Doncaster 3.45

 

A very competitive race and a few at big prices that have really caught my eye.

 

At the top of the market The Kniphand is the one to beat and has a Course and Distance win to its name to boot, however the last win was a muddling 3 runner race so at the price I'm happy to take it on. Curley Finger is upped in trip on handicap debut, love the Yard but another that is short enough in terms of price. Just Jess from another excellent Yard won last time out at Catterick off 86, gets a 5lbs penalty and although in with a great chance is one I'm not quite 100% sure about down this longer straight when every ounce of stamina may be needed. Macavity is a 3 mile P2P winner with the top jockey up but first run at this trip under Rules and on handicap debut, one who is in the "could be anything" category. To complete the top end of the market is Starlyte, best on genuine "Good" ground, upped its trip and a 5lbs penalty, I think it could be pretty cut up ground by this time and may be not quite the Going it needs. I'm fearful of all of those but happy to take them on with my selections. 

 

WHAT AN OCEAN deserves a look given connections, it can't be ignored and I've spoken to Sean who thinks the mark isn't prohibitive so we'll class as a Sean tip.

 

Rocked Up is one I considered for a long time, slowly getting a hang of things so I'm adding it to the Tracker to keep an eye on. Rocco is another you can't totally ignore, it was winning a Class 1 Chase around 14 months ago off a Chase mark of 134. It arrives here out of form off a Hurdle mark of 115, but if it actually put the effort in it would be hammering these. I think you always have to cover ones like this off at 33/1 plus with a crafty quid each way, so that's what I suggest.

 

The 3 I really like at the prices though are COSMIC OUTLAW, CROSSING THE BAR and DEDANSER.

 

COSMIC OUTLAW was very impressive winning at Kelso off a mark of 105 over an extended 3 miles a 2 furlongs, I will excuse a disappointing run last time as I just dont think, like many, it got on with the tight right handed turns at Musselburgh. Off a mark of 110 here with a 7lbs Claimer up, I'll be very disappointed if we're not in the first 4 home at least.

 

CROSSING THE BAR is in the Tracker and has proven stamina it's won off a mark of 108, should now be fully tuned up and off a mark of 112 is another i really think is overpriced and very capable of finding an enhanced place at least. At very big odds I can't resist DEDANSER a 3 mile P2P and Handicap Hurdle winner off a mark of 111. Has been running well enough to a point and then fading rapidly. Donald McCain has sensibly gone for a wind operation and Cheek Pieces and if they work the oracle and the horse can run pain free and enjoy it, the 50/1 looks a silly price.