Doncaster Day One Preview

Khaadem 7/4

It’s a tricky opener to the week at Doncaster with both Converter and KHAADEM looking the pair to focus on. The former looked impressive on debut, travelling well throughout before gliding past the rest of the field, seemingly having plenty in the tank hitting the line. He also receives weight from his rivals and is partnered with the Doncaster king Andrea Atzeni, however slight preference is for Charlie Hills’ charge.

These owners took this race last year, and like Converter, Khaadem (750,000 gns purchase) was brilliant last time out and has the potential to be pattern-class. His debut 3rd was in Calyx’s maiden, who recorded a fast time-figure and also followed up in the Coventry Stakes at Ascot.

It would also be fair to say that he was value for more than his winning distance at Newmarket as he was keen throughout, and could progress even further if he settles better.

Concello 4/1

Jim Crowley & Al Maktoum have another fine chance in the shape of Fanaar here, whom still has an entry in the Dewhurst suggesting connections feel he is a step above this kind of level. He still has it all to prove though after a tame display at York and at the prices Archie Watson’s CONCELLO makes more appeal.

Strong in the market on three outings, his form figures read 211 and the in-form Oisin Murphy is booked to do the steering. Although not quite as fancy, she also holds a Group entry herself (Group2 Rockfel) and has strong claims of notching up the hat-trick.

Richard Fahey’s Axa Axelrod is also worth a mention. He is a well-bred, expensive purchase who could now progress having shed his maiden tag.

Global Applause 3/1

Robert Cowell and Ryan Moore team up again with last year’s winner Encore D’or, but stablemate GLOBAL APPLAUSE looks to have the upper hand on just his second start for the stable. He has some very smart form to his name in comparison to the quality of this field, finishing behind the likes of Harry Angel and Blue Point as well as getting the better of Mehmas at Sandown back in 2016.

He looked to have plenty in hand when winning a Class3 on stable debut, and if he is anything of the horse of old, he may well take the step up in grade in his stride and make it back-to-back victories.

You shouldn’t read too much into jockey bookings for the yard with Mosse simply retaining the ride from last time out.

Laqab 9/1 & Cheeky Rascal 8/1

The legends race is traditionally a tough race to call, therefore we have had two e/w pokes, one of which may not race being first reserve.

Firstly, Cheeky Rascal drops in trip for Richard Hannon and could prove difficult to peg back with Timmy Murphy likely to ride him from the front. The fact he’s a 15-race maiden will but some people off, but he lurks on a career low mark and this race isn’t exactly packed with frequent winners.

Secondly, LAQAB looks very interesting if he can sneak in. Ivan Furtado is a very shrewd trainer and this former Roger Varian charge now sits 15lb below his initial handicap mark. He has notably been very strong in the market on his last two outings and now tries cheekpieces, which may well eek out the extra improvement his trainer has been looking for.

Spirit Of Appin 3/1

This year’s fillies event has an open look to it but we are siding with Brian Meehan’s SPIRIT OF APPIN. She travelled a dream when making it back-to-back victories last time out and could yet have more to come. Unlike a typical Ffos Las flat event that race seemingly has some substance to it - Roger Charlton’s Regina Paris had won two of her last three and had a claimer dealing with the penalty, whilst Wingingit, who looks one for next time out is on an attractive mark and was stepping down from listed company.

Euginio 7/4

Just four runners here and not the most appetising to bet on. 50/1 shot Forewarning looks up against it and Afaak has plenty find at the weights leaving Godolphin’s Emirates Flyer and Richard Hannon’s Euginio to battle it out. For us, Euginio will have the edge having won at this meeting last year in a similar tactical field. Emirates Flyer is winless since 2014, and although is often involved, rarely gets his head infront.

Bashiba 14/1

The final race on the opening lacks the touch of class that you expect from the leger meeting, but in BASHIBA we have a 3-time course winner who picked up this race in 2015. He has only managed the one victory so far this season, but remains on a nice mark with Rowan Scott shaving off a further 3lb and looks e/w value at 12/1.