Doncaster Tips: Tom Collins has two selections on Wednesday's card

Dating back to the inaugural running in 1986, three-year-olds have won an astonishing 25 editions of the Group 3 Sceptre Stakes from just 35 runnings.

The dominance of the Classic generation peaked between 2001 and 2015, since then older horses have plundered four of the last six renewals despite only being represented by 24 entrants (35%) compared to 45 three-year-olds (65%).

Sandringham winner Heredia, who has disappointed on her last two starts, and Adaay In Asia, who seeks her fifth consecutive victory, head the market for the three-year-olds in this year's contest. You can make a case for both, but, despite the 4lb weight-for-age allowance, it’s an older horse that has caught my attention.

Richard Fahey has campaigned Umm Kulthum pretty aggressively this term. She won the Listed Kilvington Stakes on her seasonal reappearance, beating subsequent Group 3 winner Flotus and Listed scorer Gale Force Maya in the process, before being dunked into deep waters in the Group 1 Platinum Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Umm Kulthum never threatened that day and then struggled in the Summer Stakes at York last time over the same 6f trip, but the front-running bias at the latter track played against her and she actually made noteworthy inroads from the back of the pack once asked to quicken.

This is her easiest assignment since her May victory and I love her draw in stall 11 - there always seems to be a slight preference to race closest towards the stands’ side rail - on a track that will suit. Providing she’s fit after a two-month break, Umm Kulthum is the most logical winner under Oisin Orr.

Selection: Umm Kulthum @ 7.6

Fast pace can help veteran regain his crown

Expect fast early sectionals in this year’s Scarbrough Stakes as four of the nine runners are regularly seen at their best when they are dictating matters.

Can To Can, Guilded, King Of Stars and Mo Celita only have one way of running - quickly. All four sprinters will set their stall out early and make sure there is no hiding place in this Listed contest. However, a likely pace duel upfront will undoubtedly set it up for the closers.

The presence of Ryan Moore on favourite Manaccan interests me given he has only ridden for trainer John Ryan once before. But, as much as that three-year-old is improving, he is short enough in the market for what he has achieved to date. A reproduction of his recent Hopeful Stakes third might suffice, but that is no guarantee. 

I prefer the chances of Equilateral, who won this race in 2019 and now returns as a seven-year-old to regain his crown. Charlie Hills’ sprinter has always showcased a high level of talent - he finished second in the 2020 King’s Stand behind Battaash, don’t forget - and has performed to within 5lb of his career-best this season. As a result, it’s fair to assume that he maintains most, if not all of his ability and that makes him a dangerous player in this event.

He was clearly the best horse in the race three runs back at Sandown, but he was given a sub-par ride and couldn’t negotiate traffic. While he raced alone and had no cover last time at Goodwood. A more conventional passage at a track he loves (two wins from three starts here) can see him come out on top.

Selection: Equilateral @ 4.4

Recommended bets

Umm Kulthum (3.35 Doncaster) @ 7.6
Equilateral (4.10 Doncaster) @ 4.4