Hollie Doyle shares her thoughts on a busy Saturday of racing in her exclusive blog. Her boss, Archie Watson, is sending two promising young horses to Thirsk, where Doyle will be riding them. The first is Niewiadoma, a two-year-old making her debut in the British EBF Fillies' Novice Stakes. Doyle has high praise for the horse, describing her as having plenty of natural speed and a great attitude.
Merlier, who has been progressive on the All-Weather, will also be ridden by Doyle in the Stirrup Bar For Deli-Style Dining Packages Handicap. Doyle notes that stepping into a handicap for the first time will be a challenge, but she's happy with her draw and the horse's chances. She'll also be riding Warm Spell, who has been eased to a career-low mark and is expected to go close in the Join Racing TV Today Handicap.
Doyle will be riding for veteran trainer Wilf Storey on his course and distance winner Idylic in the Happy 21st Birthday Lily Watkinson Handicap. She'll also be on Solar Biricz in the Nick Simpson Cannot Be 60 Handicap, a gelding who won a 5f handicap at Doncaster last summer.
Doyle is hoping Eve Johnson Houghton and Charlie Bishop can keep their Classic dreams alive with Betfred 2000 Guineas contender Zavateri in the Watership Down Stud Too Darn Hot Greenham Stakes at Newbury. The Group 3 Dubai Duty Free Stakes looks like an open renewal, with several fillies holding similar prospects.
Doyle believes Shadwell's Touleen is better than she showed in the Rockfel last autumn but will need to be to win this traditional Classic trial. She's also expecting Urban Lion to go well in the Win Unique Experiences At OLBG Prizes Spring Cup Handicap, and is hoping to see old Al Aasy win the Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Stakes for Tom Marquand and William Haggas.