Roger Varian keen on 'exciting filly' Farzeen but warns of ground concern

Japan Racing Association Sceptre Stakes (Group 3) | fillies and mares | 7f | ITV/Sky

Is Roger Varian the man to beat once again?

Doncaster has been a lucky track for Roger Varian ever since he had his first winner as a trainer here with Eton Forever in the Spring Mile in 2011.

He has won most of the big races on Town Moor, including the St Leger with Kingston Hill five years ago, and is going for his third victory in five years in this Group 3 event.

The trainer's main hope looks to be Farzeen, who is on a hat-trick after wins in a lesser grade at Redcar and Kempton.

"She's lightly raced and hasn't been out of novice company yet, but we like her very much and she's an exciting filly," Varian said on Thursday.

"We'd be a little concerned about the fast ground so we might take a view when we get to the races about how suitable it will be for her. But in terms of her condition she's in good form."

Varian also runs Nell Gwyn second Mot Juste and said: "She's in great form and she'll love the fast ground. Parts of her form would see her holding a solid chance."

Ralph Beckett is hoping Di Fede can buck the trend of three-year-olds winning the Sceptre StakesCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Will the Classic generation hold sway again?

Three-year-olds have won eight of the last ten runnings but Ralph Beckett hopes to buck that trend with Di Fede.

His filly is at least as good as ever at the age of four and is better than the bare form of her Group 3 fourth at Goodwood, where she was hampered over a furlong out.

"The track will suit Di Fede well," the trainer said. "She's in good form and her form has got better as the year has gone on. The ground is no concern."

Can Pretty Baby resume upward progress?

Pretty Baby looked a smart filly when winning a Group 3 over 7f at Goodwood last summer and picked up where she left off by scoring in the same grade at Lingfield in May.

Pretty Baby: twice a winner at Group 3 levelCredit: Mark Cranham

Her trainer William Haggas believes there are excuses for the four-year-old's two down-the-field efforts since.

"Pretty Baby has not been at her best since Lingfield but she had a terrible draw at Goodwood last time and she didn't shine over a mile the time before," the trainer said. "This should be more her thing and she should run well."

Haggas also runs Atalanta Stakes fourth Solar Gold and said: "She ran very well last time and should be suited by this drop back in trip. She should run her race."

Key statistic: Three-year-olds have won eight of the last ten runnings

What they say

Stuart Williams, trainer of Breathtaking Look
We decided to try and chase some black type with her rather than run in handicaps. She's got a little bit to do at the weights but she's in very good form and will like the ground.

Andrew Balding, trainer Foxtrot Lady
She was disappointing at Salisbury last time so we're stepping her up in trip. Her half-sister won the race last year and while it might be a bit ambitious to think she can follow suit, I'd be delighted if she could get placed.

James Fanshawe, trainer of Preening
It's a competitive race, but the drop back to seven furlongs should really suit her.

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