Last year’s runner-up Consent is among 16 entries for the Betfred Park Hill Fillies’ Stakes at Doncaster on Thursday.
Sir Mark Prescott’s charge was beaten a neck by Santorini Star in the Group Two feature on day one of the St Leger Festival 12 months ago, after which she reversed that form to claim Group One honours in the Qatar Prix de Royallieu on Arc weekend at ParisLongchamp.
The four-year-old was bitterly disappointing when sent back to Paris for her seasonal debut in the spring, but having shaped more encouragingly when fourth in the Lillie Langtry at Goodwood last month, connections will be hoping she can show her true colours on her return to Town Moor.
John and Thady Gosden’s Danielle won a Doncaster Listed race by nine lengths last November and claimed top honours in a Group Three event at York on her penultimate start. She was last of six in the Lillie Langtry, but may be seen to better effect on an easier surface.
Lillie Langtry third Waardah is also in the mix for Owen Burrows, as is Simon and Ed Crisford’s Fairy Glen, who won the Dubai Gold Cup at Meydan earlier in the year and was only narrowly beaten by Caballo De Mar when fifth on her only start since in a French Group One in May.
Aidan O’Brien has entered Cameo, Ice Dancer and Amelia Earhart, but recently suggested the latter is more likely to take on the colts in the Betfred St Leger itself on Saturday week.
Andrew Balding’s Galtres Stakes winner Prizeland is another contender for what looks an open race.
The Betfred May Hill Stakes also carries Group Two status and has attracted 17 two-year-old fillies.
Possible runners in this one-mile contest include Charlie Appleby’s unbeaten youngster Musical Times, Jim Bolger’s recent Group Three winner Sea The Rain, Balding’s consistent performer Scommessa Sicura and Tall Trees, a recent winner at Sandown for Brian Meehan.
Twenty eight juveniles have stood their ground for the most valuable race on the card, the Weatherbys £300,000 2-Y-O Stakes.
Aidan O’Brien has left in both Florida Bay and Carry The Flag, who bring solid Group-race form to this sales event, while Eve Johnson Houghton’s Night In Vegas and the Richard Spencer-trained Zigazig Ah could renew rivalry after finishing first and second in a similarly valuable contest at Newmarket last month.