Hi all,
Saturday is a huge day for Kelso, with the bet365 Morebattle Hurdle (3:30) headlining a top-class card. It’s supported by the Grade 2 Premier Novices' Hurdle (2:55) and the Listed Premier Chase (1:45)—all live on ITV Racing.
Elsewhere, Newbury hosts the BetVictor Greatwood Gold Cup (3:45), while Doncaster stages the Grimthorpe Chase (3:15). Both feature in a marathon 10-race ITV Racing programme, with five races from Kelso, three from Doncaster, and two from Newbury.
I looked at the big Kelso and Newbury races earlier in the week. Inside is my take on the three Doncaster races you can watch live on ITV Racing.
Doncaster ITV Preview
2:05 – Livescore Bet Mares' Novices' Hurdle (Listed, 3m ½f)
Bobbi With An I won easily on hurdle debut at Wincanton (2m 5½f) last month. She probably didn’t beat much, but she’s open to improvement. The step up to three miles should suit. She also faces different ground but could handle it well.
2:40 – Virgin Bet Every Saturday Money Back Handicap Chase (Class 2, 2m ½f)
Homme Public won this race last year off the same mark. He also won a handicap hurdle here in December. He likes the track and goes well on decent ground. First-time blinkers replace cheekpieces, and his yard is in form.
Malystic, a C&D winner, was third behind Homme Public in last year’s race. He’s 5lb better off this time and is well handicapped at his best. The drier the ground, the better his chance.
Rare Edition drops back to 2m after being too keen over 2m 3f at Ascot last time. He returns from wind surgery with first-time cheekpieces. He’ll also appreciate drying ground.
Gabriel's Getaway won a similar C&D handicap in December off 7lb lower. This is his first run since, so fitness is a question. He’s also 11lb worse off with Malystic, who finished third that day. Still, he’s a good-ground horse and could run well if ready.
3:15 – Virgin Bet Grimthorpe Handicap Chase (Class 2, 3m 2f)
This isn’t the classiest Grimthorpe renewal, but it’s competitive. Thirteen runners line up, a welcome change from recent small fields.
Historically, this race has produced big-priced winners. In the last ten years:
5 winners from 21 runners (24%) returned at 14/1 or bigger (+79 level stakes profit).
5 winners from 17 runners (29%) had previously run in a Grade 1 (+43 LSP).
I started with a longlist of eight and have narrowed it down to five contenders.
White Rhino won his first two chase starts before unseating in the Grade 1 Kauto Star at Kempton. He stays well and handles good ground. A 9-year-old but capable of better over fences.
Some Scope won the Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase (3m) at Wetherby in December. He was pulled up last time after dropping in trip, and back at track which doesn’t suit. The ground is in his favour, but 3m 2f is a slight question mark.
Weveallbeencaught won easily over 3m here last time. He’s up 8lb, so he’ll need more, but he likes good ground and could stay 3m 2f.
Erne River has won three times at Doncaster. He was fourth in the Great Yorkshire Chase over 3m last time, staying on late. The extra distance could help.
Moroder won this race two years ago off 6lb higher. He struggled last season but returned to form when second at Cheltenham in April. His trainer can target a race, and he gets his ground.
If you want my final Saturday picks you can get them here.
Good luck with your Saturday bets.
John