Doncaster

12.00pm

Nadaitak

He is two from three around here, and he was beaten only ¾ length on the other occasion, so let’s hope he can continue that fine record. He may ideally prefer better ground – though it hopefully won’t be too bad at all here – but he shaped okay when third in the soft at Kelso last time and was dropped 2lb for it.  The blinkers replace the cheek pieces and hopefully they will sharpen him up further.

12.35pm

The Macon Lugnatik

He won a couple of novices’ hurdles here last season and hopefully he can put his below-par Cheltenham return behind him, with the cheek pieces on. I think he is on a fair mark judged on his win under a 7lb penalty here in March, but he does have his stamina to prove.

1.10pm

Arcadian Pearl

He ran pretty well after a long lay-off at Exeter and I can see the step up in trip suiting him.

1.45pm

Casablanca Mix

She is another of mine who would like the ground to ride as nice as possible, though she has form with a fair bit of cut. She comes here in good form after seconds at Chepstow and Market Rasen, and she holds as good a chance as any I think, though she could have done without that 4lb penalty. Again, hopefully the application of cheek pieces for her will prove to be a plus, too.

2.55pm

Progressive

She had just the four starts on the Flat for Roger Varian, winning one over 1m2f, and we like what we have seen of her at home. I’d like to think she can show us plenty of promise here.