Ben Morgan’s Saturday tips – Doncaster & Chester – Christmas Day set to be another Classic

Ben Morgan shares his Saturday selections from Doncaster and Chester, with Derby winner Christmas Day fancied to add the St Leger to his Classic success.

by
Ben Morgan
11 September 2026

Sweet William bids to defend his crown in the Doncaster Cup, with Sunway, Coltrane and rising star Pendragon among the main challengers in the Stayers’ Triple Crown finale.

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1.45 – Hurricane to blow them away in Champagne Stakes

An interesting two year old event which will no doubt hold many clues for 2027.

I expect GENTLE HURRICANE to progress into a nice colt next year but I think he may have learnt enough at York last time out in order to put up a bold showing here.

He looked professional enough on debut at Salisbury when winning nicely but when the tempo increased in the Acomb last time out he was caught out for experience as the professional Haffner out battled him up the straight.

That fight would have done plenty for his mind and if he does progress from that then I think he is the one to be on here.

3.35 – Strong staying Derby winner to land the spoils again

It has been a long, long time since the Derby winner went on to take the St Leger but I feel CHRISTMAS DAY has all the attributes to defy history.

He put in a strong staying performance in the Derby, kicking on early up the straight and fending off the classy Maltese Cross in the final furlong.

All his performances this season have suggested he has bundles of stamina and his run at York last time was a perfect prep for this.

He re-opposes with Pierre Bonnard again whilst also facing a new challenger in the shape of Enceladus but of the three of them I feel he is more likely to relish this distance and outstay them all.

I’d have him favourite for this so anything 5/2 and bigger should be gobbled up.

Chester

2.05 – Star to have his day in the Sun

TRIBAL STAR has ran plenty of good races in these competitive staying handicap races without managing to win one but I hope his time is just around the corner.

The Watergate Cup probably isn’t as strong as some of the races he has ran in here at Chester and his third in the Chester Plate in the Spring would be good enough to see him take this.

Currently priced at 14/1 I think he offers plenty of value and should be backed each way.