Simple Verse headlines Park Hill Stakes entries
Ralph Beckett's filly has failed to reach the same heights as she did last season but hopes are pinned on a return to Doncaster to reignite her spark
SIMPLE VERSE returns to the scene of her finest hour in a bid to record her first win of the season in the DFS Park Hill Stakes at Doncaster on Thursday.
The filly won one of the most dramatic and controversial races for the St Leger 12 months ago for after passing the post a head in front of Bondi Beach, she was relegated to second place after a stewards' inquiry.
Thankfully for connections, she was reinstated on appeal.
Victory on her final start last term in the Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes at Ascot augured well, but after failing to strike in three races, Simple Verse was given a break in the hope of rekindling her sparkle.
She leads trainer Ralph Beckett's three-pronged assault on the Group Two contest over the full St Leger course.
"She's been training well since she came back from her holiday," said Beckett.
"Obviously we know she enjoys the track and the trip.
"The draw (14) has not been kind, but we'll get over that."
Alyssa is the unexposed member of Beckett's trio, having won a maiden and two handicaps in the style of a progressive type
"Alyssa is coming forward all the time. I was delighted with her effort last time," said the Andover handler.
"I think she's probably still improving and we are optimistic about being competitive."
Beckett believes Pamona has not had races run to suit since she lowered the colours of Barsanti and Quest For More in a Listed contest at York in July.
"She will hopefully get a stronger pace tomorrow which is what she's been crying out for since her win at York," he said.
Abingdon, trained by Sir Michael Stoute, looks the main threat to the Beckett team after she made it three wins from just five starts when running out a convincing winner of the Galtres Stakes at York last month.
Tioga Pass belied her odds of 25-1 when running the reopposing California to a length in the Group Three Lillie Langtry Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.
That effort was more meritorious as the Paul Cole-trained five-year-old slipped on one of the turns.
"She's in good form at home," said Cole's son and assistant, Oliver.
"She ran very well at Goodwood seeing as she tripped up on the bend and that must have knocked the stuffing out of her.
"I think she'll like the track. It's obviously a tough race, but she's very well in herself."
Hughie Morrison is hoping Star Rider can gain some black type before heading to Newmarket for the Betfred Cesarewitch on October 8.
"It's a bit of an uplift in quality, but there are so few opportunities for fillies to attempt to get black type. That's why we're doing it," said Morrison.
"I suppose it means more runners, but there isn't enough of these races for proper horses.
"It's a bold shout, but we've waited to run her to protect her mark so if she comes out of the race OK she can still run in the Cesarewitch."
David Simcock is stepping Carnachy up in distance in an attempt to get her career back on track.
The four-year-old filly got her season off to a winning start in a Listed contest at Goodwood in April but has cut little ice since then in a higher grade.
"Carnachy is trying a new distance. Life has been a little tough for her since winning a Listed race," the Newmarket trainer told www.davidsimcock.co.uk.
