Doncaster St Leger Festival: Blending tipped to blitz May Hill rivals for Gosden
Published:
David Metcalf | September 7, 2016
Blending odds appeal in May Hill Stakes
Trainer John Gosden has a good record in the May Hill Stakes, and Blending odds suggest he can further enhance it with victory in this year’s renewal of the Group 2 contest run over 1m at Doncaster on Thursday (14:30).
The Newmarket handler has won the race four times and, in Blending, he has a lightly-raced filly who looks an exciting prospect.
After shaping with bags of promise when a not knocked about third on her debut at Newmarket, the daughter of Medicean created a huge impression when landing a 7f maiden at the same venue by two lengths.
Blending showed plenty of pace to track the leaders and, after being produced to take up the running a furlong from home, stretched clear to score with real authority.
The manner in which the two-year-old travelled ominously well throughout and quickly put the race to bed was visually very impressive. Another plus is the second and third home have both come out and won since to give the form a boost.
Blending should also appreciate the step up in trip, given how she finished off the race, and she also has the services of Frankie Dettori in the saddle.
Kilmah sure to go well
An alternative form among May Hill Stakes tips is Kilmah; a filly with some strong form to her name that looks a big player for Middleham trainer Mark Johnston.
Winning two of her six starts, and also running very well to finish fourth to Roly Poly in a Group 2 contest at Newmarket and runner-up to Fair Eva in a Group 3 at Ascot, Kilmah could be another from the Doncaster bets on offer this week to watch out for.
In the last of those successes, Kilmah made all and dug deep to beat Promising by a neck in the Group 3 Prestige Stakes over 7f at Goodwood 12 days ago.
This daughter of Sepoy looked a sitting duck entering the final furlong but showed a tremendous attitude to fend off all challengers and is bred to appreciate the further step up in trip.
Rich Legacy remains with potential
Rich Legacy could finish only fourth to Kilmah in the Prestige, but wasn’t given the best of rides.
After being held-up well off the pace by Oisin Murphy, the daughter of Holy Roman Emperor got unbalanced on the undulating track when the pace quickened before staying on strongly to be nearest at the finish and beaten 2 1/2 lengths.
Given how the race panned out, it was a sound effort and the return to a more galloping venue looks sure to suit.
Rich Legacy had previously looked an above average sort when making a winning debut at Newmarket, so remains an exciting prospect open to stacks more improvement.
Related
You’ll find more Doncaster bets to back throughout the St Leger Festival on Coral’s dedicated page.
Coral’s top tip: Blending odds look worth taking to give trainer John Gosden a fifth winner of the May Hill Stakes. Bets on Kilmah are a credible alternative and she is sure to give it her best shot, but Rich Legacy is feared most from other tips.
