Sky Sports Racing’s ambassador, Hollie Doyle, knows exactly what it takes to claim victory in the Group 1 Nassau Stakes after her triumph aboard Nashwa in 2022. In this preview she breaks down Thursday’s renewal, set against a stellar Goodwood card. The centerpiece of day three at the Qatar Goodwood Festival is the Qatar Nassau Stakes (3:35). The race, a fillies’ Group 1 contest, appears to be dominated by the brilliant Diamond Necklace, who will line up against just four other rivals.
Diamond Necklace, an unbeaten daughter of St Mark’s Basilica trained by Aidan O’Brien, sits marginally ahead of her nearest challengers Friendly Soul and See The Fire on the official ratings. She is still on an upward trajectory and benefits from a nine‑pound weight‑for‑age allowance, which should give her a clear edge. Having already secured multiple Group 1 victories, Diamond Necklace proved her stamina over the ten‑furlong distance when she won the French Oaks on a firm surface – the quickest ground she has ever encountered.
The forecast for Goodwood’s Downs suggests softer going, but her class and versatility imply she will handle the conditions without difficulty. If Diamond Necklace were to under‑perform, the most likely beneficiary would be Friendly Soul. The mare possesses a deep reservoir of class and could exploit any lapse from the favourite. Friendly Soul, trained by John and Thady Gosden, is herself a Group 1 winner.
She impressed in the Duke of Cambridge Stakes at Royal Ascot, delivering an eye‑catching performance on her first start after returning from a long spell. Another contender, See The Fire, was placed well in the Middleton Stakes at York in May and was a close second in this race two years ago. However, it is worth noting that her record at the top level has now stretched to thirteen runs without a win, which may weigh on her chances.
Beyond the Nassau, Doyle also highlighted several other fixtures on the Goodwood card and beyond. She mentioned the upcoming Shergar Cup at Ascot, where Thunder Call is expected to play a part, and noted the presence of international stars such as Jamie Lynch’s five‑horse contingent. Doyle also referenced Kevin Doyle’s pursuit of Cheltenham Festival glory with Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi, and celebrated Ryan Moore’s recent MBE award in the King’s Birthday Honours.
Turning to the two‑year‑old division, Doyle expressed strong support for Cut A Dash, who has been a favourite of hers since his debut win at York. She believes he is well‑placed for the Group 2 Markel Richmond Stakes (2:25) on Thursday. Richard Hannon’s colt was only a length behind Great Barrier Reef in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, a form line that could see him overturn the odds‑on favourite Flann Sunna, whose two wins at Windsor and Ascot have not been particularly impressive. Sean Levey’s mount, rated higher than Simon and Ed Crisford’s colt according to official ratings, could also make a splash in the Richmond, potentially setting up a run in the Group 2 Gimcrack Stakes at York next month.
Doyle also voiced optimism for Eve Johnson Houghton’s Night In Vegas. The horse, a proven course and distance winner in the spring, finished close behind Cut A Dash in the Coventry, confirming his credentials for a big race. In the classic division, Bay Of Brilliance, who finished fourth in the Epsom Derby, is entered in the Group 3 Maison Perrier Gordon Stakes (3:00) on Thursday. After a disappointing run in the German equivalent, the mare’s strong course form makes her a serious contender, though Doyle favours Joseph O’Brien’s progressive colt Enceladus, who could stake a claim for the world’s oldest Classic.
Doyle reminded readers to stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and features via the Sky Sports Racing app. She also discussed the King George V Stakes winner, whose victory was backed by runner‑up Al Azd.
Doyle expects him to maintain his unbeaten record this year as he steps into Pattern company over the same twelve‑furlong distance. The draw for the Coral Kincsem Heritage Handicap (1:50) has not been kind to Decade Of Time, but Doyle still believes the horse can make an impact in the curtain‑raiser on Thursday.
Her husband Tom Marquand faces a challenge from stall 14, where Jack Channon’s colt, who performed admirably on his first attempt at this distance at Nottingham behind Heraldry, will be given a look. Another intriguing runner is Sean Woods’s Savvy Disko, who showed a turn of foot over a slightly shorter trip at Lingfield. With Billy Loughnane aboard, the horse could handle a nine‑pound higher mark in this hotter race.
Richard Hannon and Sean Levey, who combine with Cut A Dash in the Richmond, also have strong prospects in the Whispering Angel Nursery Handicap (4:45) with Shadow King. Though Shadow King must overcome a penalty for his Doncaster win over a shorter trip last week, the seven‑furlong distance appears ideal, and the low draw could aid his chances. The Bookkeeper, trained by former stable jockey Richard Hughes, ran a respectable race in the Woodcote at Epsom, suggesting the track will pose no problems. Ryan Moore is a solid pick for the son of Sioux Nation, who is also well‑positioned.
Doyle concluded by promising to return with her thoughts on Friday’s card, which will feature the Group 2 sprint King George Qatar Stakes and the Coral Golden Mile Handicap. She signed off noting that she was speaking to Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft.