Marvelman Finds Top Gear In Park Stakes

Oisin Murphy continued his hot streak as he guided Marvelman to a thorough win in the Betfred Park Stakes at Doncaster.


The jockey notched up four winners on Town Moor on Friday and had actually already advanced in the opening handicap on Leger day before adding another triumph aboard Andrew Balding's 13-2 shot.


Marvelman made smooth progress to get the lead from pacesetter Quinault with two furlongs to run, before easing away to win by three and three-quarter lengths in the Group Two heat.


King's Gamble took 2nd with Audience third, however Group One-winning 5-4 preferred Shadow Of Light never appeared like getting included, pulling hard early before discovering little when the pace stepped up.


Balding said: "He's truly found his spark of late and was impressive today.


"He's usually really consistent and never dissatisfies, apart from when we actually fancied him in the Jersey at Royal Ascot - his owners came over from Australia to see him that day, too!


Marvelman ridden by Oisin Murphy on their method to winning the Betfred Park Stakes throughout St Leger Day of the Betfred St Leger Festival 2025 at Doncaster racecourse. Picture date: Saturday September 13, 2025.


"The owners have actually been extremely patient and it's paid off today.


"He's run some good races on quick ground, however he's handled that bit of cut really well today."


On plans, he included: "We'll probably head to the Challenge Stakes at Newmarket with a penalty"


Murphy, well on his way to being champion jockey again, said: "His work has gone to a brand-new level in recent weeks given that Newbury and we thought he 'd be great on that ground.


"We got a good tow into it and he hit the line well.


"We went a good even speed, not flat to the boards like Quinault often can do, as this ground can be exhausting and I early it might take a little getting, however he powered clear for pressure."