The final flat festival of the season is upon us and Friday at the St Leger sees the Betfred Doncaster Cup Stakes.
A contest last year won by Hollie Doyle and Trueshan, this season’s renewal sees another small field but one which presents an even playing field amongst a familiar band.
And for Sweet William, the chance to get back to Group 2 success.
Term of transition
The 2024 flat season for Sweet William has not brought the same resounding success as a 4yo.
Winner of the Coral Summer Handicap at Glorious Goodwood 13 months back, since then just one win in seven outings have come for John and Thady Gosden’s strong hoper.
However, that may belie the true tale.
It’s another Goodwood and Gold Cup double!
Kyprios does it again in the Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup Stakes! 🏆#ITVRacing | @Goodwood_Races pic.twitter.com/1GEzclchu6
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) July 30, 2024
The offspring of See The Stars may have lacked that winning feeling, but all four trips this term have carried promise.
Twice a bridesmaid to the returning Kyprios in both Ascot Gold and Goodwood Cups, Roger Havlin – who jumps aboard for a 14th time on Friday – has been a figure of frustration.
Yet, with no Kyprios in sight this week, nor Royal meet runner-up, Trawlerman, Sweet William could get his moment at redemption.
A True threat?
Despite a wetter than average UK summer, the main flat festivals have been met by drier, but above all, nippy ground.
However, this week’s omnipotent threat of rain leaves the Doncaster Cup going up in the air.
That could bring the defending champ, Trueshan, back into the picture, which, for Alan King’s rain-seeker, will be welcome.
The defending champion, a 10/3 winner by a just over a length over Sweet William, ended last season on a high with a following Prix du Cadran, but 2024 has seen multiple withdrawals.
After a campaign waiting in the wings, then somewhat against expectations, Trueshan was rolled out at Sandown and won the Coral Marathon, but in the Goodwood Cup again had no finish.
Here however, If the going switches to good to soft – conditions in which the 8yo gelding has won on five occasions – Trueshan may not only be in the shake-up to place, but to retain his crown.
Contenders
After both Tashkhan and Harbour Wind were withdrawn on Wednesday morning, the field is down to six, and all but Wise Eagle have sized each other up in the stalls on more than one occasion.
The Doncaster Cup sees Gregory with his latest shot after a disappointing term, but will have to improve in failing to step up in trip over 2m.
Meanwhile, Point Lonsdale is starting to gain traction in the market as Aidan O’Brien’s sole entry, but like Gregory will have to stay after finishing seventh in the Lonsdale Cup a few weeks ago.
Finally, what of Coltrane? Could trainer Andrew Balding see his charge repeat victory from two years ago.
A horse BestofBets have championed frequently, Oisin Murphy was flat last 12 months ago, but took the Sagaro Stakes in May.
The trip would be a struggle on soft turf, but with the going set to be more leant toward good ground, it would be no surprise to see another tussle with the aforementioned Trueshan.
The Betfred Doncaster Cup Stakes takes place on Friday at 3:35pm UK time.
