Holland upbeat on Kasthari bid

Darryll Holland is hoping Kasthari can kick off a big staying-race double in Friday’s GNER Doncaster Cup at York.

The rider is set to partner Howard Johnson’s seven-year-old in the two-mile-two-furlong feature before teaming up Percussionist for the same trainer in the Irish Field St Leger on Saturday week.

Holland was aboard Percussionist when he won the Yorkshire Cup in May but he has yet to ride Kasthari, who dead-heated with Millenary in the 2004 Doncaster Cup.

“I’ve not sat on Kasthari before, but he’s won a Doncaster Cup and while he was a bit disappointing the other day, I think he was just blowing the cobwebs away there so hopefully he’ll run a lot better.

“It looks as though we have Sergeant Cecil to beat.”

Percussionist has been off the track since his Yorkshire Cup win but Holland is unconcerned by his absence.

“I can’t wait to get back on Percussionist in the Irish Leger,” he added. “He gave me a great feel in the Yorkshire Cup and that was after a break so I’ve got no concern about the fact he’s had some time off.

“This was always the plan and Howard Johnson can certainly get one ready!”