SHEIKH IT UP!

Simcock’s Road is route to profit

SHEIKHZAYEDROAD is fancied to boost an already impressive record in the Group 2 Doncaster Cup (3.35) on Town Moor today.

Two years ago, David Simcock’s (below) nine-year-old won the staying prize after getting the better of a tussle with Quest For More by a nose.

And in 2017, the son of Dubawi finished third, only a head off today’s main rival Thomas Hobson, behind the winner Desert Skyline.

After a fine second to Vazirabad at Meydan in March, my selection was below his best when eighth in Sandown’s Henry II Stakes and sixth in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot.

But this is the race that brings out the best in

Martin Harley’s mount, and another good run looks on the cards.

John Gosden can warm up for Lah Ti Dar’s St Leger challenge with a double, courtesy of in the Group 3 Japan Racing Association Sceptre Stakes (1.50) and in the Group 2 Wainwrights Flying Childers Stakes (2.25).

Laugh Aloud was coming back from a 455-day lay-off when fourth to Veracious in the Group 3 Atalanta Stakes at Sandown 13 days ago, and better is expected here.

Legends Of War ran a cracker to finish a half-length second to Emaraaty Ana in the Group 2 Gimcrack Stakes at York last month, and will benefit from the ease in grade.

The William Hill Mallard Handicap (3.00) is a wide-open contest, but preference is for

The Alan King trainee notched his fifth success from his last eight attempts at Goodwood on his latest outing.

The handicapper has reacted with a 10lb rise in the weights, but Just In Time has further progress up his sleeve.

FLEETING gave Aidan O’brien a first victory in the William Hill May Hill Stakes after finishing fast and late under the trainer’s son Donnacha.“Mentally she need to become more relaxed, but she’s talented when she gets it together,” said O’brien jnr.Fleeting is now set for Newmarket’s Fillies’ Mile or the Prix Marcel Boussac at Longchamp.

UP FOR THE CUP Course winner Sheikhzayedroad will relish today’s conditions in the Doncaster Cup