The flat gets under way tomorrow with the traditional pipe opener at Doncaster.
I see that Minority Report has moved to Dandy Nicholl’s yard. Nicholls does well with his "signings" from other yards and this horse has shown plenty of ability winning 4 times. His wins have come on fast ground though so that may be important to him. He carries top weight but has a useful apprentice taking off 7 lbs.
The 3.25 has been a poor race for favourites in recent times with only 2 winning in the last 10 years. The consistent Tax Free is one to consider in this. He won on his only previous visit to Doncaster but is giving weight to all his rivals bar one. Advanced won the Ayr Gold Cup last season but is none too consistent. Knot in Wood ran some good races last season but I see that Paul Hannigan has chosen to ride Utmost Respect and he gets my selection. He won the Ayr Silver Cup with some ease last season and looks to be on an upward curve.
Amanjena showed some promise in her two runs last season and is one to watch in the 4.35.
Up at Carlisle there are some old favourites in the 3.40. Rebel Rhythm, Strong Resolve, Huka Lodge and King Killone have all featured in these pages in recent years. Huka Lodge is a course and distance winner and revels in the mud. He is on a high mark though. Rebel Rhythm is well handicapped if he could recapture the form of a few years ago.
In the 5.25 The Bajan Bandit looks to continue his winning form in hunter chases. He should win again but may be less effective away from his beloved Ayr. Of the rest Grattan Lodge has a good record at Carlisle.
At Haydock in the 2.30 Dictum, Planet of Sound and Border Tale are of interest. Dictum likes plenty of give in the ground and would be worth a close look if getting his ground. Border Tale has been running well but as a result getting little respite from the handicapper. Planet of Sound is lightly raced and should go close.
In the 5.20 The Sawyer looks the likely winner while in the 4.40 at Newton Abbot I would be interested in Master Overseer.
See you tomorrow.
ahorse 