Race Report - 9th September 2011

Ladbrokes St. Leger
Stobart Doncaster Cup Day

Web Site Report

By Simon Mapletoft



1.25 Polypipe Flying Childers Stakes (Group 2)

Ireland stuck for the third time during the Festival when REQUINTO grabbed the glory in this fast and furious sprint. David Wachman's colt hadn't been able to match strides with his older rivals in the Group One Nunthorpe Stakes, but got back to the form of his Molecomb win here. However, Wayne Lordan's mount had to dig deep to repel the ultra-game Burwaaz, while the only maiden in the field, Caledonia Lady, stayed on strongly just in behind them.

1.55 Ladbrokes Mallard Handicap (1m61/2f)

Eternal Heart tried to make every post a winning one, but as the three- year-old fell away tamely inside the final two furlongs, bottom weight OLD HUNDRED came fast and late to edge out the veteran Nanton in a thrilling finish. Old Hundred, a previous course and distance winner for James Fanshawe, was kept covered up by Eddie Ahern before picking up well once he'd seen daylight. Another track winner, Bourne, ran a pleasing race back in third.

2.25 Stobart Doncaster Cup (2m2f)

The oldest race in British racing went to Irish raider SADDLER'S ROCK, trained by John Oxx. It was the master trainer's second win in two days at the track, and a notable success for 42-year-old Niall McCullagh, who got the ride because regular jockey Johnny Murtagh couldn't do the light weight. Saddler's Rock was the first to come under pressure turning for home but got a second wind to score going away from Opinion Poll. Frankie Dettori looked the most likely winner at the quarter-mile pole, sitting motionless before kicking for home.
But McCullagh got first run on the Italian whose mount had no answer to the winner's late surge. Next year's Ascot Gold cup has been cited as a likely target for his conqueror.

3.00 Barrett Steel May Hill Stakes (Group 2) (1m)

Frankie Dettori quickly atoned for the disappointment of Opinion Poll's defeat by maintaining LYRIC OF LIGHT'S unbeaten record. Dettori had to survive a stewards' enquiry after his mount, trained for Godolphin by Mahmood Al Zarooni, had drifted into runner-up Fallen For You, the favourite. However, William Buick came from off the pace to throw down his challenge but Lyric Of Light was game in front and could not be reeled in. Dettori, however, was suspended for two days for careless riding.

3.35 Frank Whittle Partnership Conditions Stakes (7f)

EKTIHAAM arrived with a big reputation in a race won last year by the mighty Frankel. He has a long way to go to live up to that colt's achievements, but Roger Varian's juvenile is undoubtedly a colt of considerable promise. He may return to Doncaster for the Racing Post Trophy next month, but also holds entries in the Royal Lodge Stakes and the Dewhurst Stakes. Richard Hills had to work to shake off Mizwaaj but went on to score with plenty in hand.

4.10 Universal Recycling Handicap (61/2f)

A mid-season break clearly benefited SIRIUS PROSPECT, who came with a stinging run to put his older rivals to the sword in this hot contest.
Dean Ivory's winner, ridden by Jim Crowley, was slow away but that probably worked in his favour as he reeled in the pacemakers. Lutine Bell ran another sound race in defeat to be second, ahead of another reliable yardstick, Fathsta. However, top weight Below Zero was unable to defy his penalty and may just find life tougher off his revised mark.

4.40 Mollart Cox Classified Stakes (1m21/f)

BEATEN UP hadn't been seen in public since scoring on debut at Ripon in the spring, but was well fancied to make a winning re-appearance and duly obliged, stretching away from the fancied Mashaaref in impressive style under Richard Hughes. Trained in Newmarket by William Haggas, this half-brother to the stable's Pattern performer Harris Tweed looks to have a bright future. Perhaps a race like the Tote- sponsored November Handicap at Doncaster might be on his agenda now.