12:15 Doncaster
A maiden over 6f on good to soft ground. Ceffyl Gwell has experience on his side but doesn't set the highest level of form. It will be telling if this two-year-old goes off favourite, as this would suggest the opposition isn't that strong and in that case this son of Compton Place would have a leading claim. However, if there is a fair juvenile in this line then Hannon's colt is likely to struggle. The once raced Vantaa failed to show any ability when a relatively short price on debut - but there could be more to come. An expensive buy at 130,000euros and owner Maura Gittens should always be respected. The ground was very testing at York - a course Fahey usually sends his better horses - and the trainer has a good strike rate with his fancied juveniles on their second start (13/2 & less). One of the more fancied opposition. Of the debutantes, Starbound, a chestnut filly by Captain Rio cost 400,000gns and owned by Cheveley Park Stud. The negative is that Haggis' two-year-olds often need the run, however, Cheveley Park Stud often have their juveniles quite forward for debut and the more fancied ths horse is in the betting the greater the chances. Of the rest, Spinatrix may have place claims at speculative odds.
12:50 Doncaster
The second division of the 6f maiden. Fettuccine improved a good deal from her debut and battled well just failing to win at Yarmouth. It is difficult to assess the level of that form which is probably no more than average but Noseda's filly showed a willing attitude which is a positive as well as valuable racing experience. Ice Blast went close on debut when a 40/1 shot finishing third at York. That didn't look the strongest of races and the second has since been beaten. Easterby's two-year-old has the potential to improve from that run and should be respected although the trainer never fills me with the greatest confidence. The betting suggests that the majority of these are not fancied and as noted above the Cheveley Park Stud debutante, Anoint, may have claims if strongly fancied in the betting but may be best watched today.
1:25 Doncaster
A 0-85 nursery over 6f. Never the easiest races to conclude although No Poppy is a consistent juvenile with a battling determination and should run a big race.
Today's races:
12:15 Doncaster
12:50 Doncaster
1:25 Doncaster
