Doncaster 3.20 Handicap Hurdle - Class 5 - 3 miles 1/2 furlong - 16 run - Good to Soft

 

With frost yesterday and some possible overnight I think this is likely to be dead tacky ground. Some horses go in it, some don't and I favour those who can race prominently and who have form at the trip in such conditions.

 

At the head of the market we have Farmer Jimmy who somehow gets a 2lbs reduction for winning a race ober short of two and a half miles, upped in trip though I think he's vulnerable at 3/1. Ca Plane Pour Moi is currently more about promise than substantial form, Lady Harriett may be more of dangerous than either of those but a 3rd at Southwell over shorter last time although a better run doesn't exactly set her up for this and upon a lot of consideration I'm happy to take her on as she was my 4th highest rated in the race.

 

Mackie Dee may need the run and Spring ground, Jukebox Fury will likely be backed as Henderson's always are here but when you've had 4 runs and been pulled up once and beaten a combined total of 138 lengths in your other 3 races all over shorter trips, it's very hard to say the early price is any genuine value. A more dangerous unexposed one who really does worry me on P2P form is Pipe's horse SKIN FULL. This is its handicap debut and finally unleashed over 3 miles, it's P2P form includes being beaten by a horse now rated over 100 over fences by less than 2 lengths, the fact it runs off a mark of 72 here certainly raises eye-brows. I will have a small saver on him for that reason.

 

My top 3 rated though via a process of elimination are GLORY HEIGHTS who has a last winning mark of 85, gets 3 miles and runs off a mark here of 91 with a 5lbs Claimer and fully race fit and frankly no excuses not to deliver today. At more speculative Odds but well worth a small each way punt in order of preference are ITURGEON DU BREUIL who returns to Hurdles with first time Blinkers off a very nice Hurdle mark and I'll frankly be very disappointed if this one isn't in the first 4 home at around 20/1 early prices. SO LADYLIKE has a prominent running style which could be a big asset here if they get the fractions right in terms of pace, has had a run and not over exerted despite being an 11 year old. A mark of 75 with a 7lbs claimer gives it a sporting each way chance.

 

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In the Handicap Chase at 3.58, no less than 5 of the 10 runner field are priced 6/1 or lower. The most likely of them I think is the top weight FAIRLAWN FLYER who is eased in Class here. Jessie Lightfoot is a Spring and Autumn mare, Unblinking may need the run and if there is one at a big price for some shrapnel e/w it would be 5 C'Est Quelqu'un @ 25/1  who has winning Irish form off marks of 91 and 102 so who looks very well handicapped here off a mark of 92 with a nice 5lbs Claim. 

 

(Northern)