The St Leger Stakes is the only remaining Classic of the 2025 British flat racing season—taking place at Doncaster on September 13.
There are still a couple of months to go until the oldest and longest of the five Classics, but excitement is already building around the early favourites in the ante-post markets.
The Doncaster showpiece attracts the best middle-distance three-year-olds in training—and if you’re looking to get involved early, don’t miss the latest free bets UK offers to get some value before the field takes shape.
With top years plotting their course toward Town Moor, here are the horses currently leading the market at this early stage.
Lambourn – 6/4
It will come as no surprise that there is a big ante-post favourite for the St Leger—and its dual Derby winner Lambourn.
The Aidan O’Brien-trained horse was untouchable at Epsom, making all and coasting to a comfortable victory by almost four lengths over Lazy Griff.
The Irish Derby at the Curragh wasn’t quite as cosy, as stablemate Serious Contender put up a serious fight. But Lambourn kept on for the win from the 28/1 shot.
Given how he hit the line in those two races, the additional two furlongs should be no issue at Doncaster, and the son of Australia will be a popular choice for those with free bets.
Ruling Court – 8/1
Ruling Court sparked hopes of a possible Triple Crown charge when he defied heavy favourite Field Of Gold in the 2000 Guineas.
However, the Godolphin horse was ruled out of the Derby by Charlie Appleby in June due to unsuitable ground conditions.
The Classic winner returned with a third in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot and was third again last time out in the Eclipse when stepped up to one mile and two furlongs.
Ruling Court, out of Justify and Inchargeofme, looks to be crying out for even further and it will be interesting to see if he can keep up with Lambourn over middle distances.
Tennessee Stud – 10/1
O’Brien completed a Derby hat-trick this year with Lambourn following on from Auguste Rodin and City Of Troy, and Tennessee Stud gives him extra ammo here as he tries to do the same in the Leger.
The Wootton Bassett colt ended last season with a win in the Criterium de Saint-Cloud, and has been consistent this campaign.
After finishing third behind Delacroix in a Derby Trial at Leopardstown, he was third again behind Lambourn at Epsom and then fourth at the Curragh—though closer to his stablemate.
Tennessee Stud didn’t appear to quite have the pace to compete with Lambourn over a mile and a half, but he could have more to offer when stepped up to the St Leger’s one mile and six furlongs.
Jan Brueghel and Illinois finished 1-2 for Ballydoyle in a thrilling finish last year, with the former coming out on top by a neck, and who’s to say these two O’Brien horses can’t go tooth and nail?
