The Group 2 Betfred Howard Wright Doncaster Cup Stakes heads the card at Doncaster, featuring a compelling matchup between Caballo De Mar and Queenstown. The feature race takes place at 3:00 pm and is broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing.
Saddled by George Scott, Caballo De Mar carries a weight penalty from his victory in the Group 1 Prix Vicomtesse Vigier earlier in May. While he did not perform at his peak when favored at York, Scott has opted to put blinkers on the horse in hopes that Oisin Murphy can restore his recent winning form.
Aidan O’Brien’s Queenstown arrives as a proven stayer following a Group 3 success at the Curragh. The five-time classic winner is looking to elevate his campaign by competing against a higher caliber of opposition.
Emmet Mullins trains Windlay, an intriguing three-year-old riding into town with William Buick in the saddle. After breaking his maiden at Ffos Las last month, the colt faces a significant increase in class, though his lack of exposure over the cup distance keeps him in the mix.
Berkshire Sundance, trained by Andrew Balding, impressed in the Chester Cup from a challenging draw. Although stepping into Group company for the first time is a steep ascent, his performances at Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood suggest he is capable of going again.
Earlier in the day, the 2:25 pm Group 2 Carlsberg Danish Pilsner Flying Childers Stakes features a strong 12-horse field. Richard Hannon’s Pershaada is expected to lead the betting following a standout Molecomb win this season. Dropped back to her own age group after a difficult Nunthorpe run, she rides Sean Levey and remains a primary contender.
Sale Shark continues his progressive trajectory after winning the Listed Roses Stakes at York, while Flann Sunna returns despite losing his unbeaten record at Goodwood. Final Objective, ridden by James Doyle, drops down in trip for the first time and looks to build on his Gimcrack effort.
The card opens at 1:15 pm with the Betfred Flying Scotsman Stakes, where Godolphin’s Nabati and Rock Montreal collide. Nabati brings momentum from a narrow victory at Newmarket, with William Buick aboard as he steps up in class. Rock Montreal, a 1m guineas yearling, is aiming to replicate the dominant form he showed at Yarmouth for Roger Varian’s stable.
Also notable are Forbidden Fire and Varzi, both showing promise in their recent outings. The day concludes with the Leger Legends Classified Stakes, featuring former favorites Caragio and Bella Bisbee, as well as key races in the premier fillies’ handicap and nursery handicap at Doncaster.
Sky Sports Racing has the coverage sorted, at least. Need to see how Caballo De Mar settles early with that weight penalty.
Pershaada dropping back to her own age group in the Flying Childers makes sense. She looked too exposed in the Nunthorpe.
Does anyone else think Berkshire Sundance is undervalued? He handled Chester well despite that draw. Worth a look.
Windlay is such a gamble for a three-year-old against seasoned stayers. Ffos Las won means nothing at this level.
Queenstown looks solid on paper, but Caballo De Mar with blinkers is the real intrigue here. Hope Oisin Murphy can get the best out of him today.