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Doncaster – race-by-race preview
7 races from Doncaster this afternoon and here you will find an in-depth preview of every race on the card. We will explain why we like our selection in detail plus list any main dangers.
Doncaster 2.00 Novices’ Handicap Chase
It’s worth mentioning Minella Examiner has been all the rage here. When I started looking at this race yesterday he was available at 3/1 and is now (at the time of writing) just 5/4. He is lightly raced and won well over C&D last time so comes here with the sexy profile. He is too short now though so I’m happy to weigh in with BIG NASTY in opposition. The latter has improved since switched to chasing and was very much back on track when second to an improver in Fortescue at Uttoxeter. If he builds on that again he looks sure to be in the shake up. I’m expecting Sean Quinlan to give him a bold shout out in front so fingers crossed he can get into a nice rhythm and prove hard to reel in!
Doncaster 2.35 Novices’ Hurdle
It’s our first selection in today’s 24/1 Mega Acca now BACK IT HERE in the shape of GOOBINATOR for Donald McCain. He made it three wins from his last four starts pulling clear comfortably at Carlisle last time and with the form working out well and previous wins stacking up he should be extremely hard to beat here under Brian Hughes. He is entered in the Fred Winter at the Cheltenham Festival so would want to be winning this to get in. Let The Heirs Walk is the biggest danger in the betting and he got off the mark in good style at Sedgefield over this trip earlier this month so while he would lack the class of the favourite he would still be a lively threat if improving on that. Piedita tackles hurdles for the first time and is probably the only other one worth a mention.
Doncaster 3.05 Handicap Chase
Probably the most competitive race of the day now so no surprise to see we’ve taken two against the field. NATIVE ROBIN isn’t getting any younger but he’s a consistent sort and is a force to be reckoned with in a race like this. He is down 3lb for that third here last time and was left poorly placed too so should improve on that. He wouldn’t need a lot more to get involved. MANWELL is the other one that interested me. He won twice at this time last year and shaped as though returning to form at Sedgefield and Catterick recently. He is back down to his last winning mark and looks overpriced at 8/1. Ramonex and Twotwothree look dangers but in truth it’s hard to confidently rule anything out really.
Doncaster 3.40 Mares’ Handicap Hurdle
Miss Heritage was put up as our Notebook before dotting up by 37 lengths at Huntingdon. It was visually very impressive but a 7lb penalty makes life tougher here and just at the prices I thought she was worth taking on. NIKAP opened her account at Uttoxeter two starts back and definitely improved to chase home Floressa in a Listed event 90 days ago. She is clearly talented and now goes handicapping off a mark of 123. She’ll need to come on again but there’s every reason to think she will and at 12/1 she looks a cracking each way bet. She is one part of our 116/1 Each Way Double BACK IT HERE Miah Grace was the other one that caught my eye having ran well when third at Leicester last month following her Hexham win. She should be involved too.
Doncaster 4.10 National Hunt Novices’ Hurdle
Celtic Flames looked to have a real battle on his hands at Musselburgh yesterday but once his stamina came into play he won well. The NB is chasing a hat-trick today and we head to Doncaster where IT’S PROBABLY ME should be winning. She is a useful type who is still improving so that second to Molly Ollys Wishes last time was a good effort. Meeting that rival with a 7lb swing in her favour now she should have too much. She has just needed a bit more time but has scope to keep progressing and is the most likely winner. She is one part of our Daily Double which pays 7/2 BACK IT HERE I’ll be surprised if the pair don’t battle this one out but at a bigger price Singapore Saga might be worth chancing to hit the frame. She is probably one for further down the line though once sent handicapping.
Doncaster 4.45 Novices’ Chase
Just a 3 horse race for the Novice Chase sadly but it could still serve up a treat. I’m finding it hard to get away from FIRST FLOW for Kim Bailey. He is extremely talented and has done little wrong for me. While he was a touch workmanlike at Leicester he did end up winning by 17 lengths so it’s hard to crab him. While I’m not overly keen about taking a horse price about him I think he wins this as Theatre Legend just always seems to find a way of getting beat. He’s finished second on three of his last four starts and looks booked for the same spot again today. The selection is likely to bounce out in front and should prove hard to peg back. Etamine Du Cochet is the rank outsider and isn’t entirely ruled out following a wind op but has plenty to find on the figures.
Doncaster 5.15 Handicap Hurdle
A tricky finale to close the card at Doncaster and a tentative vote goes to GREGARIOUS at a price. He hasn’t quite been at his best in 3 starts so far this season but his mark continues to tumble as a result. He is now 5lb lower than when last seen at Leicester and has to come into calculations in a race like this. 12/1 makes plenty of appeal in terms of hitting the frame. Before I started digging for a price Wheesht was the one that caught my eye so I certainly wouldn’t put you off that one. She chased home Beaufort West at Fontwell last time and I know the yard think a lot of that horse. She should have more to come and looks a worthy favourite for Oliver Sherwood. Others to note include Clondaw Pretender and Free Ski.
