Never Say Never looks primed for glory at Doncaster

Spectators watch the runners and riders at Doncaster. Photo: Mike Egerton - Pool / Getty Images

The going at the track is currently Good to Firm, Good in places and we have previewed the action with our race by race guide.

1.20pm 14-furlong Handicap. Selection: Sir Charles Punch

A tricky opener but Sir Charles Punch has filled third in two consecutive events and shaped with promise at Carlisle last time out. He is interesting in this event.

1.55pm Maiden Fillies’ Stakes. Selection: Gorgeous Star

240,000gns purchase Gorgeous Star is one of only two horses in the field with experience having finished fourth at Ascot on debut. She showed plenty of promise and is taken to build on that run by taking out this event.

2.30pm 12-furlong Handicap. Selection: Rodrigo Diaz

An interesting event in which Rodrigo Diaz makes appeal. He racked up a three-timer on the All-Weather last term and shaped with promise on his return to turf at Newmarket last time out. He can make his presence felt here with the unexposed Hasty Sailor a potential danger.

3.05pm 14-furlong Handicap. Selection: Kondo Isami

Credit must go to the track who have put on £50,000 in prize money for this event. Mark Johnston is triply represented with Dancing King looking to complete a four-timer. Silver Shade has also finished either first or second in her last four runs. However, Kondo Isami could be the pick for the Middleham trainer. The son of Galileo was a narrow winner at York on his seasonal reappearance and despite a 6lb rise, he looks capable of defying his new handicap mark.

3.40pm 10-furlong Handicap. Selection: Tawaareq

Another interesting event in which Maiden Castle chases successive victories. He was awarded a win in the stewards’ room at Windsor last time out and is of interest, along with Tawaareq who shaped with promise in a competitive event at Sandown and this is arguably a drop in class for this event. His trainer Sir Michael Stoute is no stranger to success at this track and he looks a leading player.

4.15pm Novice Stakes. Selection: Never Say Never

Newcomer Federal Agent is interesting, but Never Say Never sets a good standard. She took a big step forward to finish second at Redcar in April and a reproduction of that effort would see her go close here.

4.50pm Mile Handicap. Selection: Air To Air

Grantley scored in good style last time out and a 5lb rise looks fair, whilst Lafan is a danger stepped into handicap company following a good third at Sandown last time out. However, Air To Air makes the most appeal. He ran on strongly to score at Newmarket in May and runs off the same mark in this event.

Selections from OLBG