Key horses and quotes as talented sprinters line up for the Scarbrough Stakes

DC Training And Development Services Scarbrough Stakes (Listed)| 5f, 3yo+ | Sky

Equilateral has been off the track since failing to land a blow in the Group 2 Friarstown Stakes at the Curragh in July but is a high-class horse on his day, as he showed when pushing Mabs Cross to the limit in the Palace House Stakes in May, and confidence is high in the Charlie Hills camp.

"This has been the plan for a while and we've freshened him up after a busy spring and midsummer," said Hills. "He has been a little bit frustrating, not winning a stakes race yet, but I'm sure he's well up to it."

Cox positive about Tis Marvellous

Any horse who can win an ultra-competitive 19-runner handicap off almost top weight should command plenty of respect. In fact, Tis Marvellous posted a career-high Racing Post Rating when winning at Ascot in July, his figure of 114 eclipsing the mark of 111 he set when winning the 2016 Prix Robert Papin.

Tis Marvellous and Adam Kirby head to Doncaster for the Listed Scarbrough Stakes on ThursdayCredit: Alain Barr

Things didn't go nearly so smoothly when he was twice checked in his run last time out in the Beverley Bullet, but trainer Clive Cox is confident the son of Harbour Watch is in top form.

Cox said: "He didn't see any daylight whatsoever in the Beverley Bullet and far more reliable is what we saw at Ascot which, although it was in handicap company, was a very impressive performance. He's come back from Beverley well and clearly didn't have a hard time up there. On ratings this looks a positive step to take."

What they say

John Quinn, trainer of El Astronaute
He's been fine. We've no Battaash and these are calmer waters. He ran well here last year and they've had a little bit of rain – I don't think he wants it too firm any more. I'm happy with him and I expect him to run well.

James Fanshawe, trainer of Archer’s Dream
She's got a bit to find at the weights, but she’s really well. It's her first time over five furlongs, which I think will suit her, and I just hope the ground isn't too quick, although I understand they've had a bit of rain. When she ran at York we had one or two that were just a bit disappointing and the horses weren't running quite as well as they are now. She also had a hard race at Salisbury and I think that might have caught up with her.

Michael Dods, trainer of Queens Gift
She ran well in the Beverley Bullet where the stiff five suited her and she has won at Doncaster. She's got to step up again, but I'm sure she'll give a good account in what is a competitive race. She never ran at two but she did well last year before trailing off at the end of the season. She seems to be speeding up this year, which is why we've pulled her back to five furlongs and she's relished that. I think she’ll be a really nice filly next year.

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