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 this preview she breaks down Thursday’s marquee race at Goodwood, set against a glittering card that promises high drama.
The centerpiece of Day Three at the Qatar Goodwood Festival is the Qatar Nassau Stakes, scheduled for 3:35 p.m. on Thursday. The race has effectively become a showcase for the radiant filly Diamond Necklace, who will line up against just four opponents in the fillies’ Group 1 showdown.
Diamond Necklace, a daughter of the unbeaten St Mark’s Basilica and trained by Aidan O’Brien, enjoys a slight edge in the official ratings over her nearest rivals Friendly Soul and See The Fire. She also benefits from a nine‑pound weight‑for‑age allowance, reinforcing her status as the favorite. The filly is already a multiple Group 1 winner, having proven her stamina over ten furlongs in the French Oaks on exceptionally firm ground.
The forecast for Goodwood suggests a similar surface, meaning she should find the conditions to her liking. Friendly Soul is the most credible challenger should Diamond Necklace fail to deliver. The mare, owned by John and Thady Gosden, boasts a rich pedigree and has already secured a Group 1 victory. She impressed at Royal Ascot with a striking performance in the Duke of Cambridge Stakes, a race she contested on her first start after returning from a long lay‑off.
Her class and recent form make her the filly to watch if the favorite underperforms. Another contender, See The Fire, is trained by Andrew Balding. She ran well in the Middleton Stakes at York in May and was a near‑winner in this race two years ago. However, her recent record at the top level has slipped, now extending to 13 consecutive defeats.
While she possesses the ability to cause an upset, the odds are stacked against her. Beyond the Nassau, Doyle also offers insights into several other fixtures on the Goodwood card.
She predicts that Thunder Call will feature prominently in the Shergar Cup at Ascot, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing on Saturday. The Shergar Cup will see Jamie Lynch field five horses as international stars clash for team glory. In a separate note, Kevin Doyle, a former Premier League striker, is now chasing Cheltenham Festival success with his horses Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi, highlighting the cross‑sport connections that often appear in racing circles. The day’s action also includes a thrilling King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes battle, where Kalpana is set to defeat Calandagan, and a historic moment as legendary jockey Ryan Moore receives an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours.
Turning to the two‑year‑old division, Doyle backs CUT A DASH, a colt she has followed since his debut win at York, for the Group 2 Markel Richmond Stakes (2:25). Trained by Richard Hannon, the horse was only a length behind Great Barrier Reef in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, a form line that could see him overturn the favourite Flann Sunna, who has yet to defeat high‑class opposition in his two wins at Windsor and Ascot.
Sean Levey’s mount, meanwhile, appears well‑placed on the weight‑for‑age scale against Simon and Ed Crisford’s colt, according to official ratings. A strong performance could set him up for a probable tilt at the Group 2 Gimcrack Stakes back at York next month.
Eve Johnson Houghton’s Night In Vegas also receives a nod. The horse, a proven winner over the course and distance in the spring, finished just behind Cut A Dash in the Coventry, giving him the credentials to contest a major race. In the classic trial scene, Bay Of Brilliance, who finished fourth in the Epsom Derby, lines up for the Group 3 Maison Perrier Gordon Stakes (3:00) on Thursday. After a disappointing run in the German equivalent, the colt’s strong course form makes him a serious contender.
However, Doyle favours Joseph O’Brien’s progressive colt ENCELADUS, who could use the race as a springboard toward the world’s oldest Classic, the St Leger. The news feed also highlights a promising youngster, DECADE OF TIME, who despite an unflattering draw, could make an impact in the opening Coral Kincsem Heritage Handicap (1:50). His trainer Tom Marquand faces a challenge from Jack Channon’s colt, who performed respectably on his first attempt at the Nottingham trip behind Heraldry, a horse Doyle rates highly. Another interesting runner is Sean Woods’s Savvy Disko, who surged to victory over a slightly shorter distance at Lingfield.
Paired with Billy Loughnane, the gelding could handle the higher 9‑pound mark in this hotter race. In the Whispering Angel Nursery Handicap (4:45), Richard Hannon and Sean Levey combine forces with Cut A Dash in the Richmond, while their other entry, SHADOW KING, looks set to defy a penalty after his Doncaster win over a shorter trip last week. The seven‑furlong distance suits him, and a favourable low draw could see him improve markedly.
The Bookkeeper, trained by former stable jockey Richard Hughes, delivered a solid performance in the Woodcote at Epsom. Ryan Moore is a strong booking for this son of Sioux Nation, who also enjoys a good position on the card. Doyle promises to return on Friday with her thoughts on the next day’s card, which features 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 to the sport, provide fans with a valuable roadmap to the weekend’s most exciting races. In summary, the Nassau Stakes is poised to be a showcase of top‑class fillies, with Diamond Necklace leading the pack, but with Friendly Soul, See The Fire, and several other high‑quality contenders ready to challenge. Hollie Doyle’s expert preview, combined with her broader commentary on the Goodwood Festival, offers a comprehensive guide for anyone following the action, whether on the track or via Sky Sports Racing’s live coverage.