St Leger Festival: Preview and tips for day two at Doncaster Racecourse

Read on for a preview of and tips for the Doncaster card, brought to you by BOYLE Sports, who have all the horse racing odds.

The day kicks off with the Listed Flying Scotsman Stakes, which is run by two-year-olds over seven furlongs (13.15). One of the least exposed is the Andrew Balding-trained Forbidden Fire, who won her debut at Salisbury by a highly impressive five and a half lengths. She’s up in trip here and carries the fillies’ weight allowance, so is a serious contender here. The ground is the only question mark, but her pedigree suggests she will be fine. The Godolphin pair are her main competition; Nabati and Rock Montreal, the former of which is already proven at this level.

In the Leger Legends race, which is run over a mile by retired jockeys (13.50), Joe Fanning’s ride - Wield - looks likely to attract plenty of attention. He is on a workable mark and, with the recently retired top-class rider in the saddle, should have a super chance. Adam Kirby rides and trains his horse, who could get involved, while Jimmy McCarthy’s ride, Feel The Need, looks likely for a place.

Race three is the first of our Group races; the Group Two Flying Childers Stakes, for two-year-olds over five furlongs (14.25). Amy Murphy travels Tokaido over from France for this, with the gelding having won two Group races at home. He was below form last time at York but could get back to his best here. Final Objective must be taken very seriously for Wathnan, while Sale Shark is of interest after a good run at York last month.

Next is the Group Two Doncaster Cup Stakes, run over two miles and two furlongs (15.00). Coolmore’s representative is Queenstown, who has only been seen once this year so far. Top-rated Caballo De Mar has been good this term and likes the softer ground, but is tried in blinkers for the first time here. This race should be between the two of them, but Caballo De Mar gets the final vote.

The Premier Fillies’ Handicap follows, run over a mile and a half (15.35). Silver Lake has recently completed a hat-trick, but this might be a touch too difficult. Nochebuena has been lightly raced this term and looks a player, particularly given her course and distance success in June. Ruby Wedding could get involved but would need a career best, while Salamanca City makes some appeal too.

A seven-furlong two-year-old fillies’ maiden is next (16.10). Victoria Night and Godspeed Girl are the only two with existing form, having run once each. The former was much better on debut than the latter, beaten just a head. There are some smart-looking debutants here, though; daughters of Frankel, Baaeed and Lope De Vega. Ryan Moore is an eye-catching booking for Karl Burke’s She’s Got A Way and the trainer’s juveniles are always worth looking at.

Second to last is a six-furlong nursery handicap (16.45). Henley On Thames seeks a hat-trick, but is four pounds higher in the weights now, which may prove tricky. Launch Sequence could be good here, making his handicap debut in first-time cheekpieces, while Washington Royale might have been competitive if it wasn't for a six-pound penalty for a recent win.

Friday’s racing concludes with a 10-furlong handicap (17.20). Fans Favourite has improved plenty this season and is entitled to another strong performance here, while Highland Olly is another to look towards if the rain continues to fall. Newtown Duke looks fairly attractive here, on a possible mark for Ian WIlliams.

Doncaster selections - Friday

13.15 - Forbidden Fire

13.50 - Wield

14.25 - Final Objective

15.00 - Caballo De Mar

15.35 - Nochebuena

16.10 - She’s Got A Way

16.45 - Launch Sequence

17.20 - Newtown Duke