David Simcock’s Sheikhzayedroad in good form ahead of Friday’s Doncaster Cup
Simcock's stayer won the race last year and while he is yet to record a win this season he has been running consistently well in all the top staying races
DAVID SIMCOCK is expecting a big run from Sheikhzayedroad in Friday's Doncaster Cup.
Simcock's stayer won the race last year and he has been running consistently this season.
"He'll have conditions to suit and he seems in good order," said Simcock.
"We've done little with him and hopefully he can run very well.
"The one thing he is is consistent. I'm never disappointed and if he doesn't win it won't be the end of the world."
Andrew Balding's Montaly comes into the race in great form having won the Lonsdale Cup on his last start.
Trainer David Elsworth is keeping his fingers crossed Desert Skyline can win for the first time this season following a string of fine efforts in defeat.
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The three-year-old is not eligible to run in the St Leger as he has been gelded, so instead takes on his elders 24 hours earlier in the latest leg of the Qipco British Champions Series.
Elsworth said: "Desert Skyline is not a great specimen - he's a lightly-framed, whippet of a horse - but it's not the size of the dog that fights, it's the size of the fight in the dog.
"He's progressed all the time and we are hoping for another good run."
Pallasator won the race two years ago for Sir Mark Prescott and is fitted with first-time cheekpieces in a bid to revive his fortunes.
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Prescott's assistant William Butler told At The Races: "Over the years he has behaved terribly and won and behaved terribly and run terribly, so the truth is he's the only one who knows what is going to happen.
"There are bits and pieces of excuses for his runs this year, but we'd like to see him run better at Doncaster."
The only Irish challenger is the Willie Mullins-trained Thomas Hobson, the mount of Ryan Moore.
Course winners Clever Cookie and High Jinx are joined by She Is No Lady and Fun Mac in the nine-strong field.