'I expect her to be shorter than 16-1 for the Guineas' - the key questions for the first day of the St Leger festival answered

What's the big story?

Inspiral, Laurens and Simply Perfect have used the Group 2 Betfred May Hill Stakes (3.00) as a springboard to stardom and sparks could fly in this year's race as Godolphin and Ballydoyle lock horns.

Charlie Appleby's Desert Flower overcame distinct greenness to run out a hugely impressive winner on her debut at Newmarket and the form has been given a couple of notable boosts.

It would have taken divine intervention for her to be beaten on her latest start when she skipped six and a half lengths clear of a substandard field, but she was much more professional than on her debut, learning plenty despite landing cramped odds with consummate ease.

The overall time on that occasion wasn't noteworthy, but that isn't overly pertinent given it was very slowly run. Her debut closing sectionals compared very well with the following handicap won by the 97-rated Asian Daze and a mile looks sure to suit.

However, Ballydoyle rarely let Godolphin have their own way and Tipperary maiden winner Ecstatic has a fascinating pedigree, being by Japanese sire Lord Kanaloa out of the very smart Magic Wand, and Ryan Moore has elected to partner her over January, despite January landing a Listed race by four lengths last time out.

That's quite the endorsement but I think Desert Flower is evolving into a real star and I expect her to be shorter than 16-1 for the next year's 1,000 Guineas after the May Hill.

So, who wins the Weatherbys Scientific £300,000 2-Y-O Stakes?

Some punters would dismiss this 20-runner two-year-old sprint contest (2.25) as an incalculable minefield, but I reckon it has a nice betting shape to it.

Camille Pissarro (right): he's definitely the one at odds of 5-2 or biggerCredit: Patrick McCann

Camille Pissarro and Caburn set the standard and they will run to just shy of Group 2 level, so which opponent has the potential to exceed that calibre? 

None, in my opinion. Camille Pissarro's form with Babouche puts him comfortably clear. He should appreciate the slight step up in trip and if the ground has a bit more give in it than at York, he's definitely the one at odds of 5-2 or bigger.

Camille Pissarro14:25 Doncaster

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Jky: Ryan Moore Tnr: A P O'Brien

What's the bet of the day?

I reckon Toomuchforme was runner-up to a very smart filly in Jewelry at Newbury last time out and she rates a smashing each-way bet at 6-1 in the opening fillies' nursery at Doncaster (1.50).

An opening mark of 85 wouldn't seem particularly generous, but she was hugely impressive at Ripon on her second start, bolting in by three lengths, and the runner-up has won a maiden in similar fashion since. 

She was no match for the winner at Newbury but she was carrying a penalty and I think that's form worth following closely, especially given the well-beaten sixth came out and won on Monday.

Toomuchforme13:50 Doncaster

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Jky: Pierre-Louis Jamin Tnr: K R Burke

Who's the lay of the day?

The opening novice at Epsom (2.00) isn't a strong race but I'd be sceptical of the strength of market leader Bold Impact's maiden form. 

Also, Haliphon is a weak favourite for the 1m4f handicap (3.45) as it was a poor race he won last time and he could really struggle if the ground remains soft. Liseo is a much more attractive proposition after he caught the eye at Beverley last month and he's shown an aptitude for soft ground.

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