Doncaster: Tax Free out for profit in Scarbrough Stakes
Tax Free, winner of four Group races, heads the betting with most firms for the Listed Scarbrough Stakes, the feature race on the first of the four-day St Leger meeting at Doncaster.
The eight-year-old is admirably consistent, and, subsequent to a rare blip on his return here in the Cammidge Trophy in March, has done little wrong in three starts since, most recently chasing home Astrophysical Jet in a 15-runner Group 3 contest in Ireland. Dandy Nicholls’ charge won’t mind cut in the ground and looks sure to make his presence felt.
Next in the market is the Jeremy Noseda-trained Group Therapy. The son of Choisir has found a new lease of life since switched to Noseda this term, scoring in good style in a conditions race on return at Beverley in June, and was runner-up in back-to-back races in July, latterly finding only Borderlescott too strong in a Group 2 at Goodwood. The note of caution regarding Group Therapy, however, is that the going he’ll encounter on Town Moor will be softer than anything he has previously raced on.
Another for whom the underfoot conditions pose a question is the speedy filly Rose Blossom. Game winner of a Group 3 at York on her penultimate start, Richard Fahey’s charge was beaten just over three lengths when fifth in the Nunthorpe Stakes back on the Knavesmire subsequently. She sported a visor on that occasion, but connections have opted to fit her with cheekpieces this time.
The ground could also blunt the speed of Captain Dunne, so for those looking for a value option, PROHIBIT could be the answer at around the 9-1 mark. The Oasis Dream gelding didn’t quite fulfil the promise he showed when with John Gosden, but has found consistency this season for his present yard, and was only just touched off by Mister Hughie in this grade at Beverley last time. He has form on an easy surface and the likely strong pace could tee the race up nicely for him.