Doncaster selections Friday 15th September
The second day on Town Moor and the quality steps up a further notch with a couple of Group 2 contests and some more top level handicaps. It is those handicaps that are of most interest this afternoon. Headline selection Ching Shih was placed for the each-way bet yesterday (SP 15/2).
Doncaster 3.35: The Goat & Rhythmic Intent
The Mallard is a little short on numbers, but still looks an intriguing contest. THE GOAT has to be the main selection having won so easily on testing ground at Goodwood last month.
His 12l winning margin might have flattered him somewhat as he seemed to be the only one to handle the conditions, but it was still a massive step forward on the form he had previously shown on fast ground/ All Weather.
Since that run he finished a respectable sixth in the Melrose at York on very fast going, at least implying his new mark of 93 is fair. However it looks clear he needs give in the ground to give of his best and he remains totally unexposed on the conditions he will face at Doncaster this afternoon.
As a value alternative RHYTHMIC INTENT can make a bold bid to repeat his success in this race from 2021. He defied fast ground that day to win, but is generally more at home on a softer surface.
He has run some solid races on good-to-soft this season, notably when third in a Racing League contest at Yarmouth in July. He has been easing down the ratings though and is down to 88, his lowest mark since winning at York in July 2020. He did not stay 2m at Goodwood last time, but he is well enough weighted to be an each-way play here.
Doncaster 4.10: Theres The Door
Another race a little short on quantity, but there is no doubting the quality. THERES THE DOOR has been trying her hand in pattern company this season, but this level is well within her scope.
She started her 2023 campaign with an authoritative win over this course and distance at the opening turf meeting of the season when the going was very soft. She then overcame a terrible start to finish second in the Cheshire Oaks, despite having to come around the entire field around the tight Chester track.
Faster going probably scuppered her chances on her next two starts, where 12f might have also proved slightly too far. However she confirmed her liking for testing going and 10f when scoring on heavy at Goodwood at the big meeting. Conditions should still be soft enough for her today and I love her attitude as she is a real trier.
Doncaster 4.45: Baradar
A rare contest over 6 1/2f and this should be far enough for BARADAR to be at his best once more.
A real soft ground specialist who was third in the Group 1 Futurity here as a juvenile, he has since found his niche in high level handicaps. He looked the likely winner 1f out in the Lincoln here at the start of the season, but was ultimately just outstayed by Migration.
He had previously been quick enough to win over 7f here last autumn and that is his optimum trip. He showed he can handle good ground though when winning a big pot at Ascot last time. First time cheekpieces worked well that day and should help sharpen him up for this slightly shorter trip today. There looks to be enough early pace to make this a sufficient enough test of stamina for him.
Recommended bets:
1pt win – The Goat – 3.35 Doncaster – 15/8 general
0.5 pts each-way – Rhythmic Intent – 3.35 Doncaster – 9/1 Bet365 (1/5 odds 1st 3
1pt each-way – Theres The Door – 4.10 Doncaster – 5/1 general
1pt win – Baradar – 4.45 Doncaster – 11/4 Skybet