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Analysis & Selections by
.t.h.e. .r.o.o.k.
Whether it be "the race of the day" or a small prize round the gaffs, we will attempt to use our knowledge of the formbook to highlight the fancied horses participating each day and their characteristics and requirements. Hopefully this 'second opinion' provides you with a winner or two each day, or even reinforces your own view on a particular may even convince you to back some of those horses which we feel are the "ones to fear", or have decent eachway claims. whichever is the case, we hope the information is of use to you.
SELECTIONS - For each race, we have given you who, in our view, are the likeliest winners;
(1er _ THE WINNER?), as well as any runners who could run well at eachway odds;
(E/W
ALTERNATIVE) . Any runner from our features are shown before each race's analysis.
DONCASTER:
High numbers usually best on straight course.
Saturday 14th September
¦ Iª ¯DONCASTER ¦:¬>- 1:50 GNER Conditions Stakes £12000 added, 2yo only, 6f, penalty £8619, 6 runners.
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¦ (THEY'RE OFF 2002) - are there any horses from "they're off" our feature which; each season, provides a list of horses to follow during the flat season?¦:¬>- Ego,
¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>- With the possible exception of Avening, I'd give Sarayat, [third to Dublin in
the Champagne Victor Vintage Stakes (Group 3) at Goodwood last time out], Shouting The Odds,
[fourth last time out to Speed Cop in the St. Hugh's Stakes (Listed Race) at Newbury four
weeks ago] Al Turf, [a respectable fifth to Elusive City in the Prix Morny Casinos Barriere (Group 1) at Deauville]; Ego, [a coy winner at Newmarket three weeks ago], and Grand Halo, [by Grand Lodge,
out of an unraced half-sister to Devious, (winner of the Dewhurst Stakes and English Derby), making his racecourse debut] chances of landing the
opener on the card. Barry Hills landed this prize with an unraced colt last term, so it wouldnt surprise me if Grand Halo went close, however I was favourably
impressed with Ego and I'll be hoping she can be another winner for our "They're Off 2002" feature.
¦ 1er. _ THE WINNER?¹ ¦:¬>- Ego,
¦ 2nd place?² ¦:¬>- Sarayat,
¦ 3rd place?³ ¦:¬>- Grand Halo
¦ IIª ¯DONCASTER ¦:¬>- 2:25 Polypipe Flying Childers Stakes (Group 2) £75000 added, 2yo only, 5f, penalty £45000, 14 runners.
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>- Sir Albert, Wunders Dream, Fancy Lady, Speed Cop, Coquetry, Fiepes Shuffle and Revenue appear to have the best claims in race two on the card. When I first looked at this race, I was immediately struck by how much
early pace there may be un the race. you'd be surprised if Wunders Dream, Speed Cop, and Revenue
weren't near the head of affairs from flagfall and you could see them dominating
throughout ...... there is however another train of thought which suggests that
these three could take each other on/or set so strong a pace that they nullify their ability to
withhold any late challenges. Sir Albert, in particular who came from plum last to win at York
last time out, will love this strong pace and I think I'd rather be with something coming from
off o f the likely pace. Speed Cop is next best whilst Bond Beck [who ran well behind the
selection last time out at York] and Fiepes Shuffle, [a good third behind Checkit in the Maurice Lacroix-Trophy (ex Zukunfts-Rennen) (Group 2) at Baden-Baden] make plenty of appeal at likely eachway odds
¦ 1er. _ THE WINNER?¹ ¦:¬>- Sir Albert,
¦ 2nd place?² ¦:¬>- Speed Cop,
¦ 3rd place?³ ¦:¬>- Fiepes Shuffle (GER), [e/w]
¦ IIIª ¯DONCASTER ¦:¬>- 2:55 Porcelanosa Rated Stakes (H' cap) £25000 added, 3yo plus, 1m, penalty £16138.49, 10 runners.
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>- Eljohar, Nashaab, Calcutta, Bouncing Bowdler, Passing Glance, and Muchea make
most appeal in the third. Calcutta makes a quick reappearance after running well behind Duck Row in the GNER Park Stakes (Group 3) on Thursday. He
should get the early pace he needs [courtesy of Bouncing Bowdler], and I can see he going close here. I'll take a gamble and go with Eljohar. This five year old is very lightly raced and won his first race on his fourth start at Yarmouth a month ago. In truth it
wasn't especially impressive an effort, however John Gosden's charge is open to any
amount of improvement and reproductions of his maiden form give him a good chance here ... he is the
selection.
¦ 1er. _ THE WINNER?¹ ¦:¬>- Eljohar,
¦ 2nd place?² ¦:¬>- Calcutta,
¦ 3rd place?³ ¦:¬>- Nashaab,
¦ IVª ¯DONCASTER ¦:¬>- 3:35 ST. LEGER STAKES (Group 1) - sponsored by Rothmans. £400000 added, 3yo only colts and fillies, 1m 6f 132yds, penalty £240000, 10 runners.
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>- Ten runners have been declared for the final classic of the season, and there is plenty to consider. The current favourite is Bandari, who has the best form at 1m-4f of these... who will forget the manner of his win in the Lingfield Derby Trial, and to a lesser extent when winning the Great Voltigeur at York last time out. On that occasion, he set a sensible gallop, before winding up the pace from the top of the straight. Richard Hills then have to get serious to withhold the late challenges of Bollin Eric and Highest, [who reoppose him here]. Connection believe that he not enough use was made of him that day and that given a more positive ride he can confirm placings. I accept this however he does strike one as a horse that need matters to go his way early on [Stablemate Systematic declined to take him on early in that race]. That was the case in the Vodafone Derby at Epsom, where he could never get competitive and if we select him, we will hope that he gets away cleanly.
Highest and Bollin Eric reoppose on identical terms, and both of these appear to have the scope for further improvement. Both of these will be suited by the step up to a mile and six.
Highest is a likeable sort. He is not "the finished article" and ran really well having taken a significant step up in class and is likely to derive significant benefit from this effort. He got level with Bandari at one stage up the straight, however couldn't sustain that effort... He should be a better horse here. Bollin Eric stayed on really strongly after becoming tapped for toe when Bandari initially increased the pace. If he acts on this faster surface (there is a big doubt whether he will), he would rate a serious threat.
Sir Michael Stoute has a really strong hand here as apart of having Highest in the line-up, he also has the highly regarded Balakheri, [arguably his number one hope]. He was our selection when landing the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot, in the manner of a good horse, [with Bollin Eric and First Charter behind him]. He then went to Ireland and disapointed when finishing fifth behind High Chapparal in the Irish Derby. [Finishing behind Sholokhov (finished 2nd) and Nysean (4th). That race almost certainly came too soon after Ascot and it could be unwise to literally interpret it.... There have been favourable home reports about him and he is sure to go well
Sholokhov is one of the classiest horses in the field. His form at two stands the closet inspection (finished twice behind Hawk Wing) and is the only Group One winner in the line-up having landed the Gran Criterium last October at San Siro (beating amongst others Mamool). Strangely he has fulfilled the role as pacemaker this term and has demonstrated how good he is by chasing home stable companions High Chaparral in the Irish Derby, and Hawk Wing in the Eclipse. He did well to finish fourth to Grandera in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown last Saturday after forcing a suicidal pace. He must have a chance, however his preparation is odd and you have to take that into account if you support him.
So far the runners we've highlighted have not proven themselves at the trip, well Mamool and Mr Dinos have no worried in this sphere, having proven themselves in excess of that trip. These two clashed in the Queen's Vase (Group 3) at the Royal Meeting. On that occasion Mamool came out on top, with holding Mr Dinos' last thrust to win by 1/2 length. Since then they've chartered different waters. Mr Dinos has done nothing wrong, finishing second in the Northumberland Plate to Bangalore, before landing the Prix Berteux - Etalon Marchand de Sable (Group 3) at Vichy by 10 1/2 lengths. Mamool tried his luck in the BMW Deutsches Derby (Group 1), however he found ground conditions far too soft for and did well to struggle home in fifth. The likely fast surface will suit him far better and he should go well.
First Charter and Black Sam Bellamy make up the field. First Charter did win the San Miguel March Stakes (Listed Race) at Goodwood last time out however he appears safely held by several of these on previous efforts behind Bandari at Goodwood and
Balakheri at Ascot. Black Sam Bellamy is more interesting. This full-brother Gallileo will almost certainly get the trip - and his fifth placing to
Sulamani in the Prix du Jockey-Club (Group 1) (beaten 8lengths) suggests that his bad effort in the Queens Vase is not a fair reflection of his true worth. He has a good place claim, however at the moment it isn't clear whether he is here to run on his own merits or in support of Sholokhov... I'd want to know if I was to back him
¦ .S.U.M.M.A.R.Y. ¦: ¬>- The key factors here are the likely pace. And whether Bandari is allowed an uncontested lead. I can't see Sholokhov taking off as he did last weekend, so is Black Sam Bellamy in there to race on his own merits... or as a spoiler, to hassle/unsettle Bandari... Mr Dinos can go a solid gallop for 2miles ... will he take on Bandari from the off... could the early pace be too strong?
I'd be amazed if the jockeys on at least one of these isn't instructed to make Bandari uncomfortable from the off.... If they don't, Bandari could be difficult to pass. As good as Bandari is, there are enough question marks for me to pass him over. Balakheri, Highest and Mamool make the most appeal here. Whatever happens up front they will sit in midfield and pounce midway up the straight. I think Mamool makes plenty of appeal here, (being the only one of these proven at this trip).
This race is going to be set up for him and I take him to be played late ... and
decisively. [Do him at eachway odds if you prefer].
¦ 1er. _ THE WINNER?¹ ¦:¬>- Mamool,
¦ 2nd place?² ¦:¬>- Highest,
¦ 3rd place?³ ¦:¬>- Balakheri,
¦ Vª ¯DONCASTER ¦:¬>- 4:10 ladbrokes.com Stakes (H' cap) £25000 added, 3yo plus, 1m 2f 60yds, penalty £19987.50, 18 runners.
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>- Far Lane, Dream Magic, Moving Experience, Ring Of Destiny, Saltrio, Bandler Ching, Pagan Sky, Don Fernando, Free Option, Lermontov, Pinchincha, Robandela, and Style Dancer, all
have claims in the fifth race on the card. I do like Dream Magic here. You wouldnt image a horse that has raced ten times this term was capable of
improvement, however Dream Magic appeared to show improvement when winning at Sandown two weeks ago. Counsel's Opinion franked the form of hat race earlier this week and I take him to land this open looking
affair.
¦ 1er. _ THE WINNER?¹ ¦:¬>- Dream Magic
¦ 2nd place?² ¦:¬>- Bandler Ching,
¦ 3rd place?³ ¦:¬>- Saltrio, [e/w]
¦ VIª ¯DONCASTER ¦:¬>- 4:45 Torne Valley H' cap £25000 added, 3yo plus, 1m 4f, penalty £19256.25, 7 runners.
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>- Spectrometer, Solo Flight, Royal Cavalier, Night Sight and Solomon's Mine make most appeal in the sixth. Not sure how the
race will pan out here, so maybe it is a race to sidestep. Whilst Spectrometer won last time at York, Solo Flight ran no sort of race at all -
racing far too freely early on. This small field could suit this enigmatic grey - if they go a decent pace early on ... i'll take a chance
and side with him.
¦ 1er. _ THE WINNER?¹ ¦:¬>- Solo Flight,
¦ 2nd place?² ¦:¬>- Night Sight
¦ 3rd place?³ ¦:¬>- Spectrometer,
¦ VIIª ¯DONCASTER ¦:¬>- 5:15 Battle of Britain Nursery, [a Two-Year-Old H'cap] £10000 added, 2yo only, 7f, penalty £8190, 21 runners.
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>- Emerging Star, Albany, Tuscan Sky, Captain Ginger, Flighty Fellow, Bond May Day, Litewska, Clann A Cougar, Sir Night, Yarrita, Dunaskin, Juste Pour L'Amour and Machynleth all have chances in another
difficult handicap, which ends the meeting. This a particularly difficult race to solve, however judging by events this week. High numbers have a definite
advantage. Machynleth, [who disapointed at ripon last time out] and Captain Ginger, [a winner at
Brighton, who should appreciate the step up in trip] are drawn high and will do for me... Ian
Belding's charge (Captain Ginger) gets the vote.
¦ 1er. _ THE WINNER?¹ ¦:¬>- Captain Ginger,
¦ 2nd place?² ¦:¬>- Machynleth
¦ 3rd place?³ ¦:¬>- Juste Pour L'Amour, [e/w]
DONCASTER
High numbers usually best on straight course.
Friday 13th September
¦ Iª ¯DONCASTER ¦:¬>- 1:40 Joy UK Conditions Stakes £20000 added, 3, 4 and 5yo, 1m 2f 60yds, penalty £13000, 6 runners.
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>-Six runners line up for the opener on day three of the meeting, and bar Explode (formerly useful three year old, coming back after an injury), you can make cases for Vintage Premium, Arabie, Beekeeper, Flat Spin, and Hathaal. Vintage Premium has had a great season and capped it with a battling success in the John Smith's Cup at York two starts ago. He was below form in the Marit Sveaas Minnelop (Group 3) at Ovrevoll last time out, however he has a lot going for him here and should go close, however he may set the race up for Beekeeper and Arable - two
horses I have a lot of time for. Beekeeper [who has been absent since disappointing in the Henry II Stakes (Group 2) at Sandown in June] has decent form in 2001, however this trip may be just 9on
the short side for him. I'll therefore go with Arabie, who has been in good form at this type of trip this term, whose match fitness may prove to be decisive.
¦ 1er. _ THE WINNER?¹ ¦:¬>- Arabie,
¦ 2nd place?² ¦:¬>- Beekeeper,
¦ 3rd place?³ ¦:¬>- Vintage Premium
¦ IIª ¯DONCASTER ¦:¬>- 2:15 Tote Exacta Mallard Stakes H' cap £30000 added, 3yo plus, 1m 6f 132yds, penalty £22620, 9 runners.
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>- Harlestone Grey, Mesmeric, First Ballot, Kasthari, Ranville, Total Turtle and Mana d'Argent look best of those lining up in race two. Persian Punch's excellent second in the Doncaster Cup yesterday, appears to advertise the chances of Harlestone Grey, [who pipped him at Salisbury on his last start]. That was a good effort however the three-year-olds [Kasthari, and Total Turtle] look particularly progressive here. Both of them ran in the Melrose Rated Stakes (Handicap) at the Ebor Meeting, however whilst Total Turtle won, it was Kasthari {who finished second}, who made the most lasting impression. He is still rather immature, but has the scope to improve a bit of that effort ... He'll do for me.
¦ 1er. _ THE WINNER?¹ ¦:¬>- Kasthari,
¦ 2nd place?² ¦:¬>- Total Turtle
¦ 3rd place?³ ¦:¬>- Harlestone Grey,
¦ IIIª ¯DONCASTER ¦:¬>- 2:50 Rothmans Royals Champagne Stakes (Group 2) (Colts & Geldings) £144000 added, 2yo only colts and geldings, 7f, penalty £86400, 11 runners.
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>- Having selected Almushahar on his debut at Newmarket, and having napped the second Maghanim yesterday to confirm that promise, it would be odd
if I oppose Almushahar in the Group Two event. Well supported on that occasion, David Loder's two-year-old travelled sweetly being Frankie Dettori shook him up to withhold the challenge of Maghanim and Trade Fair [the three of them pulling well of their rivals]. He should come on for that effort, [though not as much as some of him stable companions have]
and I think he will be hard to beat. Puma, [unbeaten in three starts this term], Indian Haven [ unlucky in
the Gimcrack Stakes] and Summerland, [a good third in the Criterium du Fonds Europeen de l'Elevage at Deauville last time out], make plenty of appeal in opposition, however
I don't believe they are good enough. for punters looking for a shock result, then Weavers Pride will improve ignorantly on his promising debut effort at York and could nick a place at a nice price.
¦ 1er. _ THE WINNER?¹ ¦:¬>- Almushahar (USA)
¦ 2nd place?² ¦:¬>- Summerland
¦ 3rd place?³ ¦:¬>- Weavers Pride (FR), [e/w]
¦ IVª ¯DONCASTER ¦:¬>- 3:25 Amco Corporation Troy Stakes (Listed Race) £26500 added, 3yo plus, 1m 4f, penalty £18443.75, 7 runners.
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>- Storming Home, Hatha Anna, The Whistling Teal, Systematic, Kayseri, and Gamut make most appeal in the
next. I must profess to be surprised that Systematic has been entered for this and not the St
Leger. I didn't think he did anything well when finishing fifth, [not that far behind Bandari], in the Great Voltigeur Stakes (Group 2). He seemed to be staying on at the death and would have been suited by the extra distance ..... He is a good horse (who probably will be better next term) and looks good enough to take this... he'd do for me,
howevr I do think his style of racing [especially when forcibly ridden] can leave him vulnerable to finishers, in which case Gamut [a promising reappearance at Windsor, and The Whistling Teal, [a snug winner at Newmarket] are well capable of snatching the prize from his grasp.
¦ 1er. _ THE WINNER?¹ ¦:¬>- Systematic,
¦ 2nd place?² ¦:¬>- Gamut
¦ 3rd place?³ ¦:¬>- The Whistling Teal,
¦ Vª ¯DONCASTER ¦:¬>- 3:55 DBS St Leger Yearling Stakes £54000 added, 2yo only, 6f, penalty £27000, 22 runners.
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>- Roman Mistress, Eventually, Cherokee Bay, Night Games, Monte Mayor Lad, Bros, Queen of Night, Danehill Stroller and Obe One, make most appeal in a trappy
heat. I don t have a strong view on the race, however Night Games' third to Striking Ambition looks a
solid effort and from what appears to be a good draw could go well at eachway odds. Monte Mayor Lad, and German raider Bros are others who i'd expect to go well here.
¦ 1er. _ THE WINNER?¹ ¦:¬>- Night Games, [e/w]
¦ 2nd place?² ¦:¬>-Bros
¦ 3rd place?³ ¦:¬>- Monte Mayor Lad,
¦ VIª ¯DONCASTER ¦:¬>- 4:25 CPL Industries Challenge Trophy (Conditions Stakes) £12000 added, 3yo only, 1m, penalty £7800, 8 runners.
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>- Mineshaft, Ho Choi, Funfair Wane, Muklah, Montecassino Abbey, Trojan Princess, and Tikkun look best of those lining up for the sixth race on the card. Muklah is the interesting runner here, as she has her first
start since winning the 2001 running of the Sweet Solera Stakes at Newmarket last August. The market is the best guide to her chances
here. I believe she is worth chancing here, as main rival Mineshaft, does appear to have
gone off the boil after a promising beginning to the season [his sixth last time at
Salisbury was a particularly poor effort]
¦ 1er. _ THE WINNER?¹ ¦:¬>- Muklah,
¦ 2nd place?² ¦:¬>- Mineshaft (USA)
¦ 3rd place?³ ¦:¬>- Montecassino Abbey, [e/w]
¦ VIIª ¯DONCASTER ¦:¬>- 4:55 Coalite Smokeless Fuels H' cap Stakes
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>- Kangarilla Road, Beyond Calculation, Absent Friends, Sir Sandrovitch, Time N Time Again, Beyond The Clouds, Hawk, Legal Set, Pax, Rita's Rock Ape, Amber's Bluff, Get Stuck In, Night Flight, and Paddywack all have claim in a particularly open sprint which ends the card. Keen on the
chances of Kangarilla Road, who we talked up as having good chances on her last start at York. As with that race Kangarilla Road has been in good heart this term,, howevr as is the case with many of the stable runners, luck in running is a part of the equation punters have to consider.
Fortunately he got the brakes at York and if that were to happen here, I could
see him doubling up. The draw is the only worry. Amber's Bluff, [who lost
her maiden tag at Yarmouth], could go well for eachway punters.
¦ 1er. _ THE WINNER?¹ ¦:¬>- Kangarilla Road,
¦ 2nd place?² ¦:¬>- Amber's Bluff, [e/w]
¦ 3rd place?³ ¦:¬>- Absent Friends,
DONCASTER
: High numbers usually best on straight course.
Thursday 12th September
¦ Iª ¯DONCASTER ¦:¬>- 1:40 Ralph Raper Memorial Prince of Wales Cup Showcase Nursery, [a Two-Year-Old H' cap] £25000 added, 2yo only, 1m, penalty £18687.50, 19 runners.
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>-Cranshaws, Mysterinch, Donegal Dancer, High Accolade, Logsdail, Nuit Sombre, Go Tech and Pure Speculation appear to have th best claims in the
opener on day two of the St Leger Meeting. Cranshaws, [the winner of a similar event last time at Newmarket] and Logsdail, [the winner of a nursery at York], make most appeal of these and it is the last-named who is
preferred. Lynda Ramsden's runner appeared to appreciate the step up to seven furlongs last time out and may improve again at this trip. Nuit Sombre is
better than he showed last time and he could prove to be the best eachway option in the line-up.
¦ 1er. _ THE WINNER?¹ ¦:¬>- Logsdail,
¦ 2nd place?² ¦:¬>-Cranshaws (USA)
¦ 3rd place?³ ¦:¬>- Nuit Sombre, [e/w]
¦ IIª ¯DONCASTER ¦:¬>- 2:15 GNER Park Stakes (Group 3) £50000 added, 3yo plus, 1m, penalty £30000, 6 runners.
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>- Only six runners line up for the second on the card, however you can make a case
for Desert Deer, Tough Speed, Duck Row, Golden Silca, Calcutta, and Pulau Tioman. One important factor here may be the pace because bar possibly
Desert Deer, there isn't any obvious pacesetter in the line-up, which may possibly result in a false result It seems sensible to make a choice solely on form. Whilst he
hasn't built on his wide-margin success at Newmarket on 2000 Guineas day, Desert Deer is still a horse
who I prefer to side with than oppose. He
didn't run too badly at York last time and may be able to snatch this messy affair. A messy race may suit Culcutta most and he is (in my
view) the main danger.
¦ 1er. _ THE WINNER?¹ ¦:¬>- Desert Deer,
¦ 2nd place?² ¦:¬>- Calcutta,
¦ 3rd place?³ ¦:¬>- Tough Speed,
¦ IIIª ¯DONCASTER ¦:¬>- 2:50 GNER Doncaster Cup (Group 3) £100000 added, 3yo plus, 2m 2f, penalty £60000, 8 runners.
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>- Unlike the previous race, the Doncaster Cup is certain to be run at a
strong pace with Persian Punch, (and possibly Darasim), certain to make the early running, with Jardines Lookout, Boreas, Travelmate, Cover Up, and Unleash, waiting to
pounce at the business end of the race. It was nice to see Persian Punch win at Salisbury last time out,
however I do think that
jockeys have got wise to him and an attack wide of him does appear to nullify his battling
qualities. Boreas is certain to be one of those likely to be there at the business end of
the race. He returned to winning form in the Lonsdale Stakes (Group 3) at the Ebor Meeting,
finishing just in front of Cover Up, [beaten 11/4lengths] with Darasim, [beaten 11/2lengths] back in third and Jardines Outlook, back in Sixth,
[beaten 11/4lengths]. He appeared to appreciate his first attempt at that trip and has a good chance
of franking that form, [although Jardines Lookout was noticeably getting back to the leaders after losing his
position when the pace quickened early in the home straight]. Don't forget Travelmate, [a good second to The
Whistling Teal over 1m-4f last time out] and Unleash, [second to Polar Falcon at
Chester last time out], who have shown decent form at/or around this trip this term... it wouldnt
surprise me if one of these made the frame. I'll side with Boreas, however not with the greatest confidence.
¦ 1er. _ THE WINNER?¹ ¦:¬>- Boreas,
¦ 2nd place?² ¦:¬>- Jardines Lookout,
¦ 3rd place?³ ¦:¬>- Unleash (USA), [e/w]
¦ IVª ¯DONCASTER ¦:¬>- 3:25 Rothmans Royals May Hill Stakes (Group 3) (Fillies) £40000 added, 2yo only fillies, 1m, penalty £24000, 10 runners.
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>- Londonnetdotcom, Nasij, Buy The Sport, Wondrous Story, Sister Bluebird, Approach, Inchberry and Summitville, appear to have the strongest claims in the fourth. Londonnetdotcom will
probably be put in as favourite on the back of her fair second to Six Perfections in
the Prix du Calvados (Group 3) at Deauville in August, however her effort may be misleading as the winner was clear best that day and won with a bit in hand.. Sister Bluebird comes into the equation on the back of two wins earlier
this term, however she was soundly beaten last time out at goodwood and that effort [and a 3lb penalty for those earlier wins] is
off-putting. Wondrous Story, and Approach make plenty of appeal. They are less
forward than some of their rivals however probably have greater scope for improvement. I'll take a
chance with Wonderous Story who stayed on nicely at Salisbury last time out. She should appreciate the
extra furlong she'll be trying here and certainly has strong place claims at the very least. That comment
applies to Approach, who is definitely the unfinished article. This big filly will be much better next term, however she showed at Beverly last time out that she
can battle this season if necessary and I doubt she'll go down without a fight.
¦ 1er. _ THE WINNER?¹ ¦:¬>- Wondrous Story,
¦ 2nd place?² ¦:¬>- Londonnetdotcom,
¦ 3rd place?³ ¦:¬>- Approach, [e/w]
¦ Vª ¯DONCASTER ¦:¬>- 3:55 JRA London Office's 10th Anniversary Kyoto Sceptre Stakes (Listed Race) (Fillies & Mares) £26500 added, 3yo plus fillies, 7f, penalty £18768.75, 15 runners.
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>- Curfew, Mauri Moon, Mamounia, Hideaway Heroine, Torosay Spring, and Starfan,
make most appeal in the fifth. James Fanshawe has a strong hand here with Curfew, and Torosay Spring. Torosay Spring was an easy winner of her
first race this term at Yarmouth and has solid eachway claims, however it is Curfew [going for her fourth win in a row] who has the
best claim. She was a very easy winner of a handicap last week at Salisbury and is the most progressive runner in the line-up. He
current rating suggests that she has a bit to find, however whilst she continued to show this level of
form, you have to really stick with her. Mauri Moon, [top rated officially], and Mamounia
[another progressive filly this year, however her form appears to have flattened off] look the chief threats
¦ 1er. _ THE WINNER?¹ ¦:¬>- Curfew,
¦ 2nd place?² ¦:¬>- Mauri Moon,
¦ 3rd place?³ ¦:¬>- Torosay Spring
¦ VIª ¯DONCASTER ¦:¬>- 4:25 Scarbrough Stakes (Listed Race) £25000 added, 2yo plus, 5f, penalty £18118.75, 13 runners.
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>- Saddad, Bishops Court, Needwood Blade, Autumnal, Vita Spericolata, Olivia Grace and Proud Boast, have the strongest
claim in the sixth. By far the most interesting of these is Sir Micheal Stoute's runner Saddad, not
seen of the racecourse seen winning the Flying Childers Stakes (Group 2) at this meeting last year. Clearly he has had his
problems, however his level of form is (potentially) better than his rivals and i'd be
fairly certain that connection would not be persevering with him unless they
thought he wouldnt be able to do himself justice. This should be plenty of pace early on which should
suit and I'd go with him to beat the ultra-consistent (if frustrating) Bishops Court, and Needwood Blade,
¦ 1er. _ THE WINNER?¹ ¦:¬>- Saddad (USA)
¦ 2nd place?² ¦:¬>- Bishops Court
¦ 3rd place?³ ¦:¬>- Needwood Blade
¦ VIIª ¯DONCASTER ¦:¬>- 4:55 Queen's Own Yorkshire Dragoons Ladies Day Stakes (H' cap) £12000 added, 3yo plus, 7f, penalty £9750, 22 runners.
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>- Deceitful, Bon Ami, Platinum Duke, Birjand, J R Stevenson, Amaranth, Sea Storm, and Tumbleweed Charm make most
appeal (if that's the right term) in a trappy finale. I don't have a strong view on the race however Platinum Duke, [multi-winner
extraordinaire this term] Birjand, [a winner twice this term] and J R Stevenson, [a winner last
time out at Newmarket] have done right by me this season and I'd hope that one of them was good enough to land this prize.
Platinum Duke has had a wonderful year and goes for his tenth win this year here... He
shouldn't be too far way however Birjand appeals more. She has disappointed twice over six furlongs and may
appreciate the step back up to today's trip... Hopefully this is enough to get her back into the winner's enclosure.
¦ 1er. _ THE WINNER?¹ ¦:¬>- Birjand , [e/w]
¦ 2nd place?² ¦:¬>- Platinum Duke,
¦ 3rd place?³ ¦:¬>- J R Stevenson (USA)
DONCASTER
: High numbers usually best on straight course.
Wednesday 11th September
¦ Iª ¯DONCASTER ¦:¬>- 1:35 European Breeders Fund Carrie Red Fillies' Nursery, [a Two-Year-Old H' cap] £30000 added, 2yo only fillies, 6f 110yds, penalty £22717.50, 19 runners.
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¦ (THEY'RE OFF 2002) - are there any horses from "they're off" our feature which; each season, provides a list of horses to follow during the flat season?¦:¬>- Judhoor,
¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>- Judhoor, Favola, Zither, Michelle Ma Belle, Gaelic Princess, Spinsky, In A Silent Way , Summer Lightning, and Queens Jubilee all have claims in a competitive two year old
handicap which opens the St Leger Meeting. I'm fairly certain that Favola will prove to be a popular choice with
punters. She showed plenty of speed when making most when winning at Sandown last
time out over five furlongs. She is probably best at that trip, so could be vulnerable in this more
competitive heat (over an extra furlong). I do like Michelle Ma Belle here who was arguably a little unlucky when just failing to get up last time out at Epsom (the course's undulations beat her). Given
luck in running she is certain to go close .... She is preferred to recent Hamilton winner Summer Lightning, and topweight Judhoor, who was a creditable fourth in the Sweet Solera Stakes (Listed Race) at Newmarket, who could go well at eachway odds.
¦ 1er. _ THE WINNER?¹ ¦:¬>- Michelle Ma Belle
¦ 2nd place?² ¦:¬>- Summer Lightning,
¦ 3rd place?³ ¦:¬>- Judhoor, [e/w]
¦ IIª ¯DONCASTER ¦:¬>- 2:15 £200000 St Leger Yearling Stakes £311700 added, 2yo only, 6f, penalty £155850, 22 runners.
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>- Mister Links, Coconut Penang, Presto Vento, The Lord, Monsieur Bond, Crimson Silk, Striking Ambition, Airwave, Somnus, Sanbenito, Gems Bond and Blue Patrick are my "selected" from those horses due to line up for the second on the card. Several of the runners have had busy campaigns, which makes them [in my view] unattractive... It is
therefore interesting that Mister Links, [winner of his first three starts before a good effort
in the Gimcrack Stakes at the Ebor Meeting}, Coconut Penang, [In good form early season.
hasn't been seen since finishing a creditable fourth in Coventry Stakes at Royal
Ascot ], and The Lord, [A speedster, who has looked decnet in two wins at Chester], have been laid out
for the race.... they should defy their respective absences and run creditably - as should Gems Bond
[unbeaten in both of his starts] and Striking Ambition [who went into many a
notebook when overcoming a poor draw to win on his debut at Nottingham]. Monsieur Bond
however gets the vote .... After suffering a narrow debut defeat at the hands of Somnus at York [who reopposes here] Monsieur Bond could not have been more impressive
when winning his next start at Pontefract. He has confirmed that he his a horse on
the upgrade when readily accounting for three previously unbeaten rivals in a conditions event at Windsor. This is (by far) his hardest "ask"
this term, however there should be more improvement to come and he is worth siding with.
¦ 1er. _ THE WINNER?¹ ¦:¬>- Monsieur Bond,
¦ 2nd place?² ¦:¬>- Striking Ambition, [e/w]
¦ 3rd place?³ ¦:¬>- Coconut Penang,
¦ IIIª ¯DONCASTER ¦:¬>- 2:50 Tote Trifecta Portland H' cap £40000 added, 3yo plus, 5f 140yds, penalty £29120, 22 runners.
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>- Injaaz, Halmahera, The Tatling, Trace Clip, Compton Banker, Artie, Kathology, Sister In Law, Ellens Lad, and Smart Predator look the horses to
concentrate on in the third. No horse (on the flat) this term has given me more pleasure than The Tatling did, when winning - [with the cash down] at
Sandown last time out. Hopefully some of you also took the hint as well as I
did mention in preview that I had napped him on his
previous effort at Yarmouth, where he came to win from an unfavourable draw, but
didn't sustain the effort to the line. Milton Bradley's stable had been out of form,
so I thought
that was a decent effort and he seems good value at 20/1 for a place in that
competitive Sandown handicap. The "buzz" was the manner of his victory. The Tatling missed the break badly and had to come right through the field from last place. His pilot got a glorious run to lead
just inside the final furlong to win quite cosily .That was The Tatling 's first win for Milton Bradley. He was quite classy in his prime and still retains a lot of speed. .This sort of handicap should suit him down to the ground and given the run/luck of the
race, I cant see him finishing out of the
frame... He is the selection. Compton Banker, [who may have need the run last time out] could be the best eachway option.
¦ 1er. _ THE WINNER?¹ ¦:¬>- The Tatling,
¦ 2nd place?² ¦:¬>- Compton Banker, [e/w]
¦ 3rd place?³ ¦:¬>- Sister In Law,
¦ IVª ¯DONCASTER ¦:¬>- 3:25 Rothmans Royals Park Hill Stakes (Group 3) (Fillies & Mares) £50000 added, 3yo plus fillies, 1m 6f 132yds, penalty £30000, 9 runners.
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>- Alexander Three D, Frosty Welcome, Love Everlasting, Bright And Clear, Ishtak, Lobatica, and Treble Heights have chances in the "Filles St. Leger". Alexander Three D
appears to have a major chance here. This daughter of Pennekamp will go off a warm favourite on the back of a
smooth success in the EBF Galtres Stakes (Listed Race) at the Ebor Meeting. She chased the leaders throughout, before taking it up over two furlongs out. Under firm handling, she stayed on well far two well fro her rivals,
finishing 2½lengths in front of the second Rosa Perks, with Frosty Welcome (who reopposes) another two lengths
back in third. Its very difficult to see her being beaten and she gets the vote. If she is turned over,
it's likely to be by the unexposed runners. The once raced Treble Heights, who being by
Unfawain, out of Height Of Passion has stamina piled into her pedigree. She could do more that win her maiden by 7lengths at
Chester and could surprise. Kieran Fallon's mount, German raider Lobatica, has some nice bits of form in France and
Italy and could improve at her first attempt at this type of trip ... I'll be brave and suggest these to
follow the likely favourite home [both of them represent solid eachway bets in my view -I
went though with Treble Heights]
¦ 1er. _ THE WINNER?¹ ¦:¬>- Alexander Three D,
¦ 2nd place?² ¦:¬>- Treble Heights, [e/w]
¦ 3rd place?³ ¦:¬>- Lobatica (GER)
¦ Vª ¯DONCASTER ¦:¬>- 3:55 McKeever St. Lawrence Conditions Stakes £11000 added, 2yo only, 7f, penalty £8008, 7 runners.
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>-Magistretti, Maghanim, Pinkerton, Alkaased, Golden Dual, Dutch Gold, and Soyuz make
up an interesting field in the fifth on the card. Magistretti, [second to Surbiton in
the Superlative Stakes at the July Meeting] and Pinkerton, [Humbled last time by Muqbil at Newbury] set a fair
standard here, however Maghanim is likeliest to attract most interest, especially after his highly promising second
to Almushahar at Newmarket 19 days ago. He appeared to carry plenty of condition that day and should come on appreciably for that experience ..... he would be my idea of the winner.
¦ 1er. _ THE WINNER?¹ ¦:¬>- Maghanim,
¦ 2nd place?² ¦:¬>- Magistretti (USA)
¦ 3rd place?³ ¦:¬>- Alkaased (USA)
¦ VIª ¯DONCASTER ¦:¬>- 4:25 Thoroughbred Breeders' Association Maiden Stakes £10000 added, 2yo only, 1m, penalty £7215, 13 runners.
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¦ (THEY'RE OFF 2002) - are there any horses from "they're off" our feature which; each season, provides a list of horses to follow during the flat season?¦:¬>- Lautrec (SWI)
¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>-Late Decision, Silver Gilt, Unigold, Risk Taker, Chinkara, Morson Boy, Lautrec, Kings of Albion and Bally Hall make
most appeal in the sixth. Not much to go on here by the way of collateral form. Silver Gilt, [second to Steelaninch on his debut at Newmarket ], and Unigold, [fourth to Tuscan Sky at Newcastle on his debut] have the form on the book and have to be respected .... whilst Late Decision, and Kings of Albion make most appeal of the newcomers. Silver Gilt gets the vote. He
stayed on nicely on his debut, after being short of room over two furlongs out. He looks sure to improve for this experience and will be difficult to beat here.
¦ 1er. _ THE WINNER?¹ ¦:¬>- Silver Gilt,
¦ 2nd place?² ¦:¬>- Late Decision,
¦ 3rd place?³ ¦:¬>- Kings of Albion, [e/w]
¦ VIIª ¯DONCASTER ¦:¬>- 4:55 Cantor Fitzgerald UK Charitable Relief Fund Classified Stakes £12000 added, 3yo plus, 1m 2f 60yds, penalty £9048, 11 runners.
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¦ .t.h.e. .r.o.o.k. ¦:¬>- Mount Street, Danelor, Tony Tie, Chai Walla, Zaajel, Denning,
and. Prayers For Rain make most aopeal of those due to race in the finale. I
don't have any strong views on this race, however I was taken by the manner by which Denning quickened impressively in the final quarter mile on
his debut at Lingfield ... This is harder, but this horse is open to any amount of
improvement. He is preferred to the consistent handicappers Tony Tie and Danelor.
¦ 1er. _ THE WINNER?¹ ¦:¬>- Denning,
¦ 2nd place?² ¦:¬>- Tony Tie,
¦ 3rd place?³ ¦:¬>- Chai Walla, [e/w]
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