Persian Punch seeks Doncaster Cup success

Persian Punch will bid to win his first GNER Doncaster Cup at the third attempt when he will face seven rivals in the Group Three contest.

David Elsworth's gelding finished second to Canon Can in 1997 and third to Enzeli three years later.

The nine-year-old was without a win this season until scoring at Salisbury when he showed all his renowned battling qualities, rallying to beat Warrsan by a short head.

The victory left Elsworth beaming and he said: "It's always the same when they go by him - it seems to wind him up. Everybody says he has not run well this season, but he was only beaten four lengths in the Ascot Gold Cup, and that's a Group One.

"He has just given us all the right signals, and it will be interesting to see what he does from now on."

Martin Dwyer, who has ridden Persian Punch on his last two starts, once again takes the ride on the tough front-runner.

His main threat could come from Luca Cumani's Boreas, who will be attempting two and a quarter miles for the first time having scored over two miles at York last time, beating Cover Up by one and a quarter lengths.

Cover Up, winner of the Queen Alexandra Stakes over two miles and three-quarters, reopposes on Thursday.

Goodwood Cup winner Jardines Lookout will be out to atone for his disappointing display behind Boreas at York.

Sir Mark Prescott, who won last year's Doncaster Cup with the three-year-old Alleluia, runs Unleash from that age group this time.

Darasim represents Middleham trainer Mark Johnston, who won the race three times with Double Trigger, while Bosham Mill runs for Geoff Wragg and the James Fanshawe-trained Travelmate, a versatile performer who was second over 12 furlongs last time out, completes the line up.