The oldest classic in the world takes places this Saturday at Doncaster. The St Leger this year has eight runners going to post at the time of writing with half the field trained by Aiden O’Brien. 
We preview the leading fancies and check out best St Leger bets from our partner firms Bet365, William Hill, Bet Victor, Boylesports and race sponsors Betfred. We also take a look at the big sprint handicap, the Betfred Portland Handicap.
Doncaster Details
Getting there
By Car
Doncaster Racecourse boasts excellent links to the motorway network including M1 (Junction 32), M18 (Junctions 3 & 4), A1M (Junction 36) and the M62. For Sat Navs, the postcode is DN2 6BB.
On race days, Car Park A (opposite the Main Stand) is reserved for Annual Members, Owners and Trainers, Jockeys, BHA, Sponsors, Hospitality Guests, Press, and Blue Badge holders.
Please show your permit, ticket, or ID to gain entry to Car Park A. Car Park C (next to the Family Enclosure) is available to all guests free of charge. Please follow the yellow road signage to direct you to the correct car park.
Please note, parking fees apply in Car Park C during the Betfred St Leger Festival.
By Bus
On most major race days, a shuttle service runs between Doncaster Racecourse and Doncaster Interchange. Please note, this service does not run for our non-racing events such as fireworks.
The service commences from Doncaster Interchange at approximately the time our gates open and continues until approximately 30 minutes before our first race.
The return journey starts just after the penultimate race and continues until approximately one hour after the last race. If there is entertainment following racing, the service will continue until this has finished.
The Betfred St Leger
Leading Players
Scandinavia
Current race favourite and leading Aiden O’Brien trained entry. He really impressed in the 1 mile 6-furlong Bahrain Trophy Stakes at Newmarket back in July, winning with plenty in hand.
This was followed up by an up in distance for the Goodwood Cup over 2 miles, surprising many by beating well fancied race favourite Illinois.
Ballydoyle may have something special here for these extended distances and Scandinavia has been well backed for this in the last week. Our choice to land a ninth Betfred St Leger and a hat trick for Aiden O'Brien. Best odds 11/8 with William Hill.
Lambourn
The dual Derby winner prefers a little give in the ground, so it was not surprising to see him come up short in the Great Voltigeur at York on firm ground. However, the fashion in which he weakened in the last furlong in a concern.
However, the ground should ease for this Saturday’s classic, so he is in the mix. 3/1 best odds with William Hill and Bet Victor.
Carmers
This Paddy Twomey trained entry has been in scintillating form as of late as demonstrated with wins in The Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot and narrowly missing out to Pride Of Arras in the Great Voltigeur at York in July.
He seems to act on any ground and should improve for this classic attempt. He has the beating of an off-colour Lambourn, but it remains to be seen if he can step up against Scandinavia. Best odds of 5/1 with Boylesports.
The Rest
With the “dead eight” runners coming into play, each way options become more appealing. Rahiebb could do with a faster surface but could stay on for a place especially if the more fancied entries do not bring their A game. 33/1 with Bet365.
The Betfred Portland Handicap
The heritage sprint handicap looks like a fascinating betting heat.
Air Force One has been knocking on the door all season and is a deserved favourite. Market leaders have a reasonable record in this huge field handicap with three favourites obliging since 2014: 6/1 best with William Hill.
The best each way option for this competitive handicap could be Venture Capital who ran encouragingly well against Grandlad, finishing a close second at Hamilton.
The winner went on to win again so the form shapes up well. More significantly, the Kevin Ryan trained horse has a course and distance victory from last year and he seems to act on any going. Excellent value at 14/1 with Bet365.
Recap
The Betfred St Leger
Scandinavia win at 11/8 with William Hill
The Betfred Portland Handicap
Venture Capital at 14/1 with Bet365
Min deposit requirement. Registration Required. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply
Click to Claim
