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SHEIKHZAYEDROAD and Curbyourenthusiasm will give Trillium Place two chances of glory in the 250th renewal of the Doncaster Cup, which is to be staged on Town Moor this Friday.
The two miles-and-a-quarter Group 2 is sure to present a stiff challenge for the pair.
But Sheikhzayedroad is proven as a tough and genuine campaigner in such races, while ‘Curb’ won the Mallard Handicap – admittedly over three furlongs less – on the same card last year.
Sheikhzayedroad heads into this assignment on the back of some very solid form, not least when third in the Group 1 Ascot Gold Cup on his penultimate start.
Curbyourenthusiasm began his season brightly with a second-place performance in the Group 2 Yorkshire Cup but has not matched that level of form on his two subsequent outings.
Trainer David Simcock assessed: “Sheikhzayedroad is very consistent and you know he will run his race. He always runs very competitively.
“Curbyourenthusiasm comes off the back off two very disappointing runs – although there were reasons for both.
“We just hope for a dry day...he doesn’t want rain on the day. But he won the Mallard last year, so he likes the track and I like to think he’ll be seen in a better light than his last two starts.”
Also at Doncaster, the Simcock team are set to be represented by Carnachy. She faces a step up in trip to an extended 14 furlongs in Thursday’s Group 2 Park Hill Stakes.
Her season started very promisingly, including a Listed triumph at Goodwood, and connections are hoping she can recapture her best form.
David added: “Carnachy is trying a new distance Life has been a little tough for since winning a Listed race.”
On the same card, Chelmsford maiden winner Island Visipn contests a 6.5 furlong fillies’ nursery.
David said: “I wouldn’t say she is thrown in off a mark of 78 but she is in good form.”
The Group 2 Park Stakes on Saturday could see Breton Rock line up if there is rain at Doncaster at the end of the week.