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| Town Moor: Good midweek card |
IT IS good to see a day of good ground racing at Doncaster as the build up to the festival sees many putting in their final run within the next week before Cheltenham.
All seven races on Town Moor have something to get at least mildly excited about.
A Juvenile Hurdle opens proceedings at 1:55. Ardlui is
the only winner lining up. The form of his two hurdle runs is very strong with two good quality subsequent winners ahead of him when third on debut.
the only winner lining up. The form of his two hurdle runs is very strong with two good quality subsequent winners ahead of him when third on debut.
From his win there has been good performances from the second placed Tango De Juilley as well as a handicap win from the third placed horse.
Black Pond will likely improve for his debut run but the main challenge to Alan King’s charge will probably come from Eagle Rock he has bumped into some decent animals in his three hurdle races.
He had weekend Sandown winner Bourne 18 lengths behind on his last run and his debut conqueror Countrywide Flame has been placed twice at the highest level since. In between he was placed in a C&D Grade 2.
It’s impossible to recommend anything but the obvious here. Alan King’s stable is in great form and Ardlui may leave Eagle Rock to be the bridesmaid yet again.
The 32red Casino Beginners´ Chase looks to concern just a couple for win purposes but there are currently eight so there is each way possibilities.
As to what ground suits Aikman best is a question, he appears to go on anything but before last time I had been of the opinion that he prefers softer going. He flopped badly last time but this is a good opportunity to bounce back.
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| Aikman can bounce back (Photo: turfpix.com) |
He had a good season as a novice hurdler but has not yet shown that over the larger obstacles, arguably his best performance over fences this term was over an inadequate two miles at Carlisle on his chasing debut.
He can be forgiven the run last time and is the one to beat. Master Fiddle was way underpriced last time when well beaten and I do not see his situation getting any better this time. He was placed on this card last year and a place is likely the best he will muster again.
Quentin Collonges has only made it to the track twice in the last two seasons but was a good hurdler in 09/10. Henry Daly does well at Doncaster and this son of Dom Alco is feared most.
The Cockney Mackem has made the frame in all completed starts but with the stable not at the peak of its powers minors is probably the best he can hope for.
The 3:00 Mirror Punters Club E B F "National Hunt" Novices´ Hurdle has a competitive field as Paul Nicholls told us to expect in novice hurdles following the number of abandoned meetings a few weeks ago.
Oscar Nominee, despite finishing last of three on his most recent run was less than three lengths behind Supreme hopeful Cinders and Ashes on heavy ground. He was a 27 length winner previously and the return to better ground is the one to beat for a top team.
The form of The Weatherman’s runs has not worked out and more is needed here under a penalty. Presenting Ace came home at a respectful distance behind some useful rivals on his previous runs and can make the frame here.
It is worth keeping an eye on the hurdling debutants and Wordy’s Boy could be a good each way option following his return to action in January.
The past few renewals of the 3:30 32red Veterans´ Handicap Chase have been interesting and this one is no different. The current favourite is Mark The Book but he is plenty short enough for a horse who has had all his wins on heavy going.
Wogan’s only defeat at the course came in this race last year. He has yet to complete for new trainer Tom Symonds but is now 10 pounds below his last winning mark. This looks a good opportunity for Faasel but he appears to peak in the top races but note any market support here.
Auroras Encore missed last season but if he comes on for his reappearance holds strong claims at a big price despite conceding weight. It looks like it will not be long before Atouchbetweenacara can gain a victory as plummeting mark and a return to better ground ever enhances his chance. However the 11 year old only has two wins to his name.
David Pipe’s Faasel represents a decent ‘bet to nothing’ in a red hot contest.
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| Market support should be noted for Faasel (Picture: pixmule.com) |
We have a handicap hurdle at 4:05 where David Pipe’s Decoy heads the field. He was well beaten last time in the Lanzarotte but a better run is expected back in class 3 company. Corkage has been in great form over the Winter and has two wins and a place from three runs here, but it is possible that the handicapper has him for the moment.
Distime was a beaten favourite on his handicap debut but better can be expected this time but at 6-1 he is short enough. Bob ‘N’ You has some useful form but may need this after 16 months off, however the stable can prepare them fresh.
Dawn Commander was staying on the last twice and as a PTP winner the step up to 3 miles will suit. The first time visor saw Storm Survivor bolt in at Plumpton but is up 14 pounds for that.
Patsy Finnegan and Ely Brown are others to consider at bigger prices.
As is always the case with Hunter’s chases it is best to focus on the top of the market at 4:40. Lorikarad is the most obvious choice.
‘Stick to what you know’ is the call in the Bumper and Kaysersberg has the best form as well as being a C&D winner and is easy to side with. This Is Me was well beaten on his debut here but may be worth another chance after repeating the journey from Newmarket.
BEST BETS – AIKMAN, FAASEL
