Hollie Doyle, our resident racing ambassador, shares her insights on the action at Town Moor, offering a detailed perspective on the Doncaster Cup, the Flying Childers, and the Flying Scotsman contests. The headline attraction for the Betfred Howard Wright Doncaster Cup Stakes (3.00) at Doncaster this Friday is shrouded in uncertainty.
Star contender Caballo De Mar carries a question mark, while Aidan O'Brien appears poised to break an 18‑year drought and claim his first victory in this marathon since the legendary Honolulu triumphed in 2008, a year after Septimus delivered his lone win in the historic race. Despite the long gap, O'Brien’s Ballydoyle stable has a strong chance of restoring its dominance, especially with the seasoned campaigner Queenstown taking the reins.
After a convincing Group Three win at The Curragh last month under Ryan Moore, the six‑year‑old gelding looks ready to build on that form and avenge his autumn defeat to Caballo De Mar in the Prix du Cadran. Queenstown, a son of the great Galileo, thrives over extended distances, and the conditions of this Group Two event appear tailor‑made for him.
The odds‑on favourite, George Scott’s highly regarded runner, boasts two Group One victories on his résumé. However, the horse must rebound from two puzzling performances at York last month, where he faded quickly in both the Gold Cup and the Lonsdale Cup.
The Doncaster Cup, a true test of stamina, could provide the platform for a redemption run. Switching to sprinting, the Group Two Carlsberg Danish Pilsner Flying Childers Stakes (2.25) over five furlongs showcases sheer speed. Richard Hannon’s Pershaada is a prime example of raw acceleration, and the trainer’s long‑standing success at this meeting adds confidence. Pershaada, a daughter of Persian Force, captured her second Group race of the season after an electrifying victory in the Group Three Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood, where she outpaced a solid field that included the later Listed winner Sale Shark.
Although Pershaada struggled against older, more experienced sprinters in the Nunthorpe at York, she remains a benchmark for her own generation. With the talented Sean Levey aboard, she is expected to set a high standard against her peers. Aidan O'Brien’s Carry The Flag may be undervalued by the market.
The colt displayed strong fractions in the Group One Prix Morny at Deauville, losing by only two lengths on soft ground. That performance suggests he possesses the turn of foot and stamina to be a serious contender over the minimum distance of the Flying Childers. One of the most intriguing newcomers is Forgotten Fire, who impressed with a debut win in a Salisbury novice race. Trained by Andrew Balding, the filly is likely to step up in class with confidence in the Listed Betfred Flying Scotsman Stakes (1.15) on Friday.
Jeff Smith’s home‑bred has already shown a winning attitude over six furlongs, and her impeccable pedigree—being a half‑sister to Group winners See The Fire and Venetian Prince and out of Juddmonte International champion Arabian Queen—suggests she can handle the longer trip with ease. Godolphin’s Nabati is another horse generating buzz among punters. The only defeat on his record came in a narrow loss when he challenged Arapaho Gold in the Listed Rose Bowl at Newbury, a race that Michael Dods’ colt subsequently won the Gimcrack.
A step up in grade at Doncaster could see Nabati confirm his class. Charlie Appleby’s son of Night Of Thunder, entered in the Group One Middle Park, remains a mystery, but there is a strong feeling that Forbidden Fire will ignite the Town Moor turf, adding further excitement to the sprint program. The British Stallion Studs EBF Premier Fillies’ Handicap (3.35) promises a fiercely competitive finish. Ralph Beckett’s Nochebuena stands out as a serious contender.
After a novice win over the same course and distance in June, she narrowly missed holding on in a strong fillies’ race at Ascot the following month—a race ultimately won by Hoseki. That near‑miss suggests a modest weight increase may not deter her from capturing the prize. A viable alternative is Marco Botti’s Golden Muse, a filly the writer once backed to win at Wolverhampton in early spring.
Though still early in her turf career, she displayed promise over a shorter distance at the same venue earlier this year and could improve with the added stamina of this handicap. The Betfred Leger Legends Classified Stakes (1.50) at Doncaster will see former stars return to the track, generating considerable excitement. The recently retired jockey Joe Fanning, who concluded an illustrious riding career this summer, is expected to be the highlight.
He will be aboard Joe Parr’s Wield, a horse that finished strongly over a mile at Southwell in his last outing. If Wield can replicate that finishing kick on turf, Fanning could secure a memorable comeback win on his eighth attempt. Veteran jockey Sammy Joe Bell, a three‑time winner of this race, is likely to target another success, possibly on the All‑Weather performer Anthropologist, trained by Michael Herrington. The race, introduced in 2010, has captured the public imagination and raised more than £1 million for the Injured Jockeys’ Fund, reflecting the dedication of jockeys, trainers, and behind‑the‑scenes staff.
Doyle’s commentary was captured in an interview 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, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all the action on Town Moor.