Sky Sports Racing’s ambassador, Hollie Doyle, knows exactly what it takes to capture the Group 1 Nassau Stakes after guiding Nashwa to victory in 2022. In this preview she breaks down Thursday’s marquee race at Goodwood, offering insight into the form, the contenders and the conditions that could shape the outcome. The Qatar Nassau Stakes, scheduled for 3:35 p.m.
on the third day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival, will be the centerpiece of the day’s programme. All eyes are on the brilliant filly Diamond Necklace, who enters the race as a clear favourite despite only four rivals lining up against her. The race is a Group 1 contest for fillies over ten furlongs, and the betting market reflects Diamond Necklace’s high standing. Diamond Necklace is an Aidan O'Brien‑trained daughter of the outstanding St Mark's Basilica.
Official ratings place her just a shade ahead of her nearest rivals Friendly Soul and See The Fire, but the filly has been on a steep upward trajectory all season. She also benefits from a nine‑pound weight‑for‑age allowance, which should give her a tangible edge over the older fillies. Her résumé already includes a Group 1 triumph in the French Oaks, where she conquered a fast‑moving ten‑furlong test on the quickest ground of the year.
That performance demonstrated her ability to handle a strong pace and firm going – conditions that are expected to mirror the forecast for the Goodwood Downs on Thursday. Friendly Soul is the most likely challenger if Diamond Necklace fails to produce her best run. The mare possesses a deep reservoir of class, having previously secured a Group 1 victory in the Duke of Cambridge Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Trained by John and Thady Gosden, she returned from a lengthy spell with a striking performance that highlighted her turn of foot and stamina. While she will have to overcome a weight disadvantage, her proven ability at this level makes her a genuine threat. The third contender, See The Fire, is an Andrew Balding‑trained filly who showed promise in the Middleton Stakes at York in May.
She was close to winning the Nassau Stakes two years ago, but her recent record at the top tier has been less encouraging, now extending to 13 consecutive defeats. Nonetheless, she remains a seasoned campaigner who knows how to navigate the Goodwood track, and a well‑timed run could see her pull off an upset. Beyond the Nassau Stakes, Doyle also shares her thoughts on several other races that will shape the festival card.
She highlights the Group 2 Markel Richmond Stakes (2:25 p.m.) as a key event for two‑year‑olds, noting that Cut A Dash, a Richard Hannon colt, impressed at York by finishing just a length behind Great Barrier Reef in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot. That form suggests Cut A Dash could challenge the favourite Flann Sunna, whose two wins at Windsor and Ascot have not yet demonstrated the class needed to dominate the field.
Doyle also backs Night In Vegas, trained by Eve Johnson‑Houghton, citing his spring victory on the same course and distance as evidence of his suitability for the Richmond Stakes. His close finish behind Cut A Dash in the Coventry further underlines his potential to make a strong showing. Turning to the Epsom Derby trials, Doyle points out Bay Of Brilliance, a fourth‑place finisher in the Derby, who will contest the Group 3 Maison Perrier Gordon Stakes (3:00 p.m.) on Thursday. Although his recent German outing was disappointing, his proven form at Epsom gives him a distinct advantage on this traditional St Leger trial ground.
Still, Doyle leans toward Joseph O'Brien’s progressive colt Enceladus, believing the young horse can stake a claim for the world’s oldest Classic with a solid performance. In the Coral Kincsem Heritage Handicap (1:50 p.m.), Doyle sees potential in Decade Of Time despite an unfavorable draw. She expects the horse to make an impact, especially after a strong showing in the King George V Stakes at the Royal Meeting, where he finished ahead of runner‑up Al Azd.
The 12‑furlong trip at Goodwood should suit his stamina profile. Another intriguing runner is Savvy Disko, trained by Sean Woods, who overcame a wide draw at Lingfield and could thrive under a nine‑pound higher mark with Billy Loughnane in the saddle.
Doyle also mentions Shadow King, a contender in the Whispering Angel Nursery Handicap (4:45 p.m.), noting that a penalty for a recent Doncaster win may be offset by the horse’s affinity for the seven‑furlong distance. Finally, Doyle highlights The Bookkeeper, trained by former stable jockey Richard Hughes, who performed admirably in the Woodcote at Epsom.
With Ryan Moore booked to ride the son of Sioux Nation, the filly is well‑placed to take advantage of the Goodwood straight. Doyle promises to return on Friday with analysis of the day’s biggest sprint, the King George Qatar Stakes, and the Coral Golden Mile Handicap.
Her deep knowledge of the sport, combined with her experience as a top jockey, offers readers a nuanced perspective on the day’s key battles and the horses most likely to succeed.