Hollie Doyle, our resident ambassador, shares her insights on the action at Town Moor, offering her perspective on the Doncaster Cup, the Flying Childers, and the Flying Scotsman. With uncertainty surrounding the star attraction Caballo De Mar in the Betfred Howard Wright Doncaster Cup Stakes (3.00) at Doncaster on Friday, Aidan O'Brien appears poised to claim the prize for the first time in 18 years. The legendary trainer from Ballydoyle has not secured a win in this marathon since Honolulu’s triumph in 2008, a full year after Septimus delivered his solitary historic victory. Nonetheless, I anticipate that Queenstown will restore the record under the guidance of Ryan Moore, especially after the horse’s recent Group Three win at The Curragh last month.
The six‑year‑old must now build on that success to avenge a loss to Caballo De Mar in last autumn’s Prix du Cadran, but I am confident that this gelded son of the great Galileo can deliver, particularly given the conditions that suit him perfectly in this Group Two contest. There is no doubt about the credentials of George Scott’s likely favourite, who already boasts two Group One victories on his résumé. However, he must rebound from two puzzling performances in the Gold Cup and the Lonsdale Cup at York last month, where he faded quickly.
While the Doncaster Cup is a test of stamina, the Group Two Carlsberg Danish Pilsner Flying Childers Stakes (2.25) over five furlongs showcases pure speed, and Richard Hannon’s Pershaada possesses that in abundance. My former boss has a strong record at this meeting and has identified a prime opportunity for Middleham Park Racing’s daughter of Persian Force to claim her second Group race of the season.
Pershaada was electrifying in the Group Three Molecomb Stakes at the Goodwood Festival, pulling away from a solid field that included the re‑emerging Listed winner and market rival Sale Shark. Although she fell short against older, more seasoned sprinters in the Nunthorpe at York, she should dominate her own generation with the excellent Sean Levey aboard.
I also think Aidan O'Brien’s Carry The Flag is a bit underrated after setting impressive fractions in the Group One Prix Morny in Deauville. He was beaten by only two lengths on soft ground and should be a real handful over the minimum distance at Doncaster. Forgotten Fire’s debut win in a Salisbury novice race left a strong impression on me, so don’t be surprised if the Andrew Balding‑trained filly steps up in class with ease in the Listed Betfred Flying Scotsman Stakes (1.15) on Friday. Jeff Smith’s home‑bred displayed a champion’s attitude, smashing her rivals over six furlongs, and she should find the necessary improvement over the longer trip.
She is impeccably bred, a half‑sister to Group winners See The Fire and Venetian Prince, and out of the Juddmonte International winner Arabian Queen. Godolphin’s Nabati is likely to be a popular choice among punters as he moves up in grade. His only defeat was a narrow loss when he challenged Arapaho Gold in the Listed Rose Bowl at Newbury before Michael Dods’ colt captured the Gimcrack. Charlie Appleby’s son of Night Of Thunder could be anything at this stage, as suggested by his entry in the Group One Middle Park, but I have a feeling that Forbidden Fire will set the Town Moor turf alight.
The British Stallion Studs EBF Premier Fillies’ Handicap (3.35) on Friday promises to be fiercely competitive. My standout is Ralph Beckett’s Nochebuena, a novice winner over the same course and distance back in June who only just failed to hold on in a strong fillies’ race at Ascot the following month, a race won by Hoseki. That encouraging handicap debut suggests that even a four‑pound rise in the rankings may not stop her from taking the prize. A viable alternative is Marco Botti’s Golden Muse, a filly I backed at Wolverhampton in early spring.
Though still early in her turf career, she showed promise over a shorter trip at this track earlier in the year and could thrive with the longer distance. The veterans of the weighing room will be thrilled to compete in the Betfred Leger Legends Classified Stakes (1.50) at Doncaster on Friday. The excitement of returning to the track should be a buzz for all involved, and I suspect the recently retired Joe Fanning will be the toast of Town Moor. Joe, who concluded an illustrious career this summer, is riding Joe Parr’s Wield, a horse that finished strongly over a mile at Southwell last time.
If he can replicate that performance on turf, he could secure a win on his eighth attempt. Sammy Joe Bell has won this race an impressive three times, so I expect her to perform well again, possibly on another All‑Weather performer, the Michael Herrington‑trained Anthropologist. Since its inception in 2010, this race has captured the public’s imagination and has raised well over £1 million for the Injured Jockeys’ Fund. It is a testament to everyone involved, from the jockeys who participate with great sportsmanship to the dedicated staff working tirelessly behind the scenes.
Hollie Doyle discussed these thoughts with Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft. Fans can watch every race of the Betfred St Leger Festival live on Sky Sports Racing (Sky 415 | Virgin 512) from Thursday through Sunday.