Race Report - 11th April 2008
1.40 Book Tickets Online Maiden Stakes Division I (7f)
Michael Jarvis's 425,000 euro purchase ROYALIST was all the rage for the opener, and produced a smart performance to win it in a time considerably faster than the second division later in the afternoon. This son of King's Best was free to post on his seasonal re-appearance and pulled like the proverbial train in the early stages of the race. However, once Philip Robinson had got him settled the outcome was never in doubt and he eased away to record an impressive victory. Lincoln winning trainer Mark Tompkins must have been pleased with Bowder Stone's comeback run in third, while Game Hunt travelled well and will probably appreciate a step back in trip.
2.10 Amateur Jockeys' Association Lady Amateur Riders' Handicap (1m21/2f)
BLUE SPINNAKER had not won since 2006 but was a better horse than his rivals on his day and proved much too good. Well backed throughout the morning, Mick Easterby's favourite had the benefit of a strong pace to run at and was left to come home unchallenged inside the final two furlongs in the hands of the trainer's grand-daughter Jackie Coward. Bivouac had disappointed on the All-Weather previously but plugged on for place money after being forced to cut out much of the running early in the straight and can be found a winning opportunity for the in-form Alan Swinbank.
2.40 Leger Way Handicap (1m)
This was the race of the day on paper and there was plenty to admire about the way PERKS destroyed a competitive field of three-year-olds. John Dunlop's gelding, owned by former Abba star Benny Andersson, stormed clear in the hands of Lincoln winning jockey Jimmy Quinn and looks an exciting prospect. The gamble of the race, Richard Hannon's Silver Rime, travelled ominously well but may have just been in need of the race, as he had little to give inside the final half-furlong. John Gosden's gelded Mukhber was easy to back but also ran a promising race, while Derby entry Collection folded tamely considering he is bred to appreciate much further in time.
3.15 Book Tickets Online Maiden Stakes Division II (7f)
The weaker division of the maiden nevertheless produced some notable performances but winner THE OIL MAGNATE looked in a different league. Phillip Makin only had to shake the reins at the strongly fancied Michael Dods runner to win in a hack canter. It is difficult to assess the merits of the run, with 150/1 outsider Tactical Move finishing second, but the son of Dr Fong should not be given too stiff a task for his forthcoming handicap debut. Watch out for Reg Hollinshead's Bahamian Kid and the Mel Brittain-trained Plenilune, who both shaped with promise on their debuts.
3.50 doncaster-racecourse.co.uk Handicap (1m61/2f)
PUY D'ARNAC is a stayer going places. Second on his re-appearance at this track, he went on to score decisively at Catterick and returned to Town Moor to further enhance his reputation. He would have been an unlucky loser had Robert Winston not found daylight inside the final furlong. Trapped in a pocket as track specialist Red Wine got first run, Alan Swinbank's five-year-old had to be switched but found another gear to get up with something to spare. He could be an interesting proposition for the Chester Cup or the Northumberland Plate if he continues to progress. It was the second leg of a quick across-the-card double for Swinbank, whose Stevie Thunder obliged minutes earlier at Musselburgh.
4.25 First Transpennine Express Handicap (6f)
This wide open sprint handicap fell to Paul Howling's CAPE, who put daylight between herself and a competitive field. Formerly trained by James Fanshawe, Cape was produced to perfection by Jamie Spencer to exploit a good mark. However, Damika was the hard luck story of the race. Michael Stainton attempted to make his run at the same time as Spencer but was badly hampered before running on to be fourth. He is arguably a better horse over seven furlongs and remains one to follow. The handicapper took no chances with recent Doncaster winner Pusey Street Lady, who was unable to reproduce the same level of form.
5.00 Doncaster Exhibition Centre Claiming Stakes (1m)
This was one for the girls as Hayley Turner stepped in as a late replacement to score on Gay Kelleway's BOUNDLESS PROSPECT. This versatile old servant - a recent winner on the All-Weather - was simply too good for his modest rivals. However, Alexander Guru travelled well for seven furlongs and could be open to some improvement on turf, as he has done most of his racing on Polytrack.
5.35 Bawtry Maiden Fillies' Stakes (7f)
Barry Hills' filly CENTENEROLA imposed herself on her rivals in the paddock and on the track. She had clearly come on for her third here last time and powered clear of favourite Amylee, who was small by comparison. Philip Robinson's mount was the pick on form but had no answer to Centenerola's finishing burst. She has a future in handicaps on this evidence, though the favourite could prove hard to place.
