Sky Sports Racing’s ambassador, Hollie Doyle, knows exactly what it takes to conquer the Group 1 Nassau Stakes after her victorious ride on Nashwa in 2022. In a candid interview ahead of Thursday’s race, she offers a detailed preview of the upcoming showdown at Goodwood, where the spotlight will firmly rest on the dazzling filly Diamond Necklace. The third day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival culminates with the Qatar Nassau Stakes (3:35), a premier fillies’ Group 1 contest that promises high drama. Diamond Necklace, a brilliant daughter of the unbeaten St Mark's Basilica, enters the race as the overwhelming favorite, backed by a modest field of only four challengers.
Official ratings place her just a hair ahead of her closest rivals, Friendly Soul and See The Fire, but her trajectory is unmistakably upward, especially now that she enjoys a nine‑pound weight‑for‑age allowance. Diamond Necklace has already secured multiple Group 1 victories, most notably her impressive performance in the French Oaks over ten furlongs on exceptionally fast ground.
That experience suggests she will handle the Goodwood turf with ease, even if the forecast calls for softer conditions on the Downs. Her ability to accelerate on firm ground, combined with her proven stamina, makes her the filly to beat. Among the outsiders, Friendly Soul appears the most likely to capitalize if Diamond Necklace under‑performs.
Friendly Soul carries a wealth of class, having already captured a Group 1 title herself. Trained by the renowned John and Thady Gosden, she produced a striking run in the Duke of Cambridge Stakes at Royal Ascot, a race that marked her return after a lengthy spell. Her form suggests she can exploit any lapse from the favorite. The third contender, See The Fire, is a product of Andrew Balding’s yard.
She showed promise in the Middleton Stakes at York in May and narrowly missed victory in the Nassau Stakes two years ago. However, it is worth noting that her recent record at the highest level has slipped to 13 consecutive defeats, which raises questions about her ability to turn the tide this time. Beyond the Nassau Stakes, Doyle also touched on other highlights of the weekend. She hinted that Thunder Call could play a pivotal role in the Shergar Cup at Ascot, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing on Saturday.
The Shergar Cup will feature five horses from Jamie Lynch’s stable, pitting international stars against each other in a thrilling team competition. In a separate note, Kevin Doyle—former Premier League striker and now a racing enthusiast—shared his ambitions for the Cheltenham Festival, where he backs Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi to make a splash on the jumps.
The card also includes a notable performance from Kalpana, who triumphed over Calandagan in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, and a commendation for Ryan Moore, who was recently awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours. Turning to the two‑year‑old division, Doyle expressed strong support for Cut A Dash, a colt she has followed since his debut win at York. Cut A Dash is slated to contest the Group 2 Markel Richmond Stakes (2:25) on Thursday. Richard Hannon’s colt finished a close second to Great Barrier Reef in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, a form line that could see him upset the favorite Flann Sunna, who has yet to defeat high‑calibre opposition in his two wins at Windsor and Ascot.
Sean Levey’s mount, backed by official ratings, appears well‑placed at the assigned weight and could use the Richmond Stakes as a stepping stone toward the Group 2 Gimcrack Stakes at York next month. Doyle also highlighted Eve Johnson Houghton’s Night In Vegas, a proven course and distance specialist who ran just behind Cut A Dash in the Coventry, indicating he possesses the credentials for a major win.
In the classic division, Bay Of Brilliance—fourth in the Epsom Derby—will contest the Group 3 Maison Perrier Gordon Stakes (3:00) on Thursday, seeking redemption after a disappointing run in the German equivalent. While his recent form is respectable, Doyle favors Joseph O’Brien’s progressive colt ENCELADUS, who has shown the stamina and class required for the world’s oldest Classic, the St Leger.
The King George V Stakes winner, who claimed the race at the Royal Meeting, is set to make his Pattern debut over the same twelve‑furlong distance in the Coral Kincsem Heritage Handicap (1:30). Despite a challenging draw, Doyle believes he can still make an impact. Another intriguing entry is Sean Woods’s Savvy Disko, who demonstrated a turn of foot over a slightly shorter trip at Lingfield.
Paired with rising jockey Billy Loughnane, the horse could thrive despite a nine‑pound penalty in this hotter contest. In the Whispering Angel Nursery Handicap (4:45), Richard Hannon and Sean Levey have combined interests in SHADOW KING. Although the horse must serve a penalty for a recent Doncaster win over a shorter distance, the seven‑furlong trip at Goodwood suits him perfectly, and a low draw could enhance his chances. The Bookkeeper, trained by former stable jockey Richard Hughes, delivered a solid performance in the Woodcote at Epsom.
With Ryan Moore aboard, the son of Sioux Nation is well‑positioned for a strong showing. Doyle concluded by promising to return with more insights on Friday’s card, which will feature the Group 2 sprint King George Qatar Stakes and the Coral Golden Mile Handicap. Her enthusiasm for the sport, combined with her insider knowledge, makes her commentary a valuable guide for anyone following the Goodwood Festival. Overall, the Nassau Stakes stands out as the marquee event, with Diamond Necklace poised to dominate but with several capable rivals ready to challenge.
Hollie Doyle’s expert analysis provides a comprehensive roadmap for bettors and fans alike, underscoring the excitement that defines British flat racing at its finest.