Megan Nicholls Racing Preview: St Leger Festival Day 2
Doncaster 1.15 – Flying Scotsman Stakes
Nabati (11/8 fav) looks a good horse up to the seven furlongs.
He needed every yard of the six last time at Newmarket. Prior to that he ran very well in what was a hot Rose Bowl at Newbury over the six, where he looked like he could do with extra distance.
I think this is a nice horse going forward, and, in time, he will definitely stay at least the mile. So this is a nice step up.
Nabati's a progressive colt who deserves to be a relatively short-priced favourite in what doesn't look like the strongest renewal.
Megan’s Tip: Nabati WIN
Doncaster 2.25 – Flying Childers Stakes (Group 2)
Massively overpriced is Carry The Flag (13/2) who set a strong pace in the Prix Morny last time – going over the six furlongs took its toll there in what was a strong Group 1 field. He’s back in grade and distance here. He clearly has a lot of tactical speed and a high cruising speed and has shown to have a good bit of quality, too.
Again, he’s massively overpriced and I wouldn’t be surprised if he shortens up plenty before the off.
Megan’s Tip: Carry The Flag WIN
Doncaster 3.00 – Doncaster Cup Stakes (Group 2)
Queenstown (7/4 fav) won on his belated return but did so in impressive style – that was in the St Leger Trial over at the Curragh which is a Group 3 race.
This is a slight step back up in grade here but he had some pretty strong form throughout last season and he has proven his stamina.
This is 2m 2f and I imagine the ground's just going to be on the slow side of good – but it doesn't look like there's too much rain about so he'll handle that no problem at all. He seems pretty versatile in that sense.
I think he’s just going to be too classy for his rivals in what isn’t the strongest renewal in the Doncaster Cup.
Megan’s Tip: Queenstown WIN
Doncaster 3.35 – British Stallion Studs EBF Premier Fillies' Handicap (GBBPlus Race)
Silver Lake (2/1 fav) looks the right favourite.
She won at Goodwood and York and looks ready to step up to the 12 furlongs. She stayed on really well to get up late at York so there could be further improvement from her at this extra trip.
She needs to improve up in the handicap once again – but she's very progressive and the extra distance can certainly unlock more. My each-way selection here is Room Fourteen (9/1), who I’ve been following with interest this season.
Similarly, she looks ready to step up in distance. She’s been very consistent and progressive throughout this campaign and the extra trip may help her improve, too.
She may fall a little bit short in this grade but could run into a place.
Megan’s Tip: Silver Lake WIN & Room Fourteen E/W
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation
