The concluding day of the Betfred 250th St Leger Festival will showcase a compelling clash between two of the division's most talented fillies as Touleen and Forty Years On prepare to contest the Group 3 Japan Racing Association Sceptre Fillies' Stakes at Doncaster.
The feature race: Sceptre Fillies' Stakes
Sunday's headline attraction brings together a field of quality competitors over 7 furlongs and 6 yards on good ground. The race carries a winner's prize of £53,874 and represents the culmination of the festival's four-day programme running from 10 to 13 September 2026.
Touleen arrives as the top-rated contender in the betting for trainer Owen Burrows, with jockey David Probert in the saddle. The filly has demonstrated genuine class on her day, though recent outings have not gone her way, with two consecutive defeats at this level. Burrows has made a tactical adjustment by adding cheekpieces to her equipment as Touleen seeks her maiden stakes victory. Earlier in the season, she ran a creditable race in the Coronation Stakes when narrowly beaten by Precise, a performance that suggested she had been somewhat unfortunate not to prevail.
Touleen carries an official rating of 112, reflecting her proven ability at the highest level. Her connections will be hoping that the addition of cheekpieces proves the catalyst for a return to winning ways.
George Scott's Forty Years On represents a contrasting profile, having demonstrated a steep upward trajectory in recent months. The filly has recorded victories in her last two starts and made a particularly strong impression when winning over this course and distance most recently. That performance suggests she will pose a significant threat in this elevated company. Racing TV's morning assessment noted that Forty Years On was marginally preferred in the betting, with Touleen shown at 5/2, and the broadcaster highlighted the depth of the field as a notable feature of the contest.
Forty Years On carries an official rating of 110 and will be ridden by Harry Crouch. Her recent form and the impression she created at Doncaster make her a formidable opponent for Touleen.
Beyond the two principals, the race offers considerable appeal for each-way punters. Darnation and The Prettiest Star both merit serious consideration, while Magic Basma, rated 102, will be seeking to return to the winner's enclosure after a lengthy drought. The 102-rated filly has not tasted success since her debut victory, a gap of thirteen starts that makes a return to form a significant undertaking.
Expert analysis from Hollie Doyle's final-day selections backed Forty Years On in the Sceptre Stakes, indicating that the filly has attracted support from informed observers heading into the race.
The supporting card at Doncaster
The afternoon's opening feature comes at 2.30pm with the Betfred City Of Doncaster Handicap, a strong edition of the race that features Wechaad representing the Roger Varian stable. This son of Oasis Dream won over the course and distance last season and has compiled a respectable record in defeat since then. A third-place finish off the same mark at Newmarket suggests he is building towards a significant effort, and the Doncaster track has historically suited his running style.
Military Code tops the weights, with Toby Moore claiming a useful 7-pound allowance for the Godolphin colours. The horse showed promise as a two-year-old but has yet to break his duck this season. His most recent outing in the hood demonstrated improved form, and a further 1-pound reduction in the weights may provide the opportunity he requires. Langstone brings solid form over the course, while Zooming and Lion Of Mali, the latter a recent winner, complete the strongest claims in the field.
The 3.40pm Betfred Mallard Handicap presents an open complexion with nine runners competing for honours. Valedictory, trained by John and Thady Gosden, has established himself as a consistent performer throughout the summer, recording two victories from six starts. A slightly disappointing effort at York prompted connections to apply a visor for this afternoon's assignment.
Say What You See heads the opposition for trainer Liam Bailey and jockey Billy Garritty. This son of Belardo continues to progress after another strong showing at York, and a similar performance would place him firmly in contention. Ernst Blofeld has consistently hinted at better things to come, while All In You remains relatively unexposed in this sphere.
Earlier on the card at 1.55pm, the Betfred 'The Classic Bookmaker' Handicap features Asuka, who will attract support for the George Boughey and Billy Loughnane partnership. Completely Random provides the main opposition after running a solid fourth in the Stewards' Cup, though a 2-pound rise to 104 for that effort represents a penalty.
Racing elsewhere on Sunday
Bath hosts two finals in its Loud Hire series. Dark Sun and Geemann clash in the 3.50pm Loud Hire Production Services Bath Summer Sprint Series Final Handicap, while Boilermaker headlines the 3.15pm Loud Hire Staging Hire Bath Summer Stayers' Series Final Handicap.
Across the Channel, French racing features prominently. Francis-Henri Graffard's Rayevka emerges as the standout performer in the Prix du Petit Couvert at 1.33pm. Attention then shifts to the Prix du Pin at 2.50pm and the Prix du Prince D'Orange at 3.25pm, where Daryzan faces Phineas in what promises to be a competitive contest.
What to expect on Sunday Funday
The final day of the festival has been branded as "Sunday Funday" at Doncaster, with racing scheduled to commence at approximately 1.50pm and conclude around 4.50pm. The day represents the climax of the four-day Betfred 250th St Leger Festival, which has showcased top-class racing throughout the week. The Sceptre Fillies' Stakes at 3.05pm will serve as the centrepiece of the afternoon's entertainment, bringing together a competitive field of fillies and mares aged three and upwards in what promises to be a memorable conclusion to the festival's 2026 edition.
