Doncaster
Today, FlatClass 17f
Verdict
Verdict
MORE THUNDER was a shade disappointing in the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville last month, but he stands out on the pick of his form now back at Group 2 level. He can return to winning ways, perhaps at the expense of Flora of Bermuda, who should find this slightly less demanding than the City of York Stakes. Qirat can fill the places.
More Thunder
Flora Of Bermuda
Qirat
Win or Each Way
Win or Each Way
Each Way terms: 1/5 odds for first 3 places
- 1. More ThunderJ: Tom MarquandT: William HaggasF: 2114-2245
- Price History:
- 2.00
- Age:
- 5
- Weight:
- 9-6
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 0
- Days Since Last Run:
- 27
VerdictVastly improved for this yard last year, landing Group 2 Hungerford Stakes before shaping well when fourth of 16 in Group 1 Foret. Reappeared with an excellent second in Lockinge and just missed out again in the Queen Anne. Hasn't quite reproduced that level since but still the one to beat. - 4. QiratJ: Silvestre De SousaT: Ralph BeckettF: 70-471492
- Price History:
- 7.00
- Age:
- 5
- Weight:
- 9-6
- Gear:
- tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 0
- Days Since Last Run:
- 14
VerdictCaused a huge upset in 2025 Sussex Stakes and back to winning ways in 7f York Group 3 in June. Below best in this year's Sussex but quickly returned to form with front-running tactics back in use when second of 7 in Celebration Mile at Goodwood (1m), albeit no match for winner. - 3. Never So BraveJ: Daniel TudhopeT: Andrew BaldingF: 117-55265
- Price History:
- 7.00
- Age:
- 5
- Weight:
- 9-6
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 0
- Days Since Last Run:
- 28
VerdictQuickly made up into a very smart performer last year, including a win in the Group 1 City of York. Has failed to reach the same heights this year, promising a bit more than he delivered in the Sussex Stakes. Not in the same form in the Hungerford latest, though was reportedly struck into. - 7. Flora Of BermudaJ: Callum RodriguezT: Andrew BaldingF: 039-10110
- Price History:
- 7.50
- Age:
- 5
- Weight:
- 9-3
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 0
- Days Since Last Run:
- 21
VerdictSmart mare placed in the QEII and July Cup last season and is also having a fine 2026, following up her Summer Stakes win (6f) in the Group 3 Oak Tree at Goodwood (7f). Predictably found it tougher going back up in grade against the males in the City of York Stakes latest. This more suitable. 
5. VolterraJ: Kevin StottT: Kevin RyanF: 021/3823-2- Price History:
- 12.00
- Age:
- 5
- Weight:
- 9-6
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 0
- Days Since Last Run:
- 168
VerdictSigned off 2024 by getting the better of Qirat and 16 others in the valuable Challenge Cup at Ascot. Ran well on 2 of his 4 starts last season and again when second in 1m listed race here on reappearance in March. Has been gelded and off the track since.
8. Wise ApproachJ: Billy LoughnaneT: Charlie ApplebyF: 2131-5407- Price History:
- 17.00
- Age:
- 3
- Weight:
- 9-2
- Gear:
- cheekpieces
- Official Rating:
- 0
- Days Since Last Run:
- 34
VerdictWon 3 times in 2025, including the Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket. Bit disappointing so far this season, though did take a step back in the right direction when seventh of 11 in Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville (6.5f) latest. Tries slightly longer trip in first-time cheekpieces.
6. Witness StandJ: Marco GhianiT: Dr Richard NewlandF: 00-082636- Price History:
- 21.00
- Age:
- 5
- Weight:
- 9-6
- Gear:
- cheekpieces and tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 0
- Days Since Last Run:
- 28
VerdictLennox Stakes winner at Glorious Goodwood in 2025 and wasted no time getting back to form when third in the latest renewal of that race, albeit seen to good effect from the front. Underperformed in the Hungerford at Newbury since, though, with his finishing effort again looking a bit weak.
2. MyalJ: David AllanT: Steph HollinsheadF: 4002-5127- Price History:
- 26.00
- Age:
- 5
- Weight:
- 9-6
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 0
- Days Since Last Run:
- 63
VerdictProved at least as good as ever when bagging 7f Thirsk conditions race in April and ran at least as well when 5½ lengths second of 11 to Lake Forest in Haydock listed event (7f, good) next time. Underperformed back from a 9-week break at Chester, though, and faces a stiff task in this company.- Unnamed Favourite
- Unnamed 2nd Favourite