Castle Cove will attempt to become the first back-to-back winner of the November Handicap in recent memory when he lines up at Doncaster on Saturday, returning from a 12-month absence to face 22 rivals in the competitive staying contest.
The William Haggas-trained gelding has not been seen since landing this prize under Jason Hart last season, and he will be partnered by Cieren Fallon on his reappearance. Raised eight pounds for that previous success, Castle Cove remains a fascinating contender if his fitness holds up after the lengthy layoff.
Heading the market is Nobody Knows, the Richard Hughes-trained three-year-old who has been at the head of the betting since Monday. Ryan Moore takes the ride, and the colt is expected to improve on his fifth-place finish at York last month now that he steps up in distance.
Strong Supporting Cast in Competitive Field
Circus Of Rome and Duraji, both stablemates, hold each-way claims on their best form, while Alfred Wincham commands respect after an eased-down eight-length victory at York on his latest start. He must, however, defy a 13-pound rise in the weights.
The November Handicap is the centrepiece of a busy afternoon at Doncaster, with two Listed races also on the card.
Coul Angel Heads Wentworth Stakes Field
Twenty-one sprinters go to post for the Listed Wentworth Stakes, where Coul Angel arrives seeking a hat-trick following handicap victories at the Curragh and York. Now five pounds higher in the ratings, he steps into Listed company for the first time.
Montassib, winner of the Haydock Sprint Cup in 2024, has not tasted success since but was not disgraced this season and finished fifth in this race last year. Ed Walker saddles both Sunday Girl and Midnight Tango, while Irish raider Unique Journey, who appreciates soft ground, will be partnered by Ryan Moore.
Felicitas and I'm The One Top Gillies Fillies' Stakes
The Listed Gillies Fillies’ Stakes has attracted a deep field, with Felicitas and I’m The One heading the entries. Felicitas, trained by Ed Walker, won her first two starts before finishing second in the Musidora at York and has been beaten narrowly in hot company since. Dropping in grade, she looks an obvious contender.
I’m The One, once an Oaks favourite, returned from a break with a narrow second at Southwell and is expected to take a significant step forward back on turf under Sean Levey. Revoir merits consideration after an excellent second in Group Three company in Italy, while Ribbon Of Sea wears first-time cheekpieces.
Elsewhere on the Card
At Doncaster, Bladey Lady seeks a hat-trick in the 1.35 nursery, while Station X and Fine Interview feature in a Class Two contest at 3.55. Uttoxeter hosts Cinquenta, fancied for the Snowden team at 12.50, and Molto Bene is among five runners at 2.30. Southwell’s 2.40 race sees Seddeeg as an interesting debutant.
Overseas action includes Flemington’s Group One Champions Sprint, Champions Mile and Champions Stakes, where Aeliana and Sir Delius clash and Cox Plate hero Cosmic Crusader is declared. Defiantly runs in a Group Three Handicap at Flemington with Dylan Browne McMonagle aboard.
