Race Report - 12th April 2008
2.30 Book Tickets Online Maiden Stakes (5f)
This was not the strongest of maidens on paper but DISPOL KYLIE certainly knew her job and ran as straight as the proverbial gun barrel to win this for Paul Midgley and Jamie Moriarty. Carrying the familiar colours of Bill Imison, this well educated daughter of Kheleyf was "always a natural", according to her handler, and was too good for promising debutants Eilean Eeve and Marygate.
3.05 Urban-i Handicap (5f)
Joint champion jockey Jamie Spencer described Chief Editor as his best ride of the day, and the Mark Wallace gelding looked a class act in the preliminaries. However, he found just one too good in the shape of 20/1 outsider NORTHERN FLING. Despite the good early-season form of his trainer Dandy Nicholls, this gelding looked to have a fair bit to prove on his re-appearance but could be an exciting prospect on this evidence. The favourite Chief Editor should not be forsaken, however, and is entitled to be sharper for his comeback run.
3.35 Doncaster Mile (Listed) (1m Round)
MEDICINE PATH was having his first start for Peter Chapple-Hyam and upstaged his better fancied stable companion DON'T PANIC in impressive fashion. Third behind subsequent Derby winner Authorized in the Racing Post Trophy, Medicine Path was given a trademark waiting ride by Jamie Spencer before easing past the favourite - himself a decisive winner of the recent Lincoln consolation race, The Spring Mile. John Fretwell's winner is now on course for the Sandown Mile and may once again clash with Don't Panic, who did post an improved performance despite letting his supporters down. Babodana, third in the Lincoln this year and the winner of that race in 2004, ran another solid race to be third.
4.10 Doncaster Exhibition Centre Handicap (7f)
Alan Swinbank had saddled an across-the-card double the day before, including the exciting Puy d'Arnac at Doncaster, and struck again with STEVE GEE in this competitive handicap. Steve Gee had been disappointing on his return to turf but it could be that the Swinbank team is just beginning to fire now. Steve Gee got up late to deny Michael Bell's King's Bastion, with Charlie Tipple posted an eye-catching run in third having been out the back with a furlong or so to travel.
4.45 Bawtry Conditions Stakes (7f)
TASDEER looked the banker of the day and obliged with the minimum of fuss. A good second in a better race on Polytrack last time, Michael Jarvis's colt travelled well on the sticky ground to beat Spitfire by the best part of two lengths. The son of Rahy looks destined for Group races as the season progresses, while Spitfire was posting his third goods run in as many efforts at Doncaster and will be winning again in his grade.
5.15 Doncaster Conference Venue Fillies' Handicap (1m21/2f)
In-form trainer Michael Dods was responsible for the favourite Magic Echo, but the 9/4 shot was overshadowed by her stable companion HONOURABLE LOVE. Tom Eaves produced the filly with a patient run to hold She's Our Lass, with Magic Echo - unable to shake off her challengers despite being given an easy lead - back in fifth. She will come on for this but is not the most consistent.
5.50 doncaster-racecourse.co.uk Maiden Stakes (1m4f)
The form of FIULIN'S second at this track last month had taken a few knocks, and for several strides the hot favourite looked under pressure with horses to pass. But he ran out a convincing winner once he had found his stride and certainly needed this step up in trip. Marco Botti's runner, ridden by Ted Durcan, was too good for Derby entry Special Reserve, who is beginning to look moderate.
