The closing day of the Betfred St Leger Festival brings an exciting showdown between two of the season's most promising fillies: Tourette’s rival, Forty Years On, and the talented Touleen. Both mares will contest the Group 3 Japan Racing Association Sceptre Fillies' Stakes, a race that often serves as a springboard for future stars. Touleen, currently the highest‑rated horse in the stable of trainer Owen Burrows and now partnered with new jockey David Probert, has demonstrated top‑class ability on her best days.
However, she has suffered two recent defeats at this level, most notably a narrow loss to Precise in the Coronation Stakes earlier in the term, a result many observers felt was a touch unlucky. In an effort to sharpen her focus, Burrows has equipped her with cheekpieces, hoping the added stimulus will translate into her first stakes victory.
On the opposite side of the gate sits Forty Years On, trained by George Scott. The filly has shown a rapid upward trajectory, winning her last two outings and impressing with a turn of foot that suggests she will thrive over the distance and ground conditions expected at Doncaster today.
Her recent performances have left bettors uneasy, and she is now one of the leading contenders in this hotter heat. The race also features several each‑way possibilities. Darnation and The Prettiest Star both possess the class to finish in the placings, while the 102‑rated Magic Basma will be eager to snap a long‑running winless streak; her last victory came in her debut, thirteen starts ago, and a return to form would be a welcome boost for her connections. In the broader Betfred City of Doncaster Handicap, the spotlight falls on Wechaad, a son of Oasis Dream who will break from the stalls for Roger Varian’s stable.
Wechaad proved his ability over this course and distance last season, and although his recent form includes a few modest defeats, he appears to be building toward a stronger performance. After a respectable third place at Newmarket, his connections are confident that the Doncaster track will suit his running style and allow him to step forward. Other notable mentions from the weekend’s betting markets include Almekarem, who is backed for a handicap win at Newbury on Saturday, and Stem, another contender with solid prospects.
Jockey Hollie Doyle will ride Arapaho Gold in the Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury, aiming to extend the unbeaten run secured for trainer Michael Dods. Sky Sports Racing will broadcast a busy card featuring Chester, Newcastle and Newbury, with Arapaho Gold highlighted in the Mill Reef contest.
Further action on Sky Sports Racing includes a clash between Spy Chief and Catullus at Newbury, alongside live coverage from Newton Abbot and Wolverhampton on Friday. A racing round‑up notes that Almeraq is slated for an Ascot return on Champions Day, while Deep Havana and Pilu will meet at Yarmouth later in the week.
For those who never want to miss a story, the latest racing news, interviews and features are available on mobile, ensuring fans stay up‑to‑date with every development. In the Godolphin blue, Military Code tops the weights with a generous seven‑pound concession to jockey Toby Moore. Although the two‑year‑old has yet to break his maiden this season, he displayed improved form in his most recent outing and has been given a further one‑pound allowance, making him a horse to watch.
Langstone also shows good form at this venue, while Zooming and last‑time winner Lion Of Mali are considered the best of the remaining field. The Betfred Mallard Handicap presents an open feel, featuring Valedictory and Say What You See among a nine‑horse lineup. Valedictory, trained by John and Thady Gosden, has been a reliable 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 effort at York; a repeat performance could see him contest the top positions. Other entries include Ernst Blofeld, who has long hinted at greater potential, and lightly‑raced All In You, both offering value to punters. Over at Town Moor, the Betfred "The Classic Bookmaker" Handicap at 1.55 pm is headlined by Asuka, favored for the partnership of George Boughey and Billy Loughnane.
Opposing her is Completely Random, who ran a solid fourth in the Stewards' Cup but carries an increased 104‑pound assignment after a two‑pound rise. Bath’s program features a clash between Dark Sun and Geemann in the 3.50 pm Loud Hire Production Services Bath Summer Sprint Series Final Handicap, while the 3.15 pm Loud Hire Staging Hire Bath Summer Stayers' Series Final Handicap is led by Boilermaker. Across the English Channel, French racing action includes Francis‑Henri Graffard’s Rayevka, the star of the Prix du Petit Couvert at 1.33 pm. Attention will then shift 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 what promises to be a thrilling finish.