The oldest of the five British Classic races takes centre on Saturday as 11 take to post in the 250th edition of the St Leger Stakes. Inaugurated in 1776, the contest is staged over one mile an six furlongs and it is the final staple in the Classic season.
It is the third leg of the Triple Crown, following the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket and the Derby at Epsom. Fifteen horses have completed the task, though the last one to do so was Nijinsky in 1970, demonstrating just how tough it is to complete it in the modern era.
Despite the slight decline of the St Leger’s reputation, largely down to it’s position as a stallion making contest in an era shifting toward breeding for speed, it still remains a coveted contest and an important part among the fabric of British racing.
Christmas Day
Connections failed in their attempt to land the Derby/St Leger double with Lambourn last season, and they’ll be hoping to go three places better with Christmas Day. The son of Camelot – who saw Triple Crown bid thwarted here in 2012 – backed up his Epsom success in the Irish Derby when second to his stablemate, but took a backwards step at York next time out.
Enceladus
Billy Loughnane deputises for the sidelined Dylan Browne McMonagle as he looks to add another Classic to his CV following the 2000 Guineas triumph on Bow Echo. Enceladus arrives on the back of a hat trick, and bids to emulate Jan Brueghel who also took the Gordon Stakes and the St Leger in 2024.
Pierre Bonnard
Staying appears to be the main attribute of Pierre Bonnard, who could be well suited to this extra two furlongs. He’s winless since his Criterium de Saint-Cloud as a juvenile, but has threatened this season.
Hatteen
Hatteen won a trial here in July and backed that up with a second in a competitive Goodwood Handicap. The winner has gone in since having won the Melrose at York, and he looks to be another suited to this test.
Highwayman
Highwayman had raced over six furlongs this season looking an incredibly moderate sport, and few could foresee here winning a listed contest at Leopardstown last time out stepped up to 1m6f. That was a dominant performance however, beating stablemate Cannes (just behind Hatteen at Goodwood) by just over two lengths.
Amelia Earhart
Amelia Earhart has disappointed since her Cheshire Oaks win and would be a surprise winner. She got somewhat back on track at Cork last time out, but needs to dramatically improve.
Alderman
Alderman found the ground quick enough at Newmarket last time out, but shaped with plenty of promise when a stabbing on fifth in the Derby. He could be one to spring a surprise at the prices if the going comes up soft.
Galiyan
Galiyan has been a touch disappointing since his Chester maiden success. He failed to justify favouritism in the Queen’s Vase, and was well beaten behind Maltese Cross in the Great Voltigeur.
Golden Story
Golden Story hasn’t been seen since his 10 length defeat to Causeway on firm ground at Royal Ascot. However, his Cocked Hat success beating Del Maro reads well, as does his debut
beating Infraad, and he looks to have been saved for this.
Rebel Rocker
Rebel Rocker was another who emerged with credit from the Derby, and wasn’t seen until a fourth in open company in the Geoffrey Freer Stakes. He looked to weaken on account of fitness there, albeit has plenty to find with the Derby winner.
Action
Despite finishing second in a Dante, Action has played the pacemaker role this season and looks to be given that task once more.