Hollie Doyle Prepares for Key Races at Lingfield and France
Hollie Doyle is gearing up for an exciting weekend of racing, starting at Lingfield Park on Saturday with six rides before heading to France on Sunday. The Sky Sports Racing ambassador is particularly focused on her form horse, SUMMERTIME BLUES, who will compete in the Arc All-Weather £1 Million Bonus Is Back Handicap at 15:55. This promising runner recently delivered a strong performance, winning at Chepstow last month, and Doyle is optimistic about his chances despite a 7-pound rise in the handicap.
Doyle expressed confidence in his potential, noting that he has had issues in the starting stalls before but is well positioned in stall four for the race. “If he can reproduce that winning form, he’ll be in contention,” she said.
Assessing the Competition at Lingfield
In addition to SUMMERTIME BLUES, Doyle will also ride TYHOON DANCER in the Alan Rae Smith Errant Handicap at 13:25. This horse has struggled to find form recently but drops in grade, and the addition of cheekpieces may provide the necessary boost. “He has shown potential in the past, and I’m hopeful he will apply himself better in this race,” Doyle commented.
Another runner to watch is VENTURA DREAM, competing in the Arc Celebrates Shared Ownership Handicap at 15:13. Although he has not built on his initial success in February, he enters this race at a lower weight, which could work in his favor.
Doyle also highlighted the prospects of FRANCESI, who has a history of success at Lingfield, participating in the Sky Sports Racing Sky 415 Handicap at 16:30. His past performance at the track makes him a contender, even after a prolonged losing streak.
Finally, FIDELIUS will close the day for Doyle in the concluding Free Race Replays On attheraces.com Handicap at 17:00. The four-year-old enters this sprint fresh off a three-month break, and his earlier victories suggest he may have a strong showing.
Heading to France with Spartan Arrow
On Sunday, Doyle will be in France to partner with SPARTAN ARROW in the Group Three Prix du Petit Couvert at ParisLongchamp, scheduled for 13:58. This five-year-old horse previously demonstrated remarkable speed, winning the Listed Prix Hampton in June. Although he faced challenges in his last two outings, including a disappointing performance in the Group One Nunthorpe, Doyle believes that this race presents a prime opportunity for success. “I’m eager to see him return to winning form,” she stated.
Doyle’s husband, Tom Marquand, is also in the spotlight this weekend, set to ride the favorite SCANDINAVIA in the Betfred St Leger at Doncaster on Saturday at 15:40. Aidan O’Brien’s star has shown impressive form, winning the Bahrain Trophy and performing well in the Group One Goodwood Cup. Marquand, who won the Leger in 2020, is poised to make a strong bid for a second victory.
In the same race, GEWAN is anticipated to perform well in the Group Two Betfred Champagne Stakes at 13:50. He recently excelled in the Acomb Stakes and is seen as a strong contender for future races this autumn.
As the weekend unfolds, both Hollie Doyle and Tom Marquand will be at the forefront of thrilling racing events, showcasing their talents on prominent stages in the UK and France.
