Doncaster 1.50 - Spring Mile Handicap - Class 2 - 1 mile - 22 run - Good to Soft

 

A low draw was an advantage on this day last year in the Straight MIle races on Soft Going but generally the Draw is less of a factor here than finding where the pace is and looking for horses who can sit prominently just off the pace. Early Season and Course  Form is an asset as is some AW  fitness.

 

I narrowed a final list down to 8-9 runners and from that left out Thunder Roar last years runner up but with a lot more weight this time, Tolstoy and Arthur's Realm both stayed in my thoughts until the very final cut and big runs would be no surprise form either and Promethean, Ocean Of Dream and Spirit Of Acklam are all progressive types being tipped up by some shrewd sources who could all run very well.

 

I'm left with 4 though that I am really keen on and in preference order they are PRESSURES ON who looks a solid favourite at a backable each way price, Stall 6 gives options to go far side or down the middle and this one looks very solid. LOOK BACK SMILING won this race last season off a mark of 83, should have enough juice in the ground still this year and off a mark of 82 and drawn 13, so options down the middle or Stands side, perfectly compliments the first selection.

 

At bigger prices I have more of a gut feel and an analytical confidence that both RHYTHM MASTER, drawn in Stall 1 and who has had a run and a solid if unspectacular profile and HELM ROCK who is fit from the AW and a nice profile for the race, drawn in 19 and with Billy Loughnane a bit of an eye catching booking, could both out run very decent early Odds. (Northern)

 

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Doncaster 3.35 - Lincoln Handicap - Class 2 - 1 miles - 22 run - Good to Soft

 

We may have a draw bias indication from The Spring MIle and this race has been priced up for ages, so it's hard to be over confident but there are some clear pointers to follow.

 

Magnus Opus has wintered in Meydan and was long on the list and one of the last discarded, as was Native Warrior one of a very dangerous pair for Karl Burke but one who on past evidence might just need the first run back and also Oliver Snow from a progressive yard with Loughnane booked. Orandi for the Irish and a winner of their Lincoln but one with a big draw bias and Midnight Gun were also carefully considered.

 

The other Burke runner THUNDER RUN looks a worthy favourite and value at the price and was my top rated, closely followed by last season's unlucky runner up LATTAM who ticks every box. Thunder Run is drawn 19 and Lattam 12 and there seems to be a lot of good pace in that part of the Draw. My third rated is the Haggas runner GODWINSON, his horses tend to back heavily backed but he had an awful run with similar types last season but we must never write off his prowess and ability and from a low draw I think this one has something of a place banker look about it, provided the bias is not completely on the Stands side.

 

A pair for the numerous enhanced places if you want them as 4th and 5th rated at juicy odds and confidence both could run very well are DUAL IDENTITY who has the far side rail and who should be forward enough to run a big race but definitely one to TRACK in to next run too and MR PROFESSOR winner of this last year drawn low, gets Stall 22 this time but clearly likes the Track, conditions and can be readied, and of the bias IS high, he could certainly be a lucky boy to get the plum part of the track 2 years running. (The Advisor)

 

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Uttoxeter 5.05 - Handicap Hurdle - 2 miles  and 1/2 furlongs - Class 4 - 14 run - Good

 

A couple here really do look a bit overpriced and ready to rediscover the winning habit.  

 

GETAWAY DRUMLEE steps back to Hurdles and is upped in trip and on form and visual evidence that could be a masterstroke by Ben Pauling. 

 

On current form IT'S MAISY would be the Sue Smith second string but she has valid excuses for a poor run last time having lost a shoe early in the race, but she had her best spell last Spring in March and April and following being bogged down a bit in the winter mud, could be ready to revive. (Robin)

 

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CURRAGH 5.45 - Handicap - 1 mile 4 furlongs - Soft 21 run

 

Once bitten and twice shy so I have kept away from the Sprints today where the Draw bias looks as clear as mud. 

 

Mud is a key word as underfoot conditions may be on the soft side here so the 12 furlong Handicap looks a prime punting target race with some stamina and ability to handle the ground and to be race fit key components.

 

DUKE OF LEGGAH has been running well over Hurdles, is very capable at this trip on the Flat, conditions and handicap mark are spot on and I will be very disappointed if the race fitness is not put to good use here.

 

SOLAR BREEZE was a bit of an eye catcher staying on strongly and impressively over 10 furlongs here in the Autumn, a recent staying on run to gain fitness on the AW at Dundalk merely boosted confidence in this becoming the optimum trip for this likeable horse.

 

THEOPHILOS also has the benefit of a recent run and despite a slight ground concern as he would not want it too deep, the booking of Colin Keane more than mitigates that issue and he should really be capable of a place run at least in a field that isn't as deep in ability nor fitness as the field of 21 runners might suggest (Sean)