Group Two May Hill Stakes Guide 2023

Alex Dudley | @@Alex_Dudz_

Doncaster - September 13 2023
Doncaster 14:00
5(8)
Ryan Moore

Les Bleus

J: Ryan Moore
T: Richard Hughes
N/A
Age: 2
Weight: 9-2
OR: 96
Days: 26

Ryan Moore and Richard Hughes join forces with Les Blues at Doncaster on Thursday. The two-year-old has won just once from four career starts, and she is winless in two starts in stakes company.

She looked outclassed on her latest appearance, as she finished over four lengths behind Les Pavots in the G2 Prix du Calvados. But, a step up to a mile could be just what she needs.

Doncaster - September 13 2023
Doncaster 14:00
1(3)
Clifford Lee

Darnation

J: Clifford Lee
T: K R Burke
N/A
Age: 2
Weight: 9-2
OR: 102
Days: 19

Darnation is the runner for Karl Burke at Doncaster on Thursday. Clifford Lee takes the ride on the two-year-old filly, who has been very impressive over her previous two starts.

The latest of those came at Goodwood, as she landed the G3 Prestige Fillies’ Stakes by two lengths from Carla’s Way. She steps up to a mile for the first time this week, but she looks more than ready for the challenge at hand.

Doncaster - September 13 2023
Doncaster 14:00
4(2)
Tom Marquand

Hard To Resist

J: Tom Marquand
T: William Haggas
N/A
Age: 2
Weight: 9-2
OR: 97
Days: 19

Hard To Resist will be sporting the Royal silks this week, with Tom Marquand hoping to kick off a big week for the Royal Family. The William Haggas-trained runner has form to find on Darnation after finishing over two lengths behind her re-appearing rival in the G3 Prestige Fillies’ Stakes.

However, the manner in which she finished that race could be a reason to give her another chance.

Doncaster - September 13 2023
Doncaster 14:00
9(9)
NON-RUNNER

Zenjabeela

J: NON-RUNNER
T: Roger Varian
N/A
Age: 2
Weight: 9-2
OR: 90
Days: 12

The Roger Varian runner this week in the Group 2 is Zenjabeela. She will be the ride of Ben Curtis.

The two-year-old landed a second straight win at Beverley on her most recent start, as she held off Miss Roberts to win by a neck over seven and a half furlongs. The step up to a mile could bring out more.

Doncaster - September 13 2023
Doncaster 14:00
7(1)
William Buick

Romanova

J: William Buick
T: Ollie Sangster
N/A
Age: 2
Weight: 9-2
OR: N/A
Days: 28

William Buick takes the ride on Ramanova for trainer Ollie Sangster this week. The two-year-old bounced back very impressively after finishing seventh of nine at big odds on debut at Sandown.

However, a return to good ground brought the best out of her at Salisbury, as she finished a stunning seven and a half lengths clear of Falling For You.

Doncaster - September 13 2023
Doncaster 14:00
2(5)
Joe Fanning

Francophone

J: Joe Fanning
T: Charlie Johnston
N/A
Age: 2
Weight: 9-2
OR: 85
Days: 20

Joe Fanning takes the ride on Francophone for trainer Charlie Johnston on Thursday. The two-year-old was narrowly denied a second straight victory at Goodwood in late August, as she tired towards the line to finish second in the British EBF 40th Anniversary Fillies’ Novice Stakes.

However, that run over a mile does give her an experience over the distance, which could count in her favour.

Doncaster - September 13 2023
Doncaster 14:00
3(4)
Sean Levey

Hala Abrar

J: Sean Levey
T: Gay Kelleway
N/A
Age: 2
Weight: 9-2
OR: N/A
Days: 31

Sean Levey takes the ride on Hala Abrar this week for trainer Gay Kelleway. The two-year-old has only made one career start, and she will need to make a considerable step up on her turf debut.

However, it can only be a positive that she made a winning start to her career, as she held on well to beat Billigee by a length at Kempton on the all-weather.

Doncaster - September 13 2023
Doncaster 14:00
8(7)
Oisin Murphy

See The Fire

J: Oisin Murphy
T: Andrew Balding
N/A
Age: 2
Weight: 9-2
OR: N/A
Days: 33

Oisin Murphy will be on board See The Fire on Thursday for trainer Andrew Balding. The two-year-old may be a tempting price on the day, as she was a standout winner on her racecourse debut in August.

She was prominent throughout that race over seven furlongs, and kept on well to beat Heartfullofstars by a length and a half.

Doncaster - September 13 2023
Doncaster 14:00
6(6)
Rob Hornby

Meribella

J: Rob Hornby
T: Ralph Beckett
N/A
Age: 2
Weight: 9-2
OR: N/A
Days: 20

The Ralph Beckett runner in the race this weekend comes in the form of Meribella. Rob Hornby will take the ride on the two-year-old, who has only been seen on track on one previous occasion.

However, she was an eye-catching winner on debut over seven furlongs, as she sped stylishly clear to beat Lady Pagasa by a length. Not one to dismiss lightly.