MARK Johnston saw favourite Muraaqaba defeated at Doncaster the day before the Middleham trainer plots a three-pronged attack at St Leger glory.
Muraaqaba, a 13/8 chance in the £70,000 Group Two John Smith’s Extra Smooth May Hill Stakes, finished second and a length-and-a-quarter behind winner Agnes Stewart at Town Moor with Paul Hanagan on board.
Johnston will now be hoping one of Leger trio Hartnell, Alex My Boy or Somewhat can go one better in the season’s final Classic tomorrow.
Despite Muraaqaba failing to land Johnston a victory on the Doncaster meeting’s third day, the Scot’s wife and assistant Deirdre Johnston remained philosophical, saying: "She was still second in a Group Two, one of the top fillies' races of the season and we'll have plenty more days with her.
“Paul (Hanagan) isn't sure about the mile and we'll sit down and have a look where to go."
No North Yorkshire trainer has won the Leger since Bollin Eric crossed the line first in 2002 for Great Habton’s Tim Easterby and Johnston has only managed three thirds in seven previous runs.
Leyburn trainer Karl Burke, meanwhile, also had to settle for a second-place finish at Doncaster in the Weatherby’s Stallion Book Flying Scotsman Stakes when 11/4 shot Toocoolforschool was defeated by Nafaqa.
In the day’s biggest race, favourite Estimate, who finished second in the Lonsdale Cup at York last month, won the Doncaster Cup by a length and a quarter.
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