will naturally gravitate towards Christmas Day, Hollie Doyle believes the real chance for a tenth St. Leger lies with another Ballydoyle horse – Pierre Bonnard.
The colt finished ahead of Christmas Day in the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York last month, a race that is widely regarded as a key trial for the St. Leger. The extra stamina test provided by the Voltigeur highlighted Bonnard’s staying ability, and Doyle argues that the longer distance at Doncaster plays perfectly to his strengths.
If he can replicate his York performance, Bonnard could write his own piece of history and hand Aidan O'Brien his coveted tenth Classic. In other news, the Group Two Betfred Champagne Stakes (1.45) at Doncaster will feature Andrew Balding’s Gentle Hurricane.
The colt, who was well behind his novice win when he chased home Haffner in the Group Three Acomb Stakes at York, is now looking to improve on that effort. The seven‑furlong distance suits his pedigree, and Balding hopes the experience of a Group Two will help the horse sharpen his finishing kick for future open‑company contests.
Desert Castle, the likely favourite in the Betfred Park Stakes (2.55), made a striking debut on the July Course at Newmarket, prompting a surge in his odds for the 2,000 Guineas. However, the step up in class to a Group Two over seven furlongs raises questions about whether his early promise can translate to the higher level. Hollie notes that the race will be a genuine test of his versatility and stamina.
Willie Muir and Chris Grassick have entered Breacher in the same race after a promising third‑place finish in the Group Three Solario Stakes at Sandown. The colt’s performance there earned him a place among the contenders, and the connections believe the step up will bring out his best. Turning to the Newbury Mill Reef Stakes, Doyle highlights Arapaho Gold, who remains unbeaten for trainer Michael Dods.
If the filly can continue her perfect record, she will add another victory to Dods’ impressive résumé. The Sky Sports Racing schedule for the day is packed. Spy Chief and Catullus will clash at Newbury, while Newton Abbot and Wolverhampton will also be featured live on Friday.
A racing round‑up will see Almeraq set for an Ascot return on Champions Day, and a series of fixtures at Yarmouth will showcase Deep Havana versus Pilu, Fairy Glen in the John Musker Fillies’ Stakes, and an exciting novice card kicking off the Eastern Festival. In the Group Two Betfred Park Stakes, the focus shifts to MORE THUNDER, who has struggled in top‑mile contests this year but may find his niche over seven furlongs. After a disappointing run in the Prix Jacques le Marois, a strongly‑run seven‑furlong trip could suit his speed and stamina blend.
Qirat, who was a close second in the Celebration Mile at Goodwood, is expected to produce a relentless, end‑to‑end gallop. He will be joined by Witness Stand, while Tom Marquand’s mount – a horse not named in the preview – is believed to have the class to outfinish both rivals.
At longer odds, Kevin Ryan’s Volterra is worth a glance. The gelding is making his first start since being gelded, and despite a modest record, he was placed second to Docklands at the same track in March.
The decision to drop him straight into a high‑class handicap reflects the trainer’s confidence that the gelding can rise to the occasion. The Betfred Portland Handicap (2.20) on Saturday presents a tough puzzle. Hollie Doyle tips Jack Channon’s GETREADYTORUMBLE as a possible winner. The four‑year‑old has shown resilience in both Listed and Group company this season and impressed in a five‑furlong sprint at Ascot in July, beating all but one rival.
To claim victory, he will need to exceed his career‑high rating, but his class gives him a genuine chance. She is marginally favoured over last year’s winner Eternal Sunshine, who will be carrying a modest five‑pound claim from trainer Laura Young.
Both horses tuned up with a solid win at Hamilton, and Toca Madera, another of Doyle’s favourites, is also primed for a big handicap after a series of near‑misses at Goodwood and York. Leopardstown’s Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes (5.00) promises a thrilling showdown on Saturday. The first three finishers from last month’s Juddmonte International – Item, Almaqam and the French Derby/Eclipse winner – will be back to contest the race.
Item, who edged out Almaqam in that dramatic duel, must prove his ability on the stiffer Leopardstown surface. Meanwhile, Aidan O’Brien’s Constitution River will be looking to erase doubts after a lackluster performance on the Knavesmire. If Ryan Moore can settle the French Derby winner better, the colt could demonstrate his true class. Almaqam, who narrowly missed out on the International, will be eager to confirm that his form was no fluke, especially on a track that suits his speed and ground preferences.
Kieran Shoemark’s likable colt will also benefit from a fast pace. In the Coolmore America ‘Justify’ Matron Stakes (3.55) at Leopardstown, Andrew Balding’s Blue Bolt is poised to continue his summer dominance. Unbeaten in four starts this year, the filly is looking to secure a third Group One victory by outclassing Aidan O’Brien’s Precise, who has finished behind her in both the Falmouth Stakes and the Prix Rothschild. While O’Brien’s Precise and True Love are well drawn, Doyle expects Blue Bolt to prevail.
Last year’s winner Fallen Angel, who beat Juddmonte’s star filly in the Sun Chariot, should not be dismissed, especially on ground that will suit her. The race promises a high‑quality field and an exciting finish for the weekend’s final feature.
Overall, the weekend’s card offers a blend of classic aspirations, emerging talent, and seasoned campaigners seeking to add another black‑type win to their résumés. Hollie Doyle’s insights highlight the key storylines – from Aidan O’Brien’s quest for a tenth St.
Leger with Pierre Bonnard to the potential upsets in the handicaps and the continued rise of fillies like Blue Bolt. Whether you are a seasoned punter or a casual fan, the races at Doncaster and Leopardstown provide ample drama, strategy and the ever‑present possibility of an unexpected winner.