DONCASTER

3.10pm

Brentford Hope

Let’s hope they get a bit more rain than is forecast from Friday onwards, as my horse would probably prefer a bit more ease in the ground than is currently the case. That is the evidence of the form book so far anyway, as it was heavy when he finally delivered on his juvenile promise when winning at Haydock back in September. However, I am not sold on the idea that he is that ground-dependent. The step back down to 1m from 1m4f clearly suited him there and, while an 8lb rise is harsh enough on the bare form, I suppose it was inevitable given the manner of his win. He has to go and do it in a far more competitive handicap here obviously – and this could be a very good renewal – but he worked really well in preparation for this with a very good horse recently, and I’d be pretty confident he will be on the premises late on, given a suitable pace to aim at. I’d be pretty sure he is better than a 99-rated horse, and the stable is in great form, and he should be going close here if finishing off his race as strongly as he travels into it, which is the obvious concern. And let’s hope the draw in three doesn’t cause us issues, too, but it is what is it.

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3.45pm

Chiefofchiefs

He rounded off last season with a decent fourth in a Listed race over course and distance and that probably came on ground a touch too soft for him as well. He won the consolation Wokingham last season as well, so he is versatile as regards trip, and a decent, neutral surface is probably what he wants, albeit maybe with a touch of ease in an ideal world. He clearly needs to improve a fair amount to get into the reckoning against much higher-rated rivals here, mostly obviously Brando, though.

4.20pm

Romulan Prince

His pedigree possibly points more to a mile than this 1m2f trip, but Richard obviously knows the horse a lot better than anyone else. And we also know he has horses in great nick too, as I said earlier. He will need to show a smart level of form first time up to be winning this, though.