Hi all,

Inside today’s main piece I look back at the start of the new flat season at Doncaster on Saturday.

With the chilly breeze fading, Sunday brought a hint of Spring, marking the commencement of the new flat season. Doncaster hosted the opening races on Saturday, but as tradition goes, the season doesn't burst in with a bang; instead, it gradually unfolds, leading up to the prestigious Craven Meeting at Newmarket next month. From that point onward, excitement mounts as the season gains momentum, culminating in the anticipation of the first two English Classics less than six weeks away.

Doncaster Debrief

The conditions at Doncaster had improved slightly, but a stiff headwind in the straight made for challenging racing conditions and slow times. You certainly didn’t want to be out in front on the day.

More Success for Roger Varian in Listed Mile

The Listed William Hill Doncaster Mile Stakes got Saturday’s Doncaster card underway. Charyn who had reached the frame three times over 1m at Group 1 level last season, gave Roger Varian a fourth win in the race with a routine success. He was top on Official Ratings and was much too good for his six rivals. Last year’s winner Astral Beau ran well as she had done 12 months ago but faced a much stronger rival on this occasion and was ultimately no match for him.

Precocious Zminiature Surprises in Brocklesby Stakes

In the first 2-year-old race of the season, the Brocklesby Stakes, Zminiature, an outsider at 16/1, emerged victorious. A precocious juvenile, Zminiature handled the soft ground adeptly, suggesting potential for further wins under favorable conditions. Trainer Dylan Cunha could be set for a big season and his early season juveniles will be worth noting.

I mentioned Bill Turner’s good record in the race and his runner Bob The Bandit ran cracker to finish second at 20/1. He can be competitive in lesser races before better juveniles emerge in the coming weeks. Race favourite, Mystical Elegance, faced difficulties after a slow start and never managed to contend after encountering interference 2f from the finish.

Montassib Shines in Cammidge Trophy; Haggas Eyes Group 3 Abernant Stakes Next

Montassib clinched victory in the Listed William Hill Cammidge Trophy, displaying an impressive turn of foot by surging from last to first just in time to secure the win near the finish line. Skillfully maneuvering through gaps as they appeared, Montassib benefited from taking cover against the strong headwind, aiding his cause significantly.

Having demonstrated improvement towards the end of the previous season when reverting to sprinting distances, Montassib continued his upward trajectory on Saturday. With his eye-catching performance, he now seems poised to step up in class to compete in the Group 3 Abernant Stakes at Newmarket's Craven Meeting next month. Although his race fitness suggests he will be a contender, he may prefer ground conditions that are not too quick.

Runner-up Marshman put in a commendable effort, against the wind suggests and is probably better over 5f. Meanwhile, Orazio bounced back to form with a third-place finish, providing hope for continued progress in future races.

Look Back Smiling Grabs Victory in Spring Mile Handicap

In the Spring Mile Handicap, the consolation race for the Lincoln Handicap, Look Back Smiling, trained by Gemma Tutty, emerged victorious. The 4-year-old had previously showcased his talent by winning a 7f handicap at the same venue five months prior and had delivered credible performance over C&D during the St Leger Festival. With his good course form and a proven ability on soft ground, Look Back Smiling was one of my two selections in the race and ensured Victor Value subscribers ended Saturday with a nice profit. It was a big Saturday winner for Yorkshire trainer Gemma Tutty.

Mr. Professor Surprises at 33/1 in Lincoln Handicap

While Amo Racing didn't secure victory in the Brocklesby Stakes, they celebrated success in Saturday's big ITV betting race, the Lincoln Handicap, courtesy of Mr Professor, who triumphed at odds of 33/1. A change of yards proved beneficial for the winner, who had beaten Westover as a 2-year-old and possessed enough class to justify shorter odds than those offered. Excelling on the tacky ground, Mr Professor maintained a strong pace throughout the race, and once he surged clear 1f from the finish, his success was inevitable.

Soft ground really suits Mr Professor, and he may well head to Newbury for next month’s Spring Cup.

Runner-up, Lattam produced a good performance on his debut for Julie Camacho, making a late surge from further back in the field compared to the winner. Similar to the winner, Lattam also thrives on soft ground conditions. Despite encountering some traffic during the race, it's uncertain whether a clear run would have altered the outcome, as the winner seemed dominant. Favoured by soft ground, Lattam could be a contender to reverse positions with the winner in the Spring Cup, particularly if conditions remain soft.

Navagio’s One to Note

Navagio, finishing third, faced a similar challenge to the runner-up, needing to wait for a gap 2 furlongs out, but ultimately lacked the pace of the frontrunners. Despite this, it was an encouraging debut for new trainer James Horton. Considering Navagio's previous success over 1 mile 1 ½ furlongs in Ireland, there's optimism that he may perform better over longer distances than a mile in the future.

Chazzesmee, winner of the Irish Lincolnshire and the 5/2 favorite in this race, performed respectably under a 5lb penalty to finish fifth, although he was found to be lame on his left fore, which likely affected his performance.

On the other hand, Liberty Lane, heavily fancied at 5/1, disappointed with a poor showing, falling well short of market expectations.

Sadly, last year's winner, Migration, refused to leave the stalls, prompting his retirement at the age of 8.

Weekend Betting Verdict:

Three more winners for Victor Value subscribers this weekend ensured my excellent recent run continues. Indeed, it should have been four but Woven managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.  My good run won’t last of course but I’m enjoying the best start to a new flat season that I have had in a few years. I just have to find a winner for the column which have been a rare of laste.

Monday Preview

There’s now,e cracking racing to look forward to over the Easter Weekend starting on Good Friday but for now we’re left with meagre fare.

Four to Note:

Exeter

2:20 – Bidman Bob hasn’t got the best of win records just 1 win from 13 runs over hurdles. However, the cheekpieces go on and he’s on a competitive mark on his chase debut.

4:20 – Bampton Star improved for the fitting of the first time cheekpieces when winning on chase debut over C&D 17 days ago. Now 6lb higher but is open to further improvement over fences.

Huntingdon

4:35 – Master Dancer hasn’t really fired on four starts since finishing a close-up 3^rd of 19 at Cheltenham back in November 2022. Ran better than his final position suggests when an 18 ½ length 4^th of 8 at Hereford 56 days ago and if he can step forward again is nicely treated on back form.

Newcastle  

6:30 – Gemma Tutty has her string in good form, two winners at Doncaster over the weekend, and could have another winner here with Crypto Quest. The 5-year-old was back to form on just hi second start for the trainer when nose 2^nd of 10 (6f) here 13 days ago. Looks worth a try at 7f and can go close if staying.

Good luck with your Monday bets.

John