Hi all,
A cracking mix of jumps and flat action this Saturday.
It’s Day Two of Cheltenham’s Showcase meeting with strong fields and a competitive seven-race card. At Doncaster, it’s Futurity Trophy Day – featuring the final Group 1 of the British Flat season, the William Hill Futurity Trophy (2:05). Just six line up, three from Ballydoyle.
There’s also good fare at Newbury, where the highlights are the Group 3 BetVictor Horris Hill Stakes (3:10) for juveniles and the BetVictor St Simon Stakes (3:45).
Despite the competing claims of Cheltenham’s Showcase meeting, in today’s main piece the focus is on the three ITV races from Doncaster.
Doncaster
Two winners on Friday mean I’m going into Saturday’s racing in good spirits.
2:05 – William Hill Futurity Stakes (Group 1) – 1m
It would be a surprise if the winner’s cheque doesn’t head back to Ireland and Ballydoyle. Aidan O’Brien saddles half the field, and Christophe Soumillon’s choice Benvenuto Cellini now heads the market ahead of stablemates Hawk Mountain and Action.
Benvenuto Cellini was a comfortable Group 2 winner at Leopardstown last month and looks a potentially top class if coping with Saturday’s testing ground. Hawk Mountain impressed when making all in the Group 2 Beresford Stakes at the Curragh and could get another uncontested lead. Action is progressive but may want a stronger gallop to show his best and better ground.
I liked Hawk Mountain’s front-running display at the Curragh. While Benvenuto Cellini could easily prove a class apart, soft ground and an easy lead swing it the way of Hawk Mountain to make all.
1:30 – Sprint Handicap (Class 2) – 5f
Trilby found only an improving three-year-old too strong when runner-up at Haydock eight days ago. Just 1lb higher, he handles soft ground and should go close again.
Jer Batt was 2¾ lengths behind Trilby at Haydock and continues to frustrate this season. That said, he’s 4lb lower than when beaten a head in this race last year, and cheekpieces go on for the first time.
Rosario blew the start at Ascot last time which he tends to do. However, he finished is race off well to take second. He’s a danger to all if he breaks cleanly.
Blue Storm didn’t stay six furlongs in the Coral Sprint Trophy Handicap at York 13 days ago and is better suited by 5f. Now 4lb below his last winning mark and back on his favoured ground, he’s not one to dismiss.
2:40 – Prospect Stakes (Listed) – 6f
Lam Yai seemingly thrived for a return to soft ground when a neck second to Catching The Moon in the Group 3 Firth of Clyde Stakes at Ayr. She’s the only confirmed front-runner and could take some pegging back if allowed her own way out in front.
Spanish Waltz impressed when winning at Pontefract on soft ground and remains open to plenty of improvement. He looks the main threat to the likely favourite.
Saturday Selection
Doncaster
2:05 – Hawk Mountain
I’ll be back on Monday to look back at the weekends big race action.
Good luck with your Saturday bets.
John