Doncaster St Leger Preview

Hi all,

Inside today’s main piece, I’m focusing on Saturday’s St Leger at Doncaster, the highlight of a weekend packed with top-class racing.

There are no fewer than three Group 1 races across Britain and Ireland this Saturday. Alongside the St Leger (3.40) at Doncaster, the final British Classic of the season, we also have the opening day of Irish Champions Weekend at Leopardstown. The feature races there include the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes (3.25) and the Coolmore America “Justify” Matron Stakes (2.50).

With the bumper weekend of racing ahead, ITV will broadcast the best action from Doncaster, and likely a few races from Irish Champions Weekend as well.

Doncaster St Leger: A Classic History

The St Leger Stakes at Doncaster is the oldest and final Classic of the British flat racing season. First run in 1776, it forms the third leg of the Triple Crown for both colts and fillies, following the 2000 Guineas (or 1000 Guineas) and The Derby (or Oaks). The St Leger is run over 1 mile, 6 furlongs, and 115 yards, providing a true test of stamina for three-year-olds.

Over the years, the race has been won by some of racing’s greatest names, such as Nijinsky (1970), Oh So Sharp (1985), and Reference Point (1987). It’s a unique challenge and an important fixture in the British racing calendar. Historically, St Leger Day attracted huge crowds, as seen in classic footage like the Pathe film from 1949.

However, in recent years, the race’s prestige has somewhat diminished, with fewer racing fans invested in it. Aside from Aidan O’Brien and Coolmore, there doesn’t seem to be as much excitement around the St Leger. If not for their involvement, the race might hold a similar standing to the Irish St Leger, which will be run at The Curragh on Sunday.

The Contenders

As of Monday’s final, declaration stage, ten horses remained in this year’s St Leger field, five of them trained by Aidan O’Brien. One of his leading entries, Los Angeles, will likely head to the Irish Champion Stakes. That still leaves O’Brien with three of the top four in the ante post betting.

At the forefront is Illinois (7/4), who is the current favourite. Runner-up to Los Angeles in the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York, Illinois also won the Queen’s Vase over this distance at Royal Ascot. He probably deserves his favourite status, though official ratings suggest his rivals are close.

Jan Brueghel (7/2) is unbeaten and took the Group 3 Gordon Stakes at Goodwood last time out. The son of Galileo still appears to be a work in progress, and the extra distance at Doncaster should suit him, especially on a more galloping track.

Grosvenor Square (5/1) improved significantly when switching to front-running tactics, finishing second in a Group 2 at The Curragh and then winning a Group 3 (1m 6f) last month. If he can maintain the same gallop as last time, he’ll be tough to catch.

The British Challengers

Among the home challengers, You Got To Me (9/2) stands out. Recently supplemented for £50,000, this Irish Oaks winner was second in the Yorkshire Oaks. Trainer Ralph Beckett has a strong record in this race with fillies (1 winner from 4 runners, 3 places). The prospect of good or quicker ground will have encouraged connections who are clearly confident she can go close.

Sunway (13/2) ran a career-best when second to Los Angeles in the Irish Derby. The St Leger distance should be ideal for him, and he put in a decent effort in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot last time, finishing fourth. He probably wouldn’t want the ground to quick but will be fine on genuinely good ground or indeed an easier surface.

Wednesday Racing

While there’s not much to get excited about today, the action is about to heat up. Doncaster’s four-day St Leger Festival starts tomorrow, and we have Irish Champions Weekend to look forward to at Leopardstown and The Curragh on Saturday and Sunday. I'm going to be doing previews of all the ITV races and some races on Irish Champions Weekend. If you want them and my selections you can get them here. I’ll be doing previews for all the ITV races, as well as selected races from Irish Champions Weekend. If you’d like to receive my insights and selections, you can get them right here.

There is one ‘lay or play’ qualifier at Carlisle.

Good luck with your Wednesday bets!

John