Trends from Britain’s last Classic of the season | Thoroughbred Racing Commentary

Joel Pattison  |  September 12, 2026 Christmas Day, who lines up for the Group 1 St Leger today, pictured winning the Group 1 Derby in June. Photo: Francesca Altoft/focusonracing.com As it celebrates its 250th birthday, Joel Pattison looks at trends from recent runnings of the last British Classic of the year. All of the last 12 winners finished in the top four last time out, a trend that rules out Action (#925 from #888), Alderman (#1773 from #1728) and Galiyan (#1243 from #1265), none of whom got closer than fifth. Eleven of 12 winners were rated 108 or higher, eliminating most of the field bar the three market leaders. Eight of 12 winners won their last run before the Leger, a box Enceladus (#305 from #288) ticks having landed the Group 3 Gordon Stakes. Christmas Day (#59 from #55), meanwhile, and Pierre Bonnard (#277 from #210) both arrive after placing rather than winning last time. Nine of 12 winners had at least two wins that season, another trend Enceladus meets with three victories this term, unlike Pierre Bonnard, who remains winless in 2026. Verdict: Ticking the last-run and season-win trends more emphatically than either leading rival, Enceladus has a good
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