Leading jockey Hollie Doyle has outlined her weekend plans and provided her expert analysis on several key races, pointing to the powerful Godolphin operation as the team to beat in the Classic trials at Lingfield Park this Saturday.
Doyle believes Charlie Appleby's Maho Bay is "well placed" to confirm the promise of his novice victory at the Craven Meeting in the Listed William Hill Lingfield Derby Trial Stakes (1.58). The son of Dubawi impressed on the Rowley Mile and is expected to handle the step up in trip. She also notes that William Haggas' Maltese Cross, who will be ridden by her husband Tom Marquand, is open to significant improvement now facing a stamina test.
In the Listed William Hill Oaks Trial Fillies' Stakes (1.28), Doyle expects the unbeaten Romantic Symphony, another Appleby-trained runner for Godolphin, to "go off a short-priced favourite." A full sister to Group One stars Yibir and Wild Illusion, the filly has looked a class apart in her two starts to date, though she will face a challenge from Aidan O'Brien's duo of Cameo and Bloom.
Before the Lingfield features, Doyle has a ride at Ascot on Friday and two mounts at Lingfield on Saturday. She partners Dagger Strike in the William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap (3.50), hoping the gelding can transfer his all-weather form to turf. She also reunites with Harry Brown in the William Hill Price Boosts Every Day Handicap (4.25).
At Ascot on Saturday, Doyle highlights Wathnan Racing's Defence Minister as a strong contender in the Carey Group Victoria Cup Handicap (2.20). She notes the gelding has a chance to reverse Sandown form with likely favourite Mudbir, being 2lbs better off for the rematch on a track she feels will suit him.
The weekend concludes with an exciting international assignment. Doyle has been booked by Ballydoyle to ride Aidan O'Brien's filly Venosa in the French 1000 Guineas, the Emirates Poule d'Essai des Pouliches (3.25) at ParisLongchamp on Sunday. She will also partner the reliable sprinter Ponntos in the Group Three Prix de Saint-Georges (11.40) earlier on the card.
Based on reporting from SkySports | News.