Went the day well is an old black and white film made in 1942 about an English village that is occupied by disguised German paratroopers as an advance post for a planned invasion. In fact the day goes far from well for much of the film but there is a happy enough ending. My day was quite the opposite because it started with an 8/1 winner in Hora and then totally fell apart! Oh well. tomorrow is another day!
The sprint handicap at Doncaster tomorrow (3.05) has plenty of familiar faces in the line up. My initial fancies were the two top weights but neither is well drawn and both are best on fast ground. All in all it is probably a race not to get too heavily involved in.
The Doncaster Mile at 3.35 features the in form pair of Don’t Panic and Blythe Knight. Don’t Panic turned the Doncaster Spring Mile into a rout a couple of weeks ago while Blythe Knight, a tad disappointing over hurdles this season ran a cracker to finish runner up in the Lincoln. With the ground riding on the soft side of good both horses will have their optimum conditions so this should be a race to savour. I am a big fan of Blythe Knight but I just wonder if Don’t Panic has more to offer as he may not have been entirely straight when winning here last time.
It isn’t just about these two though as Medicine Path and Smart Enough warrant consideration. Medicine Path was a classy juvenile, good enough to finish 3rd to Authorized in the Racing Post Trophy. More recently he found an impressive turn of foot to take a listed event at Kempton in February. A mile is very much his trip and he has the benefit of Jamie Spencer in the saddle. At a bigger price Smart Enough could well win a race of this sort during the season. He is probably best in small fields and acts on any going. He has tended to need his first run of the season though but whatever happens tomorrow he is one to keep an eye on during the summer. Don’t Panic is the obvious selection but there isn’t any value in his price. If all 8 runners stand their ground then Blythe Knight could be worth an each way interest if you can get around 5/1.
I have Full Speed on my list to follow this season after 3 runs last season qualify him for handicaps off a lenient looking mark. I was a bit surprised to see him down to run in the 12 furlong maiden at 5.50 tomorrow as a good display will surely only spoil his handicap rating. In addition to that he is not guaranteed to get the trip on breeding. Still what do I know (see last night’s tips!) Alan Swinbank is a very canny trainer and no doubt has the situation under control.
Presumptive is the oldest horse on my list to follow but he is no back number. He has shown that he acts on the all weather and he has an each way chance in the Kempton 3.55.
At Newbury Laustra Bad and Helen’s Vision represent my list to follow in the 2.25 but to be honest their recent form does not give much cause for optimism. Laustra Bad has dropped down the weights a bit and is trained by David Pipe while Helen’s Vision has a talented 7 lbs claimer on board for her handicap debut but those are the only positives I am able to find.
In the 4.35 I fancy Planet of Sound who has been knocking on the door in recant runs. Calgary Bay with Tony McCoy riding for Henrietta Knight looks the danger.
At Uttoxeter in the 4.20 Miss Mitch would have a chance at her best. She has failed to complete on 3 of her last 5 starts though.
ahorse 