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King’s Stand second in Listed action at Doncaster, and Cracksman’s brother makes debut in maiden

Arecibo  bids to make the most of having his sights lowered in the Cazoo Scarbrough Stakes at Doncaster on Wednesday.

A dual winner in handicap company at Newmarket earlier in the season, the Robert Cowell-trained six-year-old took his game to another level by filling the runner-up spot behind Oxted in the King's Stand at Royal Ascot in June.

Although he has failed to get his head in front since, Arecibo has been keeping good company – finishing second in the Coral Charge at Sandown, fourth in the King George Stakes at Goodwood and eighth in the Nunthorpe at York on his latest appearance.

The six-year-old is favourite to get back on the winning trail faced with five rivals in Listed company on the opening afternoon of Doncaster's St Leger Festival.

Cowell said: "He's in great form and we've had this race in mind since the Nunthorpe.

"Things just didn't go right for him at all at York. He was drawn on the wrong side – the speed was on the other side of the track.

"He's always one of the last horses to come off the bridle, so we're hopeful that with a bit of speed in the race on Wednesday, he can track it and be close enough to pounce."

Arecibo's rivals include last year's winner Tarboosh – but trainer Paul Midgley is hoping for some unexpected rain.

"It would be nice if the rain forecast for the end of the week came a day or two early. I will walk the track when I get there," he said.

"If it's safe ground he'll run, but if I think it's too quick he won't run. To be fair the ground was too lively for him last time at Beverley, but the twice before that he looked like he was running into form.

"He's in good form at home, he just needs a little bit of juice in the ground now. They are putting plenty of water on, though. As warm as it is they need to be."

Charlie Hills' Khaadem, the veteran Duke Of Firenze, Adam West's Live In The Moment and Bryan Smart's Blackberry complete the field, with Twilight Calls a non-runner.

Elsewhere on the card, the British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes could produce a star of the future.

Among the 10 runners are two unraced John and Thady Gosden-trained newcomers, in the shape of Israr and Frantastic. The latter is a full-brother to Cracksman and holds a Vertem Futurity Trophy entry. Frankie Dettori takes the ride.