Sky Sports Racing’s ambassador, Hollie Doyle, knows exactly what it takes to capture a Group 1 triumph after riding Nashwa to victory in the 2022 Nassau Stakes. In this preview she breaks down Thursday’s renewal of the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood, a race that promises a dazzling showdown anchored by the brilliant filly Diamond Necklace. The third day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival culminates with the Qatar Nassau Stakes (3:35), a Group 1 event for fillies that will see Diamond Necklace start as the overwhelming favourite.
She is drawn against just four other contenders, making the race a concise yet high‑stakes test of class and stamina. Diamond Necklace, bred by Aidan O'Brien and out of the unbeaten St Mark's Basilica, carries a nine‑pound weight‑for‑age allowance that further enhances her edge.
Official ratings place her only a fraction ahead of her nearest rivals Friendly Soul and See The Fire, but the filly’s recent form suggests she is still on an upward trajectory. Her résumé already includes multiple Group 1 victories, most notably a dominant performance in the French Oaks where she handled a ten‑furlong trip on the quickest ground of her career. That win demonstrated her ability to accelerate on firm footing, a condition she is likely to encounter on the Goodwood Downs given the forecast for a dry, fast surface. Friendly Soul, a mare with a deep pedigree and a reputation for resilience, is the most plausible challenger should Diamond Necklace fail to fire.
Friendly Soul has shown a knack for stepping up when the odds shift, and her class could see her capitalize if the favourite under‑performs. See The Fire, trained by Andrew Balding, displayed a promising run in the Middleton Stakes at York in May and was a close second in the Nassau two years ago. However, it is worth noting that her record at the very top level now includes thirteen starts without a win, suggesting she may struggle to match the pace set by Diamond Necklace.
Beyond the Nassau, Doyle offers a rapid tour of the rest of the Goodwood card, highlighting several other races that have captured her attention. In the Group 2 Markel Richmond Stakes (2:25) she backs Cut A Dash, a colt she has followed since his debut win at York. Cut A Dash finished a close second to Great Barrier Reef in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, a performance that positions him as a strong contender to upset favourite Flann Sunna, whose two victories at Windsor and Ascoy have not been particularly impressive. Levy Williams, a former jockey now serving a prison sentence for manslaughter, is mentioned only in passing, but the focus returns quickly to the racing narrative.
Doyle also expresses confidence in Eve Johnson‑Houghton's Night In Vegas, a horse that claimed a spring‑season win and ran on the heels of Cut A Dash in the Coventry, indicating the colt possesses the credentials to compete in a major race. Turning to the Epsom Derby circuit, Bay Of Brilliance, who finished fourth in the Derby, will contest the Group 3 Maison Perrier Gordon Stakes (3:00) on Thursday. Although the horse stumbled in the German equivalent, its proven course form makes it a serious threat in this traditional St Leger trial.
Still, Doyle favours Joseph O’Brien’s progressive colt ENCELADUS, believing the three‑year‑old can stake a strong claim for the world’s oldest Classic. She also highlights the Coral Kincsem Heritage Handicap (1:50), where DECADE OF TIME draws an unfavorable stall but still possesses the talent to make an impact.
Her husband Tom Marquand will ride Jack Channon’s colt, which performed respectably in its first attempt at the Nottingham distance behind Heraldry, a horse Doyle rates highly. 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 in the saddle, the horse could handle a nine‑pound higher mark in the hotter race and overcome a wide draw. In the Whispering Angel Nursery Handicap (4:45), Doyle backs SHADOW KING, a horse trained by Richard Hannon and partnered with Sean Levey. Despite a penalty from its recent Doncaster win over a shorter distance, the seven‑furlong trip at Goodwood appears ideal, and the low draw could allow the colt to improve markedly.
Finally, she mentions The Bookkeeper, trained by former stable jockey Richard Hughes, who produced a solid performance in the Woodcote at Epsom. With Ryan Moore aboard, the son of Sioux Nation is well‑placed to contend. Doyle promises to return on Friday with her thoughts on the remaining card, which includes the Group 2 sprint King George Qatar Stakes and the Coral Golden Mile Handicap.
Her insights, drawn from years of experience and a deep connection with the sport, provide a valuable lens through which fans can appreciate the nuances of each race. In summary, Diamond Necklace stands out as the clear favourite for the Nassau Stakes, backed by a stellar pedigree, weight‑for‑age allowance, and recent Group 1 successes. Friendly Soul and See The Fire remain the only realistic threats, while the rest of the Goodwood card offers a rich tapestry of emerging talent and seasoned campaigners ready to make their mark.
Hollie Doyle’s expert preview equips racing enthusiasts with the context they need to enjoy a thrilling day at Goodwood.