With the World Cup quarter-finals on the horizon and England fans daring to dream, the sporting spotlight briefly shifts to Doncaster this weekend as the St Leger trials take centre stage. Irish raider Count Bezukhov is the headline act, bidding to extend his winning run in the feature Betfred St Leger Trial Novice Stakes, live on Sky Sports Racing.
Count Bezukhov Leads the Charge in Doncaster Feature
The inaugural running of the Betfred St Leger Trial Novice Stakes at 2.45pm is the day's highlight, and Count Bezukhov arrives with strong credentials. After an eye-catching third on debut at Leopardstown, the colt broke his maiden in style next time out at the Curragh. Stepping up to 12 furlongs under Billy Loughane, he is expected to relish the extra yardage and prove tough to beat despite conceding a penalty.
Shoof Baeed, a debut winner at Redcar, could be the main danger, while Andrew Balding’s Handicap prospect Hatteen receives weight and brings solid form into the race. The enigmatic Poker, ridden by David Egan for Amo Racing, and consistent According To Mark add depth to a competitive renewal.
Appleby’s Expensive Newcomers on Display
Earlier on the card, the Betfred Champagne Trial at 2.10pm sees Charlie Appleby saddle two intriguing debutants. Ottoman Chief, a 2.2m guineas yearling, is a half-brother to Grade 2 winner Ottoman Fleet and will be partnered by Billy Loughane. Stablemate Quest For Stars, a son of the great Sea The Stars, was a €700,000 purchase and also commands respect under Connor Planas. Appleby’s pair are worth monitoring in the betting market, with Amir Lehbab and Bulletsnap posing the main threats from rival yards.
Newbury’s Valuable Novice Attracts Strong Duo
Away from Doncaster, the Juddmonte EBF Restricted Novice Stakes at Newbury (6.17pm) features Macau and My Boo Boo in an intriguing clash. My Boo Boo shaped with promise when second at Windsor and steps up to six furlongs under Jason Watson, while Macau (Archie Watson) could improve significantly after a slow start on debut at Wolverhampton. Others to note include Shadwell’s Mirzimaan and the well-bred debutant Webster for the in-form Tom Dascombe team.
Quick Facts
Course: Doncaster Racecourse
Feature Race: Betfred St Leger Trial Novice Stakes (2.45pm)
Live Coverage: Sky Sports Racing
Key Horse: Count Bezukhov (Trainer: TBC; Jockey: Billy Loughane)
Appleby’s Champagne Trial Runners: Ottoman Chief (2.2m gns), Quest For Stars (€700k)
Key Takeaways
- Count Bezukhov looks the one to beat in the St Leger trial after a taking maiden win at the Curragh.
- Charlie Appleby unleashes two expensive yearlings in Ottoman Chief and Quest For Stars at Doncaster.
- Doncaster’s card offers quality trials with potential Classic implications later in the season.
- Newbury’s Juddmonte EBF Restricted Novice Stakes sees experienced pair Macau and My Boo Boo lock horns.
- While football fans count down to England’s World Cup quarter-final, horse racing provides a thrilling alternative on a busy sporting Saturday.
