13:50 Doncaster – Albasheer
ALBASHEER comes back to the same track where he put up a spectacular performance on his racecourse debut when winning by an ever-widening 6-and-a-half lengths.
Obviously, he comes under that could be anything bracket. But, he was chosen as the best of the three runners to turn up in this particular group to contest, which many a champion has won.
14:25 Doncaster – Stone of Destiny
The cavalry charge for this 5-and-a-half furlong Portland Handicap is always a difficult puzzle to solve and we need to look further afield than the top end of the market, with obvious picks in the likes of soldiers Minute and A Momentofmadness.
STONE OF DESTINY has fantastic group level form over 5 and 6 furlongs, but this will be the first time he is tested at the intermediate trip and it looks ideal.
He is drawn very close to the front running Ornate and that should get a lead of him until the business end. He is a big each-way player for sure.
15:00 Doncaster – One Master
ONE MASTER is another top-class performer who just didn’t seem suited to the nature of the front running track at York last time, and this superstar Group 1 performer was unable to pick up the front runners.
we have two speedsters in here with Marie’s Diamond and Shine So Bright who look guaranteed to force a strong pace to suit the selection. Limato will also be suited to the way the race should be run, but One Master should have a class edge.
15:35 Doncaster – Pyledriver
PYLEDRIVER has been a remarkable story so far. Usually massive underdog, he keeps on coming up with the goods whatever the task he is faced with.
His trainer William Muir has been dreaming of a classic success for many, many seasons and he can be rewarded with a win in the oldest classics of all.
The question is whether he will stay, but his jockey Martin Dwyer is very confident and like all top-class individuals, he possesses not only stamina but a quality change of gear late on.
14:05 Chester – Alignak
ALIGNAK has already proven himself a decent performer when winning at Newcastle on his return in 2020, filling the second spot in Listed company and then a decent third in a solid Group 3 behind St Leger fancy Hukum.
This test at Chester may well suit him better.
14:40 Chester – Maydanny
Not quite sure why MAYDANNY bombed out so badly at York last time, but that particular course can throw up the odd funny result.
He was particularly impressive the time before at Goodwood on the twists and turns, and the nature of the track here will suit him as he is a real handy balanced type.
He may even be able to pinch this on the front-end as the contest doesn’t look loaded with pace.
15:10 Leopardstown – Peaceful
PEACEFUL looks as if the return to this left-handed turning mile will suit better.
She flew home in the French Oaks last time having been held up behind what was a very sedate pace and was beaten in a real head bobbing finish.
Peaceful and Fancy Blue have been taking it in turns to get to the winner’s enclosure, but in the Matron Staked it could well turn out perfectly for Peaceful.
16:10 Leopardstown – Sottsass
Can SOTTSASS be the one to topple the top-rated horse in the world at the moment Ghaiyyath? Well let’s hope they don’t give that superstar an easy time on the front-end, otherwise it is all over and the odds on favourite will collect.
To prove yourself a true champion you have to be able to be adaptable and that’s why am hoping somebody will take him on at the front-end and it will be the French colt who can pounce late in the day.
Third in last year’s Arc de Triomphe, of all these in the lineup Sottsass is blessed with the best change of gear at the business end of a race.
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Jason Weaver’s tips summary:
13:50 Doncaster – Albasheer
14:05 Chester – Alignak
14:25 Doncaster – Stone of Destiny
14:40 Chester – Maydanny
15:00 Doncaster – One Master
15:10 Leopardstown – Peaceful
15:35 Doncaster – Pyledriver
16:10 Leopardstown – Sottsass
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