The opening race at Doncaster is a Listed Race. The Doncaster Stakes can see SAN DONATO complete a hat trick of wins despite the rapid jump in class.
The two-year-old was mightily impressive when winning a Class 5 handicap at Kempton in September which was a massive improvement.
The horses previous attempt at this level were relatively disappointing but the colt is a different animal now and can confirm favouritism for Roger Varian and Andrea Atzeni.
The opening race is the “Matchbook Betting Exchange” Handicap Chase. A huge field goes to post but it looks like current favourite SINGLEFARMPAYMENT is the horse to be on.
The eight-year-old gelding trained by Tom George like many of these is having his first run of the season. However, his last run at Cheltenham back in April in a similar race to this was solid form.
Under the hands of Richard Johnson he went down by a short-head and this race looks weaker. His mark looks fair and he can confirm favouritism here.
WEEKENDER can continue his consistent season by winning the Teddington Royal British Legion Stakes (Group 3).
After winning a high-level handicap with ease on season debut this four-year-old out of Frankel has followed that up Class 1 level with placed efforts over further.
The drop in trip looks a plus and the colt can win in the hands of William Buick.
The exciting WEHAVEADREAM can win the Masterson Holdings Hurdle with something to spare.
The Nicky Henderson trained four-year-old finished last season in magnificent form, winning his last five runs including four at Grade 1 level.
The horse has proven to like all grounds and whilst he is unsurprisingly running off a career high mark the manner of his victories indicate he has plenty more to come. Could well be the first of many victories for the horse this season.
The next race is another Group 3 in the shape of the Molson Coors Stakes. In what seems a relatively trappy race for two-year-olds we are siding with favourite CHAIRMANOFTHEBOARD.
His one appearance on the race track less than two weeks ago saw him win by eight lengths in a 6f at Goodwood.
The horse out of Slade Power looks to have ludicrous potential and can confirm that in his debut at Group level.
The Randox Health Handicap Chase is another open affair but PENNY JANE can prevail. Like most of the field the mare has already appeared this season.
Both of those runs over in Ireland were victories and Gordon Elliot has a horse in fine form. Those victories came after over a year off and there is every reason to think there is more to come from the horse.
If there is she is extremely well weighted and will be tough to beat.
In the sunracing.co.uk Handicap we are taking a chance on the big priced Duke Of Firenze. In an open race the selection is the oldest horse in the race.
However he is a horse that has previously run at Group level, has won in this grade before and his last run after a slow start shows he still has plenty to offer.
The gelding can grab his first win since May 2017 here.
David Pipe’s MOON RACER looks well priced in the Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle if good to go on his first run of the season.
The nine-year-old gelding was last seen winning a Class 2 at Ayr in April and previously to that had regularly been contesting Graded contests.
He in fact won a Grade 2 as a seven-year-old and would expect to be involved amongst this kind of company. Ground not an issue.
The feature race of the day is the Vertem Futurity Trophy Stakes (Group 1). We think likely favourite MAGNA GRACIA can get his head in front to set up an interesting season next year.
Clearly the best chance of the eight O’Brien runners, the Galileo colt narrowly missed out in Group 3 company last time out when the front two pulled clear.
Whilst some horses in the race have solid form there looks to be plenty more to come from the selection. Trainer won this last year.
