This detailed analysis covers all Doncaster races in chronological order, identifying the TimeWise Master Top Two rated runners, summarising their recent form and comments, providing the Spotlight Verdict, detailing race statistics, and assessing the chances of the top selections.
1. 11:37 Virgin Bet Training Series Final Apprentice Handicap (Class 4, 7f 6y)
TimeWise Master Top Two
Eminency (5yo, 9-13ht)
It Just Takes Time (7yo, 10-1)
Recent Form and Comments
Horse
Recent Form Summary
Trainer Comments/Details
Eminency
Got up towards the finish at Yarmouth (7f, good to soft). Has two wins from his last three starts.
This is an in-form contender who is hard to rule out.
It Just Takes Time
Regained the winning thread on his penultimate start and ran creditably latest.
Successful off this exact mark in this race on soft ground 12 months ago. Holds a fighting chance.
Spotlight Verdict
Provided he responds well to the headgear, TERRIES ROYALE may build on his latest effort and take advantage of a handy mark. Lir Speciale (second choice) and Shazani look strong contenders kept to Doncaster, while Rainbow Nebula and Ata Rangi are still unexposed over this distance. Last year’s winner It Just Takes Time is among several others who also have possibilities in an open contest.
Race Statistics
Category
Data
Age Groups
3yo 1-10-33, 4yo+ 8-13-103.
Fate of Favourites
303302035.
Trainer Records (W-PL-R)
Richard Fahey 4-2-12, Mark Walford 1-0-2, Michael Appleby 0-1-4, Tim Easterby 0-3-9.
Assessment of Top Two
Eminency:(Strengths) Currently in excellent form, securing two wins in his last three runs. (Weaknesses/Suitability) None explicitly mentioned, but consistency at this level is key.
It Just Takes Time:(Strengths) Proven C&D winner, having won this race last year on soft ground off his current mark (84). (Weaknesses) His recent run was only “creditably”. (Suitability) High suitability given course history and proven ability on soft ground.
2. 12:15 Virgin Bet Every Saturday Money Back Cock O’The North EBF Maiden Stakes (Div I) (Class 4, 6f 2y)
TimeWise Master Top Two
Invincible Boy (2yo, 9-7)
Big Harry (2yo, 9-7h)
Recent Form and Comments
Horse
Recent Form Summary
Trainer Comments/Details
Invincible Boy
Shaped well when finishing 1l second of eight in a novice at York (6f, good) last month, rallying.
That run provides the best form on offer. Should have learned from the experience.
Big Harry
Showed promise across both career outings, finishing runner-up at Leicester (6f, soft, hooded) most recently.
Second in the pecking order on ratings and open to further progress.
Spotlight Verdict
Invincible Boy (second choice) and Big Harry set the standard on form, but the filly MOLLSTAR shaped better than the result suggests when fourth at Goodwood on her debut and can improve past them. Pilgrim’s Progress looks the type to improve steadily and must also be considered, along with the William Haggas-trained Thunder Call.
Race Statistics
Category
Data
Age Groups
All runners are 2yo.
Fate of Favourites
144113222.
Trainer Records (W-PL-R)
William Haggas 2-3-8, Ed Walker 0-1-2, Richard Fahey 0-2-2, Richard Hannon 0-1-3.
Assessment of Top Two
Invincible Boy:(Strengths) Demonstrated high ability on debut with the best form available in the race (2nd at York). (Weaknesses) Only one career start. (Suitability) Expected to improve from the experience.
Big Harry:(Strengths) Has shown promise and is ready for further progress. Has run well on soft ground. (Weaknesses) Sets a lower standard than the favourite. (Suitability) Open to further improvement.
3. 12:50 Virgin Bet Every Saturday Money Back Cock O’The North EBF Maiden Stakes (Div II) (Class 4, 6f 2y)
TimeWise Master Top Two
Perfect Ruler (2yo, 9-2)
See That Spark (2yo, 9-7)
Recent Form and Comments
Horse
Recent Form Summary
Trainer Comments/Details
Perfect Ruler
Beaten 15l on debut at Haydock (6f, good) in the summer.
Stable won both divisions of this race in 2021. Has been off for over four months.
See That Spark
Was too green to do himself justice on debut at Redcar (6f, good to firm) in August, keeping on for fourth.
Form looks ordinary but is seemingly thought capable of better.
Spotlight Verdict
Those with experience set less of a standard than in the first division, and this may go to a newcomer. The vote goes to ANGEL GABRIEL whose profile suggests he could be up to making a successful start, although Leonetto (second choice) and I’ll Be Back also make considerable appeal on paper. Footstepinthewoods and Perfect Ruler are the most persuasive of those to have run.
Race Statistics
Category
Data
Age Groups
All runners are 2yo.
Fate of Favourites
144113222.
Trainer Records (W-PL-R)
William Haggas 2-3-8, K R Burke 1-0-4.
Assessment of Top Two
Perfect Ruler:(Strengths) Represents W. Haggas, a stable that won this race previously. (Weaknesses) Debut was poor (beaten 15l) and needs significant improvement after a long break. (Suitability) Listed as one of the “most persuasive of those to have run” in the Spotlight Verdict, suggesting potential, despite form.
See That Spark:(Strengths) Thought capable of better after a green debut. (Weaknesses) Debut form was ordinary. (Suitability) Ambiguous; needs to step up significantly to challenge the perceived newcomers.
Promising belated return over 5f in September, followed by a downbeat effort in a Group 1 at Ascot. Won a Group 1 at Haydock in 2024.
C&D Listed winner. Has much more going for him down in class on soft ground.
Zoum Zoum
Mixed form since going close in a Listed race in May.
Won a C&D handicap on soft last autumn. Sights are lowered from last two starts. Trainer R. Beckett introduces a tongue-tie.
Spotlight Verdict
A few of these have lost their form of late and MONTASSIB himself failed to rise to the occasion at Ascot recently. However, he is more likely to recapture at least some of his best form now right down in grade with soft ground in his favour and he should carry too much clout for these rivals. Spycatcher, close behind Art Power at the Curragh, has a fair chance of reversing those placings but he was no match for Montassib on two occasions last year and perhaps the doughty Apollo One will chase the selection home. The latter excites as much sympathy as admiration for a career filled with valiant defeats but he nearly pulled off another Group 3 win last time out and whatever the outcome, it will be a rare day if he fails to give his running. Zoum Zoum appeals most of the remainder.
Race Statistics
Category
Data
Age Groups
3yo 3-6-31, 4yo+ 6-11-78.
Fate of Favourites
415101326.
Trainer Records (W-PL-R)
K R Burke 1-0-4, Kevin Ryan 1-2-6, Richard Hannon 1-0-2, Ed Walker 0-3-8, Tim Easterby 0-1-2, William Haggas 0-2-4.
Assessment of Top Two
Montassib (Spotlight Selection):(Strengths) Proven C&D Listed winner and Group 1 winner. Highly suitable conditions (soft ground) and drop in grade greatly increases his chances. (Weaknesses) Recent Group 1 effort was poor. (Suitability) Expected to recapture form and “carry too much clout” for rivals.
Zoum Zoum:(Strengths) Previous C&D handicap winner on soft ground. Sights are lowered. (Weaknesses) Form has been mixed recently. (Suitability) Appeals most of the “remainder” outside the top three selections (Montassib, Spycatcher, Apollo One).
Won at Goodwood (6f, good) most recently, bouncing back from a disappointing effort after a three-month layoff.
Represents a major yard (W. Haggas) and is highly respected as she may improve further.
The Resdev Scholar
Bids for a hat-trick, having won a nursery at Doncaster (heavy) last month over 7f.
Has a fighting chance in current form, despite dropping back in trip.
Spotlight Verdict
A chance is taken on SAGREMOR who is by no means the form pick but may well be capable of improvement now he’s handicapping and dropped to 6f. Additional plus points are the drop back in class and Toby Moore taking off 7lb. Sing The Blues, who looks the type to show further progress, is second choice ahead of The Resdev Scholar who recorded his latest success at this venue.
Race Statistics
Category
Data
Age Groups
All runners are 2yo.
Fate of Favourites
023261210.
Trainer Records (W-PL-R)
Tim Easterby 2-1-11, Roger Fell 1-0-2, Michael & David Easterby 0-1-2, William Haggas 0-1-1.
Assessment of Top Two
Sing The Blues:(Strengths) Recent winner following a layoff. Comes from a major yard and is expected to show further progress. (Weaknesses/Suitability) High hopes are placed on her progression rather than peak form established so far.
The Resdev Scholar:(Strengths) Proven winner at Doncaster on heavy ground (latest success) and is seeking a hat-trick. (Weaknesses) Dropping back in distance from 7f wins. (Suitability) Proven ability at this venue.
Has an excellent record on soft ground and is 2-2 since cheekpieces were added, winning over C&D and at Pontefract last month.
Was well on top at the finish last time; a 4lb rise shouldn’t prevent another big run.
Realign
Gelded over summer; comfortably won at Haydock six weeks ago (6f, good to soft) benefiting from a hefty drop in weights.
Choice of James Doyle in preference to Fine Interview, which looks significant. Ground (soft) is a query.
Spotlight Verdict
A sprint handicap that would grace any major festival and a host of in-form and interesting sprinters lock horns. Wathnan Racing are responsible for three of the field and they each have something to recommend them. Realign is the choice of James Doyle but FINE INTERVIEW might prove their strongest option given his excellent record both here and on slow ground. Big runs from Akkadian Thunder (second choice), his stablemate Lord Bertie, Roach Power, Strike Red and Rousing Encore should also be forthcoming.
Race Statistics
Category
Data
Age Groups
3yo 1-0-5, 4yo+ 1-4-20.
Fate of Favourites
12.
Trainer Records (W-PL-R)
John & Sean Quinn 1-0-1, William Haggas 1-0-1, Ruth Carr 0-1-1.
Assessment of Top Two
Fine Interview (Spotlight Selection):(Strengths) Excellent C&D record (131) and proven ability on slow/soft ground. Current form is strong (2-2 with new headgear). (Weaknesses) Doesn’t look straightforward. (Suitability) High suitability given C&D and ground preference; expected to run big despite the 4lb rise.
Realign:(Strengths) Represents W. Haggas and is the choice of James Doyle, suggesting high expectation. Recent winning form was comfortable. (Weaknesses) The soft ground conditions are a query. (Suitability) Expected to prove capable of overcoming the 6lb rise in time.
7. 3:10 Virgin Bet A Good Bet Irish EBF Gillies Fillies’ Stakes (Listed Race) (Class 1, 1m 2f 43y)
TimeWise Master Top Two
Danielle (4yo, 9-4)
Karmology (5yo, 9-9)
Recent Form and Comments
Horse
Recent Form Summary
Trainer Comments/Details
Danielle
Found only Estrange too strong in this race last year (soft ground). Has posted three solid efforts in defeat at Group level this year.
She is the one to beat with her sights lowered.
Karmology
Has consistent form, culminating in a recent second place in a Listed race (1m2f).
Consistent (form figures 223321 in recent sequence).
Spotlight Verdict
There doesn’t look to be anything of Estrange’s calibre in here this time, so DANIELLE has a good chance to go one better than 12 months ago. Anna Swan has a good record on soft ground and is second choice ahead of Loughville.
Race Statistics
Category
Data
Age Groups
3yo 4-10-69, 4yo+ 5-8-52.
Fate of Favourites
062300002.
Trainer Records (W-PL-R)
Ralph Beckett 2-1-7, Andrew Balding 1-0-5, David O’Meara 1-0-5, Kevin Ryan 1-1-3, John & Thady Gosden 0-1-3, Saeed bin Suroor 0-1-1, William Haggas 0-2-11.
Assessment of Top Two
Danielle (Spotlight Selection):(Strengths) Class performer with solid Group level form. Proven at this track and trip (2nd last year on soft). Sights lowered greatly enhances her chances. (Weaknesses) None apparent, highly favoured. (Suitability) Expected to go one better than last year.
Karmology:(Strengths) Consistently in the frame in high-level races. (Weaknesses) Appears to set a lower standard than Danielle who has Group form. (Suitability) Likely to run well but faces tough opposition.
8. 3:45 Virgin Bet November Handicap (GBBPlus Race) (Class 2, 1m 3f 197y)
TimeWise Master Top Two
Castle Cove (4yo, 8-11h1)
Lord Melbourne (5yo, 9-8)
Recent Form and Comments
Horse
Recent Form Summary
Trainer Comments/Details
Castle Cove
Won at Chester (1m2f, soft) in June. Finished close (beaten 2l) when upped to 1m5f at Newbury on latest.
Lightly raced 4yo who could have more to give. First-time hood fitted.
Lord Melbourne
Clear triumph in this race last year (soft). Latest run six weeks ago at Epsom (1m2f, good to soft) was a career best.
Proven winner on soft/heavy ground. Going from strength to strength, despite being 9lb higher than last year’s reappearance win.
Spotlight Verdict
Last year’s winner LORD MELBOURNE (nap) may be all set for a repeat despite the 9lb rise since his reappearance win in September. That success was delivered in fine style despite the race being over just 1m2f, so all things point to him completing a November Handicap double. Hopewell Rock is the main danger, being a lightly raced 3yo who could easily have more to give, while Atherstone Warrior and Castle Cove also look significant players.
Race Statistics
Category
Data
Age Groups
3yo 2-4-27, 4yo+ 7-21-159.
Fate of Favourites
030001065.
Trainer Records (W-PL-R)
Alan King 1-0-8, Brian Ellison 1-0-3, Harry Fry 1-0-1, Ian Williams 1-2-10, Ralph Beckett 1-1-5, David Menuisier 0-2-5, Tom Dascombe 0-1-2.
Assessment of Top Two
Castle Cove:(Strengths) Lightly raced with potential for improvement. Ran well when upped in trip last time. Has proven form on soft ground. (Weaknesses) This is his first attempt at 1m4f. (Suitability) Considered a “significant player”; strong stable/jockey combination (W. Haggas/J. Hart).
Lord Melbourne (Spotlight Nap):(Strengths)Unquestionably suited to this contest, being last year’s winner and arriving in career-best form, having won off a break on soft ground. (Weaknesses) Carries 9lb more than his reappearance win this year and 13lb higher than 12 months ago. (Suitability) Highly suited by conditions and expected to complete a double.
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