Best bets for Saturday action at Doncaster

The opening race of the day takes place at 1.10pm with the finale at 5.10pm. We have previewed all of the action with tips and analysis from BettingExpert’s resident tipster Stephen Harris.

The Vertem Futurity Trophy is run at 2.55pm. Won by the likes of Saxon Warrior (2017), Kingston Hill (2013), Camelot (2011), St Nicholas Abbey (2009), Authorized (2006), Motivator (2004) and High Chaparral (2001) this century, the mile contest has acted as a blueprint for future success for 2000 Guineas and Derby winners. The 2019 winner Kameko went on to land the 2000 Guineas this season.

The market for this year’s renewal is headed by Wembley who bids to provide Irish trainer with a 10th win in the contest and a third success in four years in the mile contest. Wembley was last seen finishing an excellent second in the Dewhurst at Newmarket having previously also filled the runner-up position in the National Stakes at the Curragh. He sets a clear standard and deserves his place at the top of the market at 15/8.

One Ruler (5/2) is an interesting rival on the back of a smart win in the Group Three Autumn Stakes at Newmarket in October. He is capable of further progression and looks the chief threat. He is also the selection of BettingExpert’s Stephen Harris. Charlie Appleby’s progressive colt has now won two of his four career starts, and showed a smart turn of foot under a confident ride from William Buick at Newmarket last time out. This Group 1 represents a steep jump up in class, but he handles cut in the ground well (rain forecast) and has loads of scope to keep improving for more racing experience.

Others who warrant a mention include King Vega (11/2) who finished a good second in the Group Three Solario Stakes at Sandown Park, State Of Rest (17/2) who was third in the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster last time out and Megallan (10/1) who has failed to win since his debut, but it is still too early to write him off.

The £19,125 Listed Vertem Doncaster Stakes over six furlongs takes place at 1.45pm and features the Aidan O’Brien-trained Lippizaner. He finished second in a Group Three event last time out and will enjoy this drop down in grade. His chief rival looks to be Zamaani who finished an excellent second in a Listed event at Redcar last time out.

Helmont made a winning debut at Haydock last month and is another to consider along with Just Frank who landed a big pot at Newmarket earlier this month and is unbeaten this term.

There is plenty of interesting action across the rest of the card with Laafy perhaps the best bet of the afternoon in the opening £19,000 Vertem Handicap (1.10pm). Trained by Sir Michael Stoute, the four-year-old was third in Listed company last time out having previously taken out a competitive handicap at Ascot and whilst he has to defy top-weight, he is clearly the best horse in the race and should take a world of beating.

Selections for Saturday’s Doncaster card from BettingExpert’s Stephen Harris

1.10pm - Laafy

1.45pm - Just Frank

2.20pm - Came from the Dark

2.55pm - One Ruler

3.30pm - Grantley

4.05pm - Bear Force One

4.40pm - It Had To Be You

5.10pm – The Great Heir

Tips and analysis via Betting Expert