Donation will be attempting to make it fourth time unlucky in next Monday’s Lowther Stakes Final at Nottingham, and according to the racing office, she is the one to beat.
Heather Dimmock’s powerful black who has already reached three ‘Cat 1’ deciders will be hoping for better luck than in the Sussex Cup, Oaks and Grand Prix deciders after landing the fastest semi final in 28.63 (+30) on Monday night. The Thurles track record holder over 570 yards, was led by Move Over Evie and Wuheida to the third bend where the latter checked. Donation took the lead on the run home with Queen Adele running on gamely for third.
The second semi saw Naughty Molly overcome a sideways swerve from Maysthistlecrack at the boxes to lead up in the second semi. With the inside four runners crowding each other, the leader was never challenged and came home with with just over two lengths to spare over Bull Run Button in 28.82 with Tractor Skinner running on.
Nottingham’s John Charles said: “The final looks to be between the five and six and I can see Donation just edging it if she isn’t pushed too wide at the bend. Tracton Skinner, the local bitch, runs much better from one and should be staying on. Bull Run Button ran very well but just can’t get an inside draw.”
