Marvelman Finds Top Gear In Park Stakes

Oisin Murphy continued his hot streak as he steered 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 already advanced in the opening handicap on Leger day before adding another victory aboard Andrew Balding's 13-2 shot.


Marvelman made smooth development to grab the lead from pacesetter Quinault with two furlongs to run, before reducing away to win by 3 and three-quarter lengths in the Group Two heat.


King's Gamble took second with Audience third, however Group One-winning 5-4 Of Light never ever appeared like getting involved, pulling hard early before discovering little when the rate stepped up.


Balding said: "He's really discovered his spark of late and was excellent today.


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


Marvelman ridden by Oisin Murphy on their way 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 been very patient and it's settled today.


"He's run some great races on quick ground, but he's managed that little cut really well today."


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


Murphy, well on his method to being champion jockey once again, said: "His work has gone to a new level in current weeks since Newbury and we thought he 'd be great on that ground.


"We got a great tow into it and he struck the line well.


"We went a great even speed, not flat to the boards like Quinault in some cases can do, as this ground can be exhausting and I understood early it may take a little getting, however he powered clear for pressure."