Betfred St Leger Stakes: Race Preview, Betting Tips & Odds
Here at betting.bet we’ll preview the St Leger, providing exclusive betting tips and race insights as well as the latest horse racing betting odds
The final Classic on the British horse racing calendar will take place this weekend as Doncaster Racecourse prepared to host the Betfred St Leger Stakes on Saturday afternoon. As we look ahead to what looks like a red-hot renewal of the famous old race, here at betting.bet we’ll preview the St Leger, providing exclusive betting tips and race insights as well as the latest horse racing betting odds from race sponsors Betfred.
St Leger Stakes History
The St Leger Stakes was established back in 1776 and is the oldest of Britain’s five Classics. As well as being the final Classic of the year, the St Leger is also the Classic contested over the longest distance with a current race distance of 1m6f. The St Leger is also the culmination of flat racing’s Triple Crown following the 2000 Guineas and the Derby and is also the third leg of the fillies’ Triple Crown following the 1000 Guineas and Oaks.
Aidan O’Brien trained Continuous to glory in 2023 to earn his ninth St Leger win however he remains some way short of the record 16 St Leger wins achieved by John Scott during the 19th century.
The Market Leader
The Aidan O’Brien-trained Illinois heads the betting ahead of this year’s St Leger following a career best performance when second behind Los Angeles in the Great Voltigeur Stakes. Illinois claimed the Group 2 Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot before finishing second in the Group 1 Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp. One of only two entries that have already won over Saturday's 1m6f trip and commands the utmost respect. Wayne Lordan rides.
Major Players
Illinois’ stablemate Jan Brueghel is the main danger as he heads to Doncaster on the back of three straight wins. Last seen when charging to Gordon Stakes success at Goodwood last month. The runner up at Goodwood has since franked the form with a Grade 3 win over at Kentucky in the United States. Jan Brueghel looked primed for Saturday’s longer trip and is a major player under the ride of 2000 Guineas winner Sean Levey.
Leading a trip of Ballydoyle horses at the head of the betting is Grosvenor Square. 20-length winner of a St Leger Trial at the Curragh last time out and also impressed in his only other race over 1m6f when finishing a close second in the Curragh Cup in July. Well-beaten in the Irish Derby and remains a potential Group 1 winner but the booking of jockey Gavin Ryan does suggest he’s the yard’s third string entry.
The main danger to the O’Brien trio is You Got To Me for trainer Ralph Beckett. The talented filly won the Irish Oaks before going close in the Yorkshire Oaks last time out and has been supplemented at a cost of £50,000. Pedigree suggests she’ll suit the longer trip. One for the shortlist.
Betfred St Leger Stakes Odds
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Illinois | 15/8 |
| Jan Brueghel | 4/1 |
| You Got To Me | 9/2 |
| Grosvenor Square | 5/1 |
| Sunway | 11/2 |
| Deira Mile | 14/1 |
| Wild Waves | 40/1 |
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