My picks for Doncaster Saturday

·

13:50 Doncaster Sat 1 Apr 5f Nov Stakes

  1. Valadero – This Starspangledbanner colt has an impressive pedigree and comes from a yard that saw an upturn in fortune with 2yos last term. He was easily the most expensive of these at the sales, which makes him well worth a look.
  2. Indication Call – An interesting contender from the first crop of Soldier’s Call, this colt has a connection to the stable’s 6f 2yo Group 2 winner Toocoolforschool. The trainer had a very productive campaign with 2yos in 2022, making this colt a likely type.
  3. Loaded Gun – This Magna Grecia colt is a half-brother to 5f/6f AW winner Another Bertie, out of a 7f 2yo winner. Representing a major yard and with a significant investment in the sales, he should be one for the shortlist.

14:25 Doncaster Sat 1 Apr 1m Hcap

  1. Tropez Power (IRE) – Has shown excellent form since joining John Quinn and is favorably treated, with a strong chance if he transfers his recent improvement back to grass.
  2. Arthur’s Realm (IRE) – Last year’s winner of this race with a similar prep; has conditions in his favour and should be a major contender.
  3. The Gatekeeper (IRE) – Low-mileage and made a winning handicap debut at Newcastle last month; has potential for further improvement and cannot be ruled out under a 5lb penalty.

15:00 Doncaster Sat 1 Apr 6f Listed

  1. El Caballo: Highly progressive, impressive on soft ground, and a Group 2 winner, El Caballo has the potential to make a strong return after nearly ten months off. If he is ready to roll, he could be a leading contender in this race.
  2. Commanche Falls: A tremendous stable servant with an excellent record when fresh, Commanche Falls has 2 wins out of 3 on soft ground. Returning after a five-month break, he should be high on the shortlist and poses a real threat in this race.
  3. Fast Response: With a very good record on testing ground, Fast Response has had clear-cut wins at this track last autumn. After a five-month break and under optimum conditions, she could be a strong contender for a place in the top 3.

15:35 Doncaster Sat 1 Apr 1m Lincoln Hcap

  1. Awaal (IRE) – A promising contender with major improvement potential, as he impressed on his handicap debut. He could still have more to offer and is a strong choice for this race.
  2. Al Mubhir – Showed significant improvement on testing ground and won a 14-runner handicap at Haydock. With the potential to kick on again this year and coming from a top yard with a history of success in this race, he’s a solid choice.
  3. Empirestateofmind (IRE) – Demonstrated excellent form in the second half of 2022 and is evidently well suited to big-field handicaps. Could continue to progress and give a good account in this race.
  4. Baradar (IRE) – Made a winning start for his new trainer in a 7f course handicap and has the potential for more improvement. He’s a notable contender in this race.
  5. Montassib – Showed progressive form last year and had some good performances in top-end handicaps. With the potential for further progress under his top trainer, he’s an interesting choice for this race.

16:10 Doncaster Sat 1 Apr 1m Listed

  1. Imperial Fighter: With a strong performance in the Irish 2,000 Guineas and a maiden win on soft ground, Imperial Fighter has the potential to tap back into that promise on this first run in 300 days. Gelded since his last appearance, he could be a major player in this race.
  2. Tempus: Despite not being at his best in his recent runs, Tempus was second in this race last year and showed improved form to win two Group 3s in August. With first-time cheekpieces and previous success on various ground conditions, he could bounce back and be a strong contender.
  3. Poker Face: Unbeaten in his 3 races, Poker Face has shown significant progress and easily won his handicap debut at Pontefract last October. Although he’s stepping up in grade and facing a drop in trip, this 4-year-old could very well be up to the task and continue his winning streak.

16:45 Doncaster Sat 1 Apr 1m2f Mdn Stks

  1. Astrodome: A 1,200,000gns yearling by Sea The Stars out of Musidora winner So Mi Dar, Astrodome comes from an excellent family and represents a top stable. As a fascinating newcomer, he has the potential to make a strong debut and should be watched closely in the betting.
  2. Carlton: A €350,000 yearling by Frankel, Carlton is a half-brother to several winners, including the German 1m Group 3 scorer Calyxa. He appears to be the stable’s first-string based on jockey bookings, and there’s every chance he can play a part if he’s well-prepared for his debut.
  3. Paddy The Squire: Costing 150,000gns as a yearling, this Golden Horn colt made a promising start when finishing fourth at Southwell (1m, AW) in January. He gave the impression that today’s longer distance would suit him well and could be well above average. With a first-time tongue-strap, he is a plausible contender in this race.

17:20 Doncaster Sat 1 Apr 1m2f Hcap

  1. Aldbourne: He showed progressive form at 1m2f in the autumn, winning convincingly at Nottingham and Brighton before finding a third run in 16 days too much on his final start. Now only 9lb higher, he is one of the more likely contenders in this race.
  2. Mrs Meader: She demonstrated her ability to handle testing ground, winning an amateur jockeys’ race at Newbury in October. With two other wins under her belt, she could have more to offer under the right conditions. Although her ability to perform fresh is uncertain, she remains a strong contender.
  3. Menelaus: Although he hasn’t managed to secure a win yet, he has shown potential in several races, including a close third in a handicap debut at Ayr. Despite not replicating that form in subsequent starts, he remains an interesting prospect and could perform well in this race.

17:50 Doncaster Sat 1 Apr 1m2f Hcap

  1. Aone Ally: He showed improvement when switched to handicaps in 2021, finishing second in a C&D handicap. Although he missed the whole of last season, his performance over hurdles in February was decent, and given the excellent form of his yard lately, he could be the answer in this race.
  2. Highlighter: This unexposed horse has shown clear ability in his qualifying runs and is intriguing now handicapping back up in trip under Billy Loughnane. He could be a likely improver, especially if the betting vibes are strong.
  3. Das Kapital: He placed off this mark at Yarmouth and Newbury last autumn, and although he was below par in his final 2022 appearance, he can perform well when fresh. With blinkers refitted and if fully tuned-up for this race, he has each-way claims.

Leave a comment

Get updates

From art exploration to the latest archeological findings, all here in our weekly newsletter.

Subscribe