Doncaster's St Leger Festival rolls into its second day on Friday. The Doncaster Cup headlines another strong card, which also features two important races for juveniles, the Flying Childers and the Flying Scotsman Stakes.
Here are my best betting tips for Thursday's ITV Races at Doncaster.
ITV Racing Schedule
| Time | Title |
|---|---|
| 1:15pm | Betfred Flying Scotsman Stakes (Listed Race) 7f |
| 1:50pm | Betfred Leger Legends Classified Stakes (Class 5) 1m |
| 2:25pm | Carlsberg Danish Pilsner Flying Childers Stakes (Group 2) 5f |
| 3:00pm | Betfred Howard Wright Doncaster Cup Stakes (Group 2) 2m2f |
| 3:35pm | British Stallion Studs EBF Premier Fillies' Handicap (Class 2) 1m4f |
ITV Racing Tips - Friday 11th September
1:15pm Doncaster - Flying Scotsman Stakes Tips
The two Godolphin runners are sure to be popular in Friday's opener. However, I'm going to take them both on with VARZI (14/1), in the hope that this step up to seven furlongs brings about further improvement.
Karl Burke's colt started out over five furlongs at York in the spring, finishing second to 102-rated Cut A Dash. Varzi wasn't seen again until August, when Sam James made all aboard the youngster to claim a commanding victory in a six-furlong maiden at Pontefract, beating a subsequent winner by three and a half lengths.
I'm surprised that Burke started Varzi out over the minimum distance, given that his dam was a Listed winner over a mile on heavy ground. This son of Havana Grey must have been showing plenty of speed at home during the early part of the year. Burke's youngster shaped as though seven furlongs would be well within his range at Pontefract, and the stable has been in excellent form of late. At 14/1, Varzi looks a good value option.
1:50pm Doncaster - Leger Legends Classified Stakes Tips
An interesting concept, but I've got no interest in backing any of the runners in this year's Leger Legends. Caragio, ridden and trained by Adam Kirby, is the only one who might tempt me into opening my wallet.
2:25pm Doncaster - Flying Childers Stakes Tips
Having struggled against the older sprinters in the Nunthorpe, Pershaada is the hot favourite for this juvenile contest. There are, however, several runners at appealing prices, including Prix Robert Papin winner Tokaido, who'll be reunited with regular rider Tony Piccone after the Frenchman missed the Ebor Festival due to travel problems.
Another who catches the eye at the prices is AGAMEMNON (20/1). Richard Hughes' colt has danced plenty of big dances already this season, recording top-four finishes in the Rose Bowl and Prix de Cabourg before finishing fourth in the Gimcrack last time out.
Kieran Shoemark's mount broke so well in the Gimcrack that he was forced into making the running. Agamemnon couldn't quite sustain his challenge from the front, but battled on bravely to finish three lengths behind Arapaho Gold in fourth, while the other horses who raced prominently dropped out of the back of the TV.
Danny Tudhope takes the ride on Friday, and he shouldn't have to lead, with likely front-runners Carry The Flag and Fast Track drawn on his side. Dropping back to five furlongs seems like a smart move too, and any juice left in the Doncaster ground will be to Agamemnon's advantage.
3:00pm Doncaster - Doncaster Cup Tips
Read our full guide to the 2026 Doncaster Cup to find out who we've backed in Friday's feature.
Visit our Doncaster Cup Live Stream page to watch any of Friday's races via a mobile or tablet.
3:35pm Doncaster - Premier Fillies' Handicap Tips
William Haggas won this race three years ago with Sea La Rosa, who went on to score at Group One level the following season. SILVER LAKE (9/4) has looked every inch a Pattern-level performer in recent starts, and she can land a four-timer in this valuable contest.
Silver Lake struck on her handicap debut at Salisbury in July, before following up with an excellent victory during Glorious Goodwood. Saffie Osborne rode the favourite patiently at the Ebor Festival, waiting for the gaps to open. Once they did at the two-furlong pole, Silver Lake quickly found her stride, but was forced to battle bravely to beat Pendella, who enjoyed the run of the race out in front.
I thought Silver Lake was very good value for that victory, and a six-pound rise seems a little lenient. Another success here would surely see Haggas target some Black Type before the year is out.