As star ambassador Hollie Doyle closes in on her much-anticipated return to competitive race-riding following a demanding five-month injury lay-off, the racing world turns its attention to an exceptional weekend of action on Sky Sports Racing. Headlining the weekend fixture list is Saturday’s prestigious William Hill Futurity Trophy Stakes at Doncaster, where the sport’s leading names will battle for end-of-season Classic glory on testing ground.
Lucky 13 for O’Brien in Futurity
It is shaping up to be a potentially lucky thirteenth victory for master trainer Aidan O’Brien in the William Hill Futurity Trophy Stakes (1.30) at Doncaster this Saturday, broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The legendary Ballydoyle handler arrives at Town Moor heading the market with Noble Exhibit, who will be partnered by stable jockey Ryan Moore as the colt chases a first career Group 1 success.
The son of Frankel appears to be the textbook type for this crucial end-of-season assignment, arriving on the back of an impressive triumph in the Group 2 Beresford Stakes at The Curragh. Like the Futurity itself, that contest serves as a traditional and highly reliable pointer towards next season’s Classics. Noble Exhibit handled the yielding ground with maturity at The Curragh, meaning the soft conditions forecast for Town Moor should present no concerns for the striking chestnut.
Burke rightly bullish about Burning
Karl Burke has adopted a suitably bullish stance in his assessment of Noble Exhibit’s most dangerous market rival, Burning Up. The colt firmly confirmed his appreciation for soft ground when defying a double penalty in a novice event at Haydock Park, before subsequently running a race full of promise when going close in much better company at Newmarket.
His fine second-place finish behind O’Brien’s more experienced Haffner in the Group 2 Royal Lodge can be marked up significantly upon closer inspection. On that occasion, he was momentarily caught out by the dip before staying on with notable power and determination. A return to a more conventional, galloping track like Doncaster should prove ideal for him to underline his own emerging Classic credentials.
Meanwhile, powerhouse operation Godolphin holds obvious and compelling claims with the jet-setting Al Hudaiba. The colt captured a Grade 1 prize in Canada last month, adding to his earlier summer heroics in the Superlative Stakes at Newmarket. However, he possesses a somewhat quirky temperament, making him a less straightforward proposition than some of his primary market rivals.
Tiger to roar home in Listed sprint
Over in the Listed William Hill Remembering Sue Wright Prospect Stakes (2.05)—traditionally and better known as the Doncaster Stakes—Bengal Tiger appeals as a remarkably hard horse to bypass. This six-furlong sprint for two-year-olds provides the perfect stepping stone for the talented son of No Nay Never, who famously broke his maiden at Naas by an incredible twelve lengths.
The race has a strong Irish contingent and looks set to be heavily influenced by overseas visitors. Paddy Twomey’s Hi Corbett Court demonstrated a clear liking for testing ground when finishing second to a higher-fancied stable companion in a valuable sales race at The Curragh. The training partnership of Richard and Peter Fahey also saddle a contender in Crystal Queen, who finished second in an Ayr nursery after finding life difficult in summer Group company, though she will need to take a considerable step forward to trouble the principals.
State ready to supplement festival win
Trainer Adam Kirby has his string in tremendous working order, and expectations are high for Ancient State to successfully supplement his course and distance victory achieved during the recent St Leger Festival in the Richard James Hone Memorial Handicap (12.55).
The four-year-old has continued to run with a high level of credit in competitive Class 2 company since that success last month. He will undoubtedly appreciate the ease in the underfoot conditions, and he benefits from carrying a relatively light weight in testing ground.
Mick Appleby’s Al Shabab Storm went agonisingly close in the Portland Handicap at this very venue before finishing strongly behind his highly progressive stablemate Coul Angel at York. He strikes up a fine partnership with talented 5lb claimer Harry Vigors and must be considered a major player, though conceding substantial weight to Ancient State represents a tough task.
Chapple-Hyam gelding value for repeat success
Desperate Dan secured victory in the William Hill Epic Boosts Handicap (3.19) at Doncaster twelve months ago off the exact same official rating. He possesses all the necessary attributes to follow up for his shrewd handler, Peter Chapple-Hyam.
Having been kept relatively lightly raced throughout the season, he now has his preferred soft ground conditions. The addition of blinkers is expected to sharpen his focus, with top northern-based jockey Paul Mulrennan enlisted to do the steering.
Ralph Beckett’s Shipbourne profited from a more positive tactical approach on the All-Weather surface at Southwell last month, and he could easily build upon that encouraging effort back at the scene of his comfortable seven-furlong success at Doncaster during the summer.
Ground ideal for Channon contender
Jack Channon consistently holds a strong hand in fiercely competitive staying handicaps, and he saddles a live contender in the William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap (3.55) with Galyx.
The gelding bolted up in heavy ground at Beverley off a mark 5lb lower than his current rating, and the galloping nature of the Doncaster track should suit his running style equally well. Operating from an official mark of 85, he remains well within a workable weight range to strike again while carrying a relatively light burden.
Michael Bell’s A Major Payne also commands respect as a proven performer on soft ground, having scored in good style at Goodwood while continuing to show signs of steady progression.
Comeback date edges ever closer
Away from the weekend’s stellar racing action, my own return to race-riding edges steadily closer following another positive week of training and riding out on the gallops across Lambourn and Newmarket.
The absolute focus remains fixed on making a long-awaited comeback in early November, which will mark five and a half months since breaking my left leg in a heavy fall at Bath back in May.
Intensive rehabilitation sessions at Oaksey House in Lambourn have laid the groundwork, but nothing replicates the feeling of being back in the saddle. I am thoroughly enjoying riding out once again at my boss Archie Watson’s Saxon Gate Stables.
While an exact calendar date for the return to the weighing room is yet to be finalized, passing the mandatory British Horseracing Authority fitness test next week should provide absolute clarity. It has undeniably been a long and arduous road to recovery, but the excitement of returning to the sport I love is overwhelming.