Queenstown is a fascinating possible for Aidan O’Brien among nine entries for the Betfred Howard Wright Doncaster Cup on Friday.
The Galileo gelding returned from 300 days off the track to beat Royal Ascot winner Kizlyar in the Group Three Irish St Leger Trial at the Curragh last month.
That was his first run since finishing second in the Prix Royal-Oak in November and third to Caballo De Mar in the Cadran on Arc weekend. He was also third in last year’s Ebor and twice runner-up to former staying king Kyprios in 2024.
The George Scott-trained Caballo De Mar could line up against him, as he looks to rediscover his best form after disappointing experiences at Ascot and York.
A dark horse is Winday, representing Emmet Mullins and owner Paul Byrne. He was a ready winner at Ffos Las when last seen, having rejoined Mullins after a spell over hurdles in France.
This year’s Ebor fourth Ascending (Henry de Bromhead) adds strength to the Irish challenge, while John and Thady Gosden are represented by French Master in search of a Clarehaven hat-trick in the race after back-to-back wins for Sweet William.
Beylerbeyi (Ian Williams), Berkshire Sundance (Andrew Balding), Peace Belle (Jennie Candlish) and Epic Poet (David O’Meara) are also in contention.
Pershaada is one of the standout names in the Carlsberg Danish Pilsner Flying Childers Stakes, which has attracted 13 entries.
Fourth in a red-hot Queen Mary at Ascot and conqueror of Adonius at Goodwood, Richard Hannon’s youngster took her chance against her elders in the Nunthorpe, where she was down the field.
Also sure to be well-fancied is Final Objective for Hamad Al Jehani and Wathnan Racing after his fine effort in being narrowly beaten by Arapaho Gold in the Gimcrack.
Hugo Palmer will have high hopes for Sale Shark, fourth to Pershaada at Goodwood but victorious over Adonius in the Roses Stakes at York.
Meanwhile, any number of exciting types feature in 23 for the Listed Betfred Flying Scotsman Stakes – including the first two in the betting on next year’s 2000 Guineas.
Favourite for Newmarket at this stage is Desert Castle for Charlie Appleby after his winning start at Headquarters.
Joseph O’Brien’s Monogram is only just behind him after he too looked the part when swooping late to win on debut at the Curragh, in the Juddmonte colours Frankel carried to victory in this race in 2010.
As well as Desert Castle, owners Godolphin could also be represented by Roger Varian’s Rock Montreal, an impressive winner at Yarmouth on debut and a late absentee from Sandown’s Solario Stakes on account of soft ground.