There is a good card at Doncaster once again on Saturday afternoon, with the December Novices’ Chase the pick of the programme.
Racing on Town Moor begins at 11.50am and their seven-race card concludes at 3.15pm, with the Grade 2 bet365 December Novices’ Chase going off at 2.05pm.
Watch all the Doncaster action, as well as Cheltenham and every UK and Irish race, via live steaming when logged into MansionBet. Our tipster has selections for Doncaster’s Saturday card.
11.50 – bet365 Novices’ Hurdle (2m½f)
DAL HORRISGLE finished third on his hurdling bow at Exeter last month in a race that is working out well.
The winner, Bravemansgame, looks quite a unit for Paul Nicholls and both he and the runner-up have won again since, with Dal Horrisgle having solid claims for Alan King,
Meanwhile at a massive price Mick Easterby’s lightly-raced Flat winner Dreams And Visions could run well if taking to hurdles first time up.
Selection: Dal Horrisgle @ 5/2
12.20 – Each Way Extra At bet365 Handicap Chase (2m)
Progressive over fences last season (won his final three starts) DEFI SACRE finished a good second on his return at Aintree and might well have gone a place better at Newbury since had he not unseated his rider three from home.
He can be forgiven that error and, from the same mark, should have excellent prospects of compensation if getting around safely.
Selection: Defi Sacre @ 7/2
12.55 – bet365 Handicap Hurdle (2m½f)
He’s gone up 6lb for what ended up a winning margin of less than a length over C&D a fortnight ago but MICK MAESTRO may still be good for the follow-up.
He had a good advantage that day running to the final flight but he got that jump wrong and landed stalled, ensuring the runner-up almost ran him down as they finished wide apart on the track.
Charlie Todd’s mount should have more to give and clearly relished conditions that day.
Selection: Mick Maestro @ 6/1
1.30 – bet365 Mares’ Handicap Hurdle (3m½f)
Belatrix Lestrange is progressing after successive wins around Ludlow and should hold claims. She’s fairly game but this is a deeper assignment and she may be vulnerable at the head of the market.
THAT’S THE TRUTH has shaped well in three qualifying runs, promises to stay this trip and will handle what may be softish ground. An opening mark of 112 is fair and with Kevin Brogan taking off 7lb, her claims are there to be seen.
Selection: That’s The Truth @ 10/3
2.05 – bet365 December Novices’ Chase (Grade 2, 3m)
Ofalltheginjoints gave away plenty weight and showed a really willing attitude to win at Exeter on his second chase outing last month. Colin Tizzard’s charge is entitled to further progress but this is a quick rise into graded company.
HURRICANE HARVEY is a very likely alternative for Fergal O’Brien and Paddy Brennan and (perhaps) the main reason the latter is here rather than at Cheltenham.
He took the scalp of Emitom on chase bow at Uttoxeter and has since finished a well-held second behind trail-blazing Ga Law at Wincanton (ran well in Sandown Grade 1 since).
Hurricane Harvey was attempting to concede 9lb to the winner then and should go well on these more favourable terms with the 3m trip not viewed as a problem.
Selection: Hurricane Harvey @ 7/2
2.40 – bet365 Summit Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2, 2m½f)
Glorious Zoff rather conspired to grab defeat from the jaws of victory at Sedgefield last month, though in fairness he had to take things up a fair way from home.
Gordon Elliott’s charge is entitled to do better but he meets a promising sort in MONMIRAL here.
A winner on his only start in France in the spring, he scored with plenty to spare at Exeter (2m1f, soft) last month on debut for Paul Nicholls and is viewed as a smart prospect by the Ditcheat supremo, who has won this twice in the last four years.
Selection: Monmiral @ 4/6
3.15 – bet365 Handicap Chase (3m)
Emma Lavelle’s MANOFTHEMOUNTAIN had won all four completed starts over fences prior to being well beaten in a Cheltenham handicap in October.
That Prestbury Park track may not have been to his liking but, more so, he drew swords with the formidable winner Frodon that afternoon while subsequent Ladbrokes Trophy winner Cloth Cap was in third spot.
This track will almost certainly be more to his liking (ran well here over hurdles) and he can bounce back in calmer waters.
Selection: Manofthemountain @ 11/2
*All odds correct at time of writing