Sky Sports Racing’s ambassador Hollie Doyle is gearing up for the 250th running of the St. Leger at Doncaster this Saturday, where she will be presenting the card live on Sky Sports Racing and also offering a preview of the action at Leopardstown. The focus of her analysis is the possibility of Aidan O'Brien adding a historic tenth victory to his record in the world’s oldest classic, the Betfred St.
Leger Stakes (3.35). O'Brien has entered four horses in the commemorative race, including the hot favourite Christmas Day, who is aiming to become the first Derby winner to capture the St. Leger since Reference Point did so 39 years ago.
Among the O'Brien stable, the most likely challenger to his own dominance appears to be his son, Joseph O'Brien, whose contender Enceladus has stepped up to Group One company for the first time after impressive performances in the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Group Three Gordon Stakes at Goodwood. Nevertheless, Doyle believes the true ticket to a tenth classic lies not with Christmas Day but with the seasoned Ballydoyle veteran Pierre Bonnard.
Bonnard finished ahead of Christmas Day in the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York last month, showing the stamina and resolve required for the longer St. Leger distance. Doyle argues that the race’s demanding test of staying power is exactly what Bonnard needs to cement his place in O’Brien’s legacy. In other news, the Group Two Betfred Champagne Stakes (1.45) at Doncaster will see Gentle Hurricane, who was well behind his novice win when he chased home Haffner in the Group Three Acomb Stakes at York, try to improve his form.
Trained by Andrew Balding, the colt is comfortable over seven furlongs and should be able to translate his experience into a strong performance in the open renewal. Potential favourite Desert Castle made a splash on his debut at the July Course in Newmarket, briefly becoming the market leader for the 2,000 Guineas. However, the step up in class for the St. Leger raises questions about whether his early promise will translate to the staying distance.
Meanwhile, Willie Muir and Chris Grassick have entered Breacher after a promising third place in the Group Three Solario Stakes at Sandown, giving the horse a legitimate chance to compete. Weekend betting tips include backing Almekarem for a handicap win at Newbury on Saturday, with Stem also considered a solid prospect. In the Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury, Hollie Doyle recommends Arapaho Gold for Michael Dods, who remains unbeaten.
Sky Sports Racing’s schedule for the weekend is packed: Spy Chief and Catullus will clash at Newbury, while Newton Abbot and Wolverhampton are also slated for live coverage on Friday. The racing roundup notes that Almeraq is set for an Ascot return on Champions Day, and further fixtures feature Deep Havana versus Pilu at Yarmouth, as well as Fairy Glen in the John Musker Fillies’ Stakes at Yarmouth. Turning to the Group Two Betfred Park Stakes (2.55) on Saturday, MORE THUNDER returns to the seven‑furlong distance after a disappointing attempt at the Prix Jacques le Marois last month.
The shorter trip should suit his speed, and Doyle believes he can finally break his winless streak at this level. Qirat, who ran a strong race to finish second in the Celebration Mile at Goodwood, is expected to set a brisk, end‑to‑end tempo alongside Witness Stand. Doyle’s husband Tom Marquand’s mount is also in the mix, and she possesses the class to out‑finish the leaders.
At longer odds, Kevin Ryan’s Volterra is a tempting outsider on his first start since being gelded. After a runner‑up finish to Docklands at the same track in March, Volterra is being thrown straight into a higher‑class race, a bold move that could pay off. The Betfred Portland Handicap (2.20) on Saturday presents a tricky puzzle.
Doyle leans towards Jack Channon’s GETREADYTORUMBLE, a four‑year‑old who has handled tough assignments in both Listed and Group company this year and proved his versatility with a five‑furlong sprint win at Ascot in July. To succeed he will need to overcome a career‑high rating, but his class gives him an edge. Comparatively, last year’s winner Eternal Sunshine is also a strong contender, especially under the guidance of 5‑pound claimer Laura Young. Both horses have shown form in recent wins at Hamilton, while Toca Madera, a personal favourite of Doyle’s, is eager for a big handicap victory after near‑misses at Goodwood and York.
Leopardstown’s Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes (5.00) on Saturday promises a thrilling showdown. The first three finishers from last month’s Juddmonte International will meet again, with Item, who turned the tables on Almaqam in that dramatic duel, looking to prove his adaptability on the tighter Leopardstown track. Aidan O’Brien’s Constitution River will also try to silence critics after a lackluster run on the Knavesmire.
Doyle is prepared to forgive the French Derby and Eclipse winner’s earlier defeat, noting that a better early settlement by Ryan Moore could unleash the colt’s true potential. Almaqam, who narrowly missed out on the International, will aim to demonstrate that his previous performance was no fluke, especially on a surface that should suit his speed.
Kieran Shoemark’s likable colt will benefit from a quick pace. In the Matron Stakes (3.55) at Leopardstown, Andrew Balding’s Blue Bolt continues his summer surge. Unbeaten in four starts this year, the filly is positioned to claim her third Group‑level victory by out‑classing Aidan O’Brien’s Precise, who has been runner‑up to Blue Bolt in both the Falmouth Stakes and the Prix Rothschild. While Precise and True Love are well drawn and could influence the race’s tempo, Doyle expects Blue Bolt to prevail.
Last year’s winner Fallen Angel, who beat Juddmonte’s star filly in the Sun Chariot, also remains a threat, especially on ground that suits her running style. Overall, Hollie Doyle’s insights blend detailed form analysis with strategic betting angles, offering readers a comprehensive guide to the weekend’s most compelling races across Doncaster, Newbury, and Leopardstown. Her confidence in Pierre Bonnard as the key to Aidan O’Brien’s tenth St.
Leger win, combined with her broader race‑by‑race recommendations, provides a valuable roadmap for punters and racing enthusiasts alike.