Racing
Saturday Weekend Preview: Take a chance in the Mile at Donny
This weekend welcomes the start of the British Flat season at Doncaster and I have provided my thoughts on the main races throughout the card.
Cammidge Trophy Stakes (13.50pm)
Spycatcher bids for back-to-back wins in the race having defeated Iberian twelve months ago, but there’s strong competition, and the one that could run well is MY MATE ALFIE.
This strong-travelling five-year-old achieved a high level of form when trained by Ger Lyons, winning and placing in multiple Listed events, as well as finishing second in a Group 2 event last August.
He wasn’t disgraced on his final couple of starts last term, including a Group 1 at Haydock and will be making his debut for David O’Meara this weekend.
He ran really well on last season’s reappearance when second, so fitness is unlikely to be an issue and this race should be run to suit.
With conditions also set to be in his favour, and being the joint top-rated in the field, it’ll be interesting to see how he fares. I think he’s a major player and is currently at an attractive price.
Spring Mile (14.25pm)
LA TRINIDAD has the option of running in this race or the main event but I think he would have a right old chance if connections declare him for this possible assignment.
The nine-year-old always runs well and has become so well handicapped. He has plenty of smart course form in the book and ran well under a big weight when third at Beverley last time out.
He finished a close-up third in the Thirsk Hunt Cup on his return last season and that was a much stronger race than this, and off a higher figure, too.
If he can encounter a troubled-free passage, then I reckon he has solid claims. Either way, whatever race he runs in, I’ll be having a few quid on him!
Doncaster Mile Stakes (15.00pm)
This looks like a cracking-looking race and the one to beat is without a doubt Docklands.
Last season’s Queen Anne Stakes winner looks sure to appreciate the drop in grade and has a good record when fresh.
If you’re looking for something at a bigger price though, CHANCELLOR could be the solid option. He’s unbeaten in two starts at the course and has continued to raise his game since stepping up to a mile.
A neck-second in a Listed event at Kempton in September followed a victory in the same grade at Southwell before another second by a neck at Lingfield.
He’s open to a lot more improvement this season, especially on the grass, so I can envisage him being a contender this weekend.
William Hill Lincoln (15.35pm)
The more I look at the feature event, the more I like LA BOTTE. Harry Eustace’s charge was unlucky not to collect the Britannia at Royal Ascot last season (neck-second).
He then ran a fine race on his return at Wolverhampton, where he was tentatively handled, staying on well to finish a never-nearer fourth off top weight.
It was highly likely that return was used as a prep for this event and his fitness edge will give him a distinct advantage over most.
The assessor has also left him on the same mark of 104 and he has so much more to come on just his third outing on the grass.
His odds might seem skinny to some but I am struggling to see him out of the frame at the very least. I think he’s one of the classiest horses in the line-up and has a big chance.
