SUNDAY – DONCASTER

2:35 Unibet Novice Stakes

Fox Champion (Silvestre De Sousa)

He owes me a new top hat as I broke the last one when I threw it whilst watching at Epsom when he got beaten first time up at Doncaster. We thought he was our Coventry horse but we had to pull him out on the day of the race due to a small injury but he came back and won easily at Kempton in October and then we put him away. He shows an awful amount of ability at home and I really think it will take a very good horse to beat him here.

3:10 Handicap

Buridan (Ryan Moore)

He’s almost a carbon copy of Wahash in that there’s not much between them on ratings but a fast run 6f on quick ground is exactly what this horse wants and Seamus Cronin, who rides him most days, is particularly keen on his chances here. The Handicapper has dropped him a pound so he’s only 1lb higher than when fourth in a competitive Handicap on the July course last summer. We had him gelded over the winter and he’s been training very well so I’m quite hopeful.

4:55 Unibet Handicap

Flying Dragon (Tom Marquand)

He was a smart juvenile who won a good race at Sandown and then didn’t look to handle the track at Newmarket in the Zealand Stakes last October but he’s really matured over the winter and we gelded him which seems to have done him plenty of good! I’m not entirely convinced he wants rattling quick ground but he’s in good form and should run a big race.

Embrace The Moment (Andrea Atzeni)

She’s a very smart filly who will really like the step up to this trip as she’s bred to stay further and has filled out a lot over the winter. It’s a tough race but she has the right man on board and I’ve been happy with her homework, but she will definitely come on for the run.