Doncaster Racecourse: Preview and tips for November Handicap Day
The racing at Doncaster this weekend is high class, with the November Handicap and two Listed races as the headlines on Saturday.
Read on for a preview and tips for the Doncaster card, brought to you by BOYLE Sports, who have all the horse racing odds.
We open with the first division of an apprentice handicap run over seven furlongs (11.55). Pol Roger can handle soft ground like this and is on a very temping mark now, but was disappointing last time at Catterick. Fifty Nifty is on a possible mark now and might handle the ground.
In the second division (12.25), Thunder Roar is in first-time cheekpieces after a disappointing run last time and can compete at this mark and on this ground. Lir Special does best on ground like this and is on a very possible mark now, as is On The River who could have an each-way chance.
Race three is a two-year-olds’ six-furlong maiden (13.00). There are four newcomers here, who could turn out to be anything, but the best form is offered by George Scott’s Cala Vadella, who was a close second on debut on heavy ground at Leicester last month. She’s the clear choice here, but Al Mhalhel could be a danger, while Hot Moonstone could be indicated to by the market.
A six-furlong nursery handicap is next (13.35). Ongombo can handle this ground and well enough treated to maybe win this. Bladey Lady has been improving this term and could have another chance here, while Farasan might be worth considering for a place. Resemblance, though, is ridden by Ryan Moore from stall one and has an obvious shout.
The fifth race is a six-furlong Listed Wentworth Stakes (14.10). With 21 runners, it’s not easy to find the winner here. Coil Angel is the top-rated and can handle softer ground, but the improving Poatan - who is equipped with first-time cheekpieces here - has arguably better credentials on soft. Pellitory is nicely drawn, able on any ground, and at his best in a big field when conditions suit. He is the pick here.
Race six is the Listed 10-furlong Gillies Fillies’ Stakes (14.45). The Coolmore filly, Moments Of Joy, has been unsuccessful so far this year, but is likely to do better at this time of year with her preferred soft ground. She ought to enter calculations, but a career best is needed. Ribbon Of Sea looks a serious contender in first-time headgear, while Together Now can be considered for a place.
Second to last is the mile and a half November Handicap (15.25). Alfred Wincham won remarkably well last time out at York and has to back that up now, while the employ of five-pound claiming rider Harry Vigors makes Lord Melbourne look of interest. Night Breeze can do well in these conditions and could get involved at least on a nice each-way price.
Finally we have a six-furlong handicap (15.55). Ancient State looks to be favourite for good reason, but this is still a big field and a very open contest. Flash Harry has a chance and has been freshened up since his last start in September, while Brighton Boy could run to a place. Crestofdistinction, however, looks well-treated now and can handle this ground comfortably.
Doncaster selections
11.55 - Pol Roger
12.25 - Lir Special
13.00 - Cala Vadella
13.35 - Resemblance
14.10 - Pellitory
14.45 - Ribbon Of Sea
15.25 - Night Breeze e/w
15.55 - Crestofdistinction