Joseph O’Brien keeps Enceladus firmly in Doncaster picture
Enceladus remains a clear contender for this year’s Betfred St Leger after being retained at the latest forfeit stage, with connections indicating the one-mile-six-furlong Classic is the plan. The colt has won his last three starts, including the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood, and will now be monitored as preparations shift towards Doncaster.
Placement among the market leaders
With a number of high-profile withdrawals affecting the Doncaster entry list, including the declared decision for Maltese Cross to pursue the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, other Classic performers have risen to the fore. Pierre Bonnard and Derby winner Christmas Day sit prominently in the betting following their York performances, while Enceladus is also positioned close to the head of the market among those still engaged.
Connections outline plan and outlook
Aurelien Voileau, racing manager for the Niarchos family’s Flaxman Stables Ireland Ltd, confirmed that Enceladus had been kept in at the forfeit stage and that the St Leger would be the intended target. He emphasised a measured approach to the trip increase to one mile and six furlongs, saying the horse’s progress will determine his readiness as the race approaches.
Joseph O’Brien also has another contender in Highwayman left in at this stage, providing him with multiple options for the staying Classic. The younger O’Brien’s recent form with stayers has been a notable feature of the season and he will aim to add another Classic to his record as a trainer.
Family rivalry and Doncaster memories
The O’Brien household is a familiar presence at Doncaster. Joseph O’Brien won the St Leger as a jockey in 2012 aboard Leading Light, and celebrated his first British Classic as a trainer when Galileo Chrome took the race in 2020. Aidan O’Brien’s Ballydoyle operation has been dominant in recent renewals, and Joseph’s entries this season add an extra layer of inter-family competition to the Classic.
Voileau noted the competitiveness between the stables and described the situation as an entertaining dynamic for all involved, with both yards in strong form this season.
Field composition and other principal contenders
Following the latest stage of entries, 16 remain in the St Leger. Several notable scratchings have reshaped the contest, among them Infraad, Benvenuto Cellini and Ancient Egypt. The O’Brien family account for nine of the remaining 16 entries, underscoring their significant presence in the staying division.
- Charlie Appleby’s Del Maro is among the leading British-trained hopes.
- Andrew Balding may be represented by Galiyan and course winner Hatteen.
- Pierre Bonnard and Christmas Day figure prominently in the market after their York runs.
Connections of the retained horses will now fine-tune plans as the St Leger approaches, allowing trainers to assess fitness and suitability to the extended trip. For Enceladus, the extra distance represents a step up from his recent campaigns, but his current sequence of victories leaves his camp optimistic about his prospects should he come forward as expected.
The build-up to Doncaster will continue to be shaped by declarations, entries kept for the remaining forfeit stages and any late changes to targets as the Classic season progresses.
