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14:00 Doncaster It seems likely that William Haggas’ Rivet will be all the rage here. A colt hailing from a family the trainer has done well with, he has shown some serious signs of potential during his first two outings. Further progression can be expected and a big run is surely on the cards. However, at odds of around the evens mark, I am prepared to take him on with a sort who I think offers a touch more value. Majeste is a colt who has long been held in high regard by his trainer Richard Hannon. Breaking his duck over 6 furlongs last time out, Majeste looked to be crying out for a step up to 7 furlongs – surging clear of his rivals in the final furlong. Hannon has commented that given the ability of this horse, a group 1 entry is not out of the question going forward. I am hopeful he can take a step towards that goal today and current odds of 6/1 look tempting. Majeste (WIN)
14:35 Doncaster A hugely competitive 22 runner handicap sprint to decipher here and I feel the going (currently stated as ‘good’ with rain forecasted) could play a significant role. Harry Hurricane was 2nd in this race last year. A relatively consistent 4 year old, he has performed with a good deal of credit in his last two starts. To be dropped 2lbs for these efforts is a bonus and the gelding is now on his last winning mark of 95. The prospect of ground with some cut in will hold no fears and jockey Robert Winston knows the horse well. Trainer George Baker has been in a particularly rich vein of form over the past two weeks and at current odds of 14/1 an each way play is advised. Red Pike is another admirably consistent type who has been performing with credit without claiming the headlines recently. All of his last four runs have been encouraging in some aspect and a return to Doncaster will mark the scene of his last victory in August 2015. The forecast rain will be an actual advantage for Red Pike as all of his five career wins have come on ground described as good or slower. Bryan Smart has freshened his charge up with a 42 day break and he looks set to give a good account at current odds of 16/1. Harry Hurricane (E/W) Red Pike (E/W)
15:10 Doncaster Adaay looks to be an interesting alternative to the Godolphin owned pair of Richard Pankhurst and Toormore, who are set to dominate the betting. Twice a winner at group 2 level, the Colt has been gradually and successfully stepped up from 6 furlongs to 7. The prospect of slower ground will play to his strengths whilst asking serious questions of likely favourite Richard Pankhurst, who is not known for his robustness. The Haggas yard is absolutely flying at present and at odds of around 8/1, I think it is worth a roll of the dice here – particularly if the rain arrives in force. Adaay (WIN)
15:45 Doncaster This year’s renewal of the St Leger is all about one horse – Idaho. Undoubtedly the classiest animal in the race, if he stays he wins. The Leger has been the aim for the Colt since he again finished runner up to Harzand in the Irish Derby and an odds on price fairly sums up his chances here. In the search of a bit of value, I am working on the premise that the extra two and a half furlongs on easy ground may prove the undoing of the favourite. Even using this theory, I am still leaning towards a winner hailing from the yard of Aiden O’Brien. Sword Fighter is a tough as teak sort who will relish this test of stamina. He has been on the upgrade all season – most recently finishing a gutsy fifth to Big Orange in the Goodwood Cup over 2 miles. He looks a solid each way alternative at 14/1. Sword Fighter (E/W)
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