Betfred St Leger Runners: A guide to the seven hopefuls

It's time for the Betfred St Leger - the oldest Classic in the world - at Doncaster on Saturday afternoon (15:40).

Seven runners have been declared for the Group 1 over 1m6½f and we've produced a guide to the Betfred St Leger Runners for the 2025 renewal.

Scandinavia (Aidan O'Brien/Tom Marquand) @ 6/4

The shortest of three for Aidan O'Brien, who eyes his ninth St Leger. Installed at the head of the market for this year's renewal after his classy victory against older, Group 1 horses in the Goodwood Cup in July. The son of Justify was beaten by the reopposing Carmers, Furthur and Rahiebb in the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot earlier in the season, but he's improved plenty for the application of cheekpieces in the meantime. Undeniable claims.

Lambourn (Aidan O'Brien/Sean Levey) @ 9/4

Betfred Derby hero who followed up in the Irish edition before a slightly disappointing effort in the Great Voltigeur at York last month. The son of Australia, who is the highest-rated horse in the field, may have needed the run after a 52-day break and is more than capable of bouncing back. Big chance.

Carmers (Paddy Twomey/W J Lee) @ 9/2

Won the aforementioned Queen's Vase on his third start, before finishing second in the Great Voltigeur on the Knavesmire. Like Lambourn, that was his return from a couple of months off the track, so he's entitled to improve for it. Has a bit to find on the market principals, but not a whole lot. Couldn't put anyone off.

Stay True (Aidan O'Brien/Mickael Barzalona) @ 8/1

Only a maiden winner after three starts, but as far as I'm concerned he was unfortunate not to win the Derby Trial at Lingfield in May - and he was one of the last off the bridle in the Great Voltigeur before weakening into fourth. That was his comeback from 100+ days off the track and O'Brien admitted he was lacking fitness, so that's easily excused. A career-best looks likely.

Furthur (Andrew Balding/Oisin Murphy) @ 12/1

Son of Arc winner Waldgeist was just touched off by Carmers at Royal Ascot, but he suffered comprehensive defeats to Lambourn and Scandinavia either side of that. Group 3 victory at Newbury last time out was impressive, but I suspect even more is needed here. Not out of the question, though.

Rahiebb (Roger Varian/Ray Dawson) @ 25/1

Another who brings the Queen's Vase form to the table. Behind Carmers and Furthur at Ascot, but in front of Scandinavia. On that run - his first over 1m6f - the Frankel colt is overpriced, but otherwise he has a good bit to find. Fair each-way chance.

Tarriance (Andrew Balding/Colin Keane) @ 28/1

The rank outsider with over 15lbs to find on the market principals. Hard to weigh up as he only seems to do enough in his races. Could shorten if Pendragon, whom the son of Frankel beat at Sandown in July, wins the Doncaster Cup - keep an eye out for that. Otherwise, it's hard to get excited about his chances.

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