Meeznah looks for redemption at Doncaster

Doncaster’s stamina-laden St. Leger meeting presents its first group race on Thursday when English Oaks runner-up Meeznah should start a lukewarm favorite in the Group 2, $153,000 Park Hill Stakes, at 1 3/4 miles, 132 yards, a race often referred to as the “fillies St. Leger.”

Beaten a neck at Epsom by the St. Leger Stakes-bound Snow Fairy, Meeznah has since finished fourth to the same filly in the Irish Oaks and fourth behind Midday in the Yorkshire Oaks. Kieren Fallon will ride for trainer David Lanigan.

Dyna Waltz, like Meeznah a Dynaformer filly, could throw down a strong challenge. Trained by John Gosden for George Strawbridge, she has been sidelined since winning the listed 1 7/16-mile Lingfield Oaks Trial on May 8 when she suffered a stress fracture. Arlington Million hero William Buick will ride.

Middle Club, thrice placed in Group 3 company, and English Oaks fourth Rumoush both have place chances.

The Mark Johnston-trained Eastern Aria, winner of the 1 3/4-mile, Group 3 Lillie Langtry Stakes at Goodwood on July 29, is the pick of the older fillies in the field. More recently she closed well to be two lengths fourth in the Group 2 Prix de Pomone at a 1 9/16-mile distance that might have been a bit short for her.

Last year’s Irish Oaks runner-up, Roses for the Lady, would have to improve off a pair of third-place finishes in lesser company to have any chance.