We lost Cheltenham Trials Day but we’ve still seven races on ITV from Doncaster where Shishkin should be the star of the show and three all-weather contests at Lingfield to complement the jumps action.
Doncaster 13:30 – Shishkin
Shishkin is another of my 10 to follow for the season and is a real star. It’s hard to look past him on his way to what I think will be victory in the Arkle Chase on the first day of the Festival.
Doncaster 14.05 – Marie’s Rock
Nico de Boinville picked Marie’s Rock over Floressa last time when the latter won at Newbury. He’s opted for Floressa this time but Marie’s Rock will be better on this softer ground. I hope she can bounce back to form after that first defeat on her reappearance last time.
Lingfield 14.20 – Power Over Me
Power Over Me has been a revelation for trainer Robyn Brisland and can go in again. The only worry is if they go really slow and he ends up pulling his way to the front. He is only 2lbs higher than the mark he won off last time and if there’s a decent pace on he could take all the beating.
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Doncaster 14.40 – Pats Fancy
Flash Collonges won easily at Wincanton but Emir Sacree had the run of the race at Ascot when winning under a 10lb claimer. This will be a lot different.
It’s a very open race and Pats Fancy is interesting as the form of his Ffos Las win was franked by Gladiateur Allen winning at Ascot. He looks a value each-way bet and will handle the ground.
Lingfield 14.55- Hydroplane
Ian Williams’ Hydroplane has been jumping over the winner and won a race at Market Rasen. He used to be trained by Sir Mark Prescott and connections have even engaged former pilot Luke Morris to do the steering. He can put his good Flat form to use now and get the better of Pirate King.
Doncaster 15:15 – Cap du Nord
Cap du Nord and Canelo hold the key to this race having finished first and second respectively at Newbury. Both have performed well since in other races but this is very different ground though.
Cap du Nord was second at Kempton to Gold Cup hope Royale Pagaille, while Canelo won nicely at Wetherby. That just gives Cap du Nord the edge.
The each-way angle could be Aye Right. If he was trained by a bigger stable he would by half his price having finished third and second in the Charlie Hall Chase and Ladbroke Trophy respectively. Boldnere shouldn’t be discounted at a double-digit price and is one for the short-list.
Lingfield 15.30 – Catch My Breath
Golden Force has had only run once at Lingfield and that was a disappointing last of 9 over 7 furlongs. He won last time at Wolverhampton over a mile and should be better suited to this test. However, Catch My Breath is on a roll, as is the young rider on board, Laura Pearson. She is very good value for her claim and this son of Bated Breath will take some pegging back on the front.
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