Doncaster 2.25

 

I looked closely at all 22 runners and was left with the following lists.

 

I think that around half of the field have realistic chances of placing (or winning) in these conditions and think that if there is to be a real shock at big prices it is most likely to come from Warning Sign who has very little UK form to recommend it but who has some French form in similar underfoot conditions and CLEAR ANGEL who has won at 1 mile, has won at 7 furlongs on Heavy and although that form is in lower Class 4 grades, the conditions may just enable a run in to an enhanced place at big Odds and definitely one for a bit of shrapnel outside of the main tips.

 

The market seems keen on the likes of Dirtyoldtown who has solid form but not really proven over a hard run 1 mile in conditions like these, Isla Kai who has Course winning form and form at the trip but whose Doncaster form at 1 mile is on the Round Course which may suit it better, Broken Spear who is a very strong contender in this type of race but who I feel is better at a fast paced 7 furlongs than at a mile, Arthurs Realm who is a course and Distance winner of this race last year when only 8 horses went to post and The Gatekeeper whose form is all at shorter trips but who may progress over a mile on pedigree. I looked long and hard at all of those who are genuine dangers but I preferred my final shortlist that little bit more. In addition, Baltimore Boy who has only had 5 runs has been tipped up by some wise scribes but has yet to prove form at the trip in mud.

 

In order of preference my picks will be-:

 

ZOZIMUS for David O'Meara is an ex Irish horse who has proven stamina for the trip in big field races, seems to enjoy some cut underfoot and if a high draw is a positive is ideally berthed in Stall 20. MAYSONG may be a little short of the quality that some in the race have but has undeniable credentials in these conditions. The heavier the better, stays 1 mile and being drawn in Stall 7 covers off the Stands side and the Far side draw bias if there is any. HARSWELL DUKE is being well backed and the reasons in terms of proven form in the conditions are patently obvious the Trainer is very bullish and drawn 15 gives us one down the centre of the Course too, with the option it has tactically to go Stands or Far side to find any pace bias. 

 

I'd definitely have a small bet on CLEAR ANGEL and my 4th preference selection if you want to go that deep or have a reserve would be TITIAN who ticks every box, Course winner, Distance winner, proven mudlark and off a nice mark.