The closing day of the Betfred St Leger Festival brings a headline clash between two of the season's most promising fillies: Tourette‑trained Touleen and George Scott’s Forty Years On, who will meet in the Group 3 Japan Racing Association Sceptre Fillies' Stakes at Doncaster. This encounter promises to be a true test of class, as both mares have shown flashes of brilliance but have also experienced near‑misses in recent outings. Touleen enters the race as the top‑rated runner for trainer Owen Burrows, now partnered with new jockey David Probert.
The filly has demonstrated top‑class ability on her best days, but a string of narrow defeats has left her without a stakes win to date. Her most recent disappointment came in the Coronation Stakes, where she was edged out by Precise in what many observers described as a unlucky finish. In an effort to sharpen her focus, Burrows has equipped Touleen with cheekpieces, hoping the added visual cue will help her find a clear run and finally secure her first Group victory.
Forty Years On, meanwhile, has been on an upward trajectory under the guidance of George Scott. The mare has won her last two starts, and the manner of those victories—showing a strong turn of foot over the same distance and course—suggests she could be the one to beat in today’s hotter conditions. Her recent performances have highlighted a growing confidence and a developing stamina that should serve her well in the 1 mile 4‑furlong test at Doncaster. The betting market also includes several each‑way contenders.
Darnation and The Prettiest Star both offer solid form lines and could prove valuable if the race unfolds with a tightly packed finish. Meanwhile, 102‑rated Magic Basma is looking to snap a long winless streak; her last victory came in her debut thirteen starts ago, and a return to the winner’s circle would be a welcome boost to her connections. In the broader context of the festival, the Betfred City of Doncaster Handicap features Wechaad heading to the stalls as the favourite, backed heavily by the Roger Varian stable.
This son of Oasis Dream, a proven winner over the same course and distance last season, has been placed in a few respectable defeats and appears to be building toward a stronger performance. After a third‑place finish at Newmarket, his connections are hopeful that the Doncaster track will bring out his best. Other notable mentions from the weekend include Almekarem, tipped for a handicap win at Newbury on Saturday, and Stem, who also enjoys a solid chance. Jockey Hollie Doyle will have Arapaho Gold in the mix at Newbury’s Mill Reef Stakes, aiming to extend the unbeaten run for trainer Michael Dods.
Sky Sports Racing’s programming for the day features a series of exciting fixtures: Spy Chief versus Catullus at Newbury, plus live coverage from Newton Abbot and Wolverhampton on Friday. The racing round‑up highlights Almeraq’s return to Ascot for Champions Day, while Deep Havana and Pilu will clash at Yarmouth, and Fairy Glen is well‑fancied in the John Musker Fillies' Stakes at the same venue. In the Godolphin‑blue weight‑for‑age contest, Military Code tops the scale, carrying a useful seven‑pound advantage assigned by jockey Toby Moore. Although the two‑year‑old has yet to break his maiden this season, recent form suggests improvement, and a one‑pound drop could make him a serious contender.
Other runners to watch include Langstone, who has performed well on this track, and Zooming, alongside last‑time winner Lion Of Mali, who appear to be the best of the rest in that particular handicap. The Betfred Mallard Handicap presents an open field with Valedictory and Say What You See among nine entries. Valedictary, trained by John and Thady Gosden, has been a consistent performer this summer, winning two of six starts.
After a slightly disappointing run at York, his connections have added a visor for today’s race, hoping it will sharpen his focus. Say What You See, a son of Belardo, remains on an upward trend after a strong showing at York. An improved effort could see him join the leading pack. Among the remaining runners, Ernst Blofeld has long hinted at greater ability, while lightly‑raced All In You offers a wildcard.
On the 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 and Billy Loughnane partnership. Opposing her is Completely Random, who finished a solid fourth in the Stewards’ Cup and now carries 104 lb after a two‑pound increase.
Further south at Bath, the 3.50 pm Loud Hire Production Services Bath Summer Sprint Series Final Handicap sees Dark Sun and Geemann go head‑to‑head, following Boilermaker’s appearance in the earlier 3.15 pm Loud Hire Staging Hire Bath Summer Stayers’ Series Final Handicap. Across the Channel, French racing offers its own highlights. Francis‑Henri Graffard’s Rayevka is the star in the Prix du Petit Couvert at 1.33 pm, with the day’s program continuing with 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. Overall, the final day of the St Leger Festival delivers a rich tapestry of contests, from the headline fillies’ showdown to a host of intriguing handicaps and international races.
Whether you are tracking the progress of Touleen and Forty Years On or following the broader festival action, there is plenty of excitement to keep racing fans engaged throughout the day.