Yesterday’s Review

1pt e/way Sao Timothy (94) – The slowest race on the card, and the winner Upepo (96) won extremely well considering the poor position he had to overcome on the home turn. The selection couldn’t get a position early on, and was forced to race three wide for most of the race. The move of the race came from Danny Muscutt on 28/1 outsider Two Plus Two. Danny noted the slow pace, and made a bold move four wide from last place to lead over 4 furlongs out. Backers were rewarded with a third place for Danny’s bit of ingenuity. The race wasn’t run to suit Sao Timothy, who could have done with a similar bit of ingenuity during the race in making the first four places.

1pt e/way Dors Toyboy (101) – Another consistent run from this likeable grey gelding. The winner Royal Bliss (104) won very well, and looks the type to follow up. Result 3rd 11/2 adv…9/2 SP

0.5pt e/way Buddy Batt (100) – The selection put together the number I had in mind for him. Unfortunately, the winner Scorchio (109) was aptly named, and this race looks well above standard. As mentioned in the write-up, I wasn’t impressed with the selection’s attitude, and would not be following him at the moment going forward.

1pt e/way Phoenix Beach (105) – Another solid enough performance from the selection who just lacks an extra gear over the minimum trip. He might be worth another try over 6f, his only winning distance so far. Result 3rd 11/2 adv…16/5F SP

Today’s Advice

Al Shabab Storm (6f Listed) – The (2.45) Doncaster would appear to be between the front two in the market on handicap ratings: Ballymount Boy (104) and Esquire (101). With the going at today’s meeting advertised as Heavy, and needing an inspection to go ahead, ability to act on the ground may outweigh handicap ratings. This Andrew Balding trained 2yo colt recorded a strong (110) speed rating on Soft (Heavy in Places) going at Goodwood thirteen days ago, which was (0.40) seconds faster than the Class 3 Handicap on the same card. The time also compares well with favourite Ballymount Boy’s second place finish behind Vandeek over the same C&D in August. It will be interesting to see if the selection can reproduce that type of form backing up quickly, and in this grade.

Astral Spirit (4.58 Hcap) – This Pam Sly trained filly showed her strongest piece of form so far when runner-up behind Ideal Guest on a Soft (Heavy in Places) surface at Yarmouth twelve days ago when recording a (106) speed rating carrying 9st 11lbs. The handicapper has raised her just 1lb for today’s (4.58) Doncaster, and a reproduction of that effort should see her challenging for the victory. Her trainer is known as a specialist with these types when the mud is flying, and hopefully she has another improving type on her hands.

1pt e/way Al Shabab Storm (5/1 General) 2.45 Doncaster

1pt win Astral Spirit (4/1 Paddy Power/William Hill/Betvictor) 4.58 Doncaster