Race Report - 22nd October 2011
1.30 crownhotel-bawtry.com Handicap (Div I) (1m4f)
Sir Michael Stoute's decision to step DIRECT ANSWER up in trip paid off as the son of Dynaformer dug deep to outgun A Boy Named Suzi.
Direct Answer had run well over a mile and a quarter at Yarmouth last time and, again racing prominently, found all the answers for Richie Mullen. A Boy Named Suzi doesn't know how to run a bad race and came close to giving Newmarket handler James Eustace his first ever winner at Doncaster.
2.00 Join racingpost.com Members' Club Handicap (5f)
Roger Varian admitted to being surprised by STEPS' victory in this ultra-competitive sprint, and said he had even put the owner off making the journey! Nevertheless, the three-year-old came out of the doldrums with a spirited finish to get the better of Ron Harris's pair Judge 'N Jury and Secret Witness, and Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson's back-to-form Face The Problem. The well-backed Marine Commando never landed a blow for champion jockey Paul Hanagan, though.
2.30 Bet Through The Racing Post App Stakes (Doncaster Stakes) (Listed) (6f)
Dane O'Neill was suspended for five days under the revised whip rules after hitting winner GUSTO once more than permitted. Richard Hannon's colt had looked good in novice grade on the All-Weather previously but stepped up his game again to nail Chunky Diamond and Miss Lahar in a tight finish. The latter gave the race a solid look as she had been placed in Group company. Accession ran a fair race to finish close behind them and could easily cut the mustard in this grade next year.
3.00 Racing Post Trophy (Group One) (1m)
CAMELOT was as short as 3-1 for the Derby after toying with his rivals in the final Group One of the year in Britain. The heavily hyped son of Montjeu certainly lived up to his star billing with a performance that led his trainer Aidan O'Brien to describe him as "exceptional".
Camelot, who had won his only previous start in a Leopardstown maiden, travelled quietly at the rear of the field as stable companion Learn put a genuine tempo to the race. But when market principals Fencing and Zip Top came under pressure, Camelot picked them off without coming off the bridle. It was a first British Group One win for the trainer's 18-year-old jockey son Joseph, who exclaimed his mount "the real deal". Zip Top, who was second, pleased his trainer Jim Bolger while John Gosden was delighted with Fencing, who was close behind in third.
3.35 Jack Nolan 10th Anniversary Nursery (7f)
Favourite Ortac Rock made a bold bid to complete a hat-trick and maintain his unbeaten record, but found one too good in the shape of STRICTLY SILVER. Alan Bailey's grey found himself racing alone on he far side but stuck to the task well to supplement his win at Ayr.
There was a sting in the tail for winning rider Dominic Fox, who, like O'Neill, was banned for five days for striking the horse once more than the permitted seven times.
4.10 crownhotel-bawtry.com Handicap (Div II) (1m4f)
Roger Varian completed a double when favourite SUHAILI got up for William Buick to put a lack-lustre display at Haydock behind him. He appreciated every yard of the stamina test to get the better of Rio's Rosanna in a driving finish, with Achalas not far behind them in third. The runner-up has become a consistent filly and looks capable of winning over this longer trip.
4.45 Racing And Football Outlook Conditions Stakes (7f)
William Buick executed enterprising tactics on the hot favourite Skilful but the three-year-old couldn't sustain his effort and was collared in the dying strides by the veteran MIA'S BOY. Chris Dwyer's mount was given a more patient ride than the favourite and picked up well to gain his first success of the season. He may return to Doncaster for a handicap on Saturday 5th November.
5.20 Universal Recycling 'Hands And Heels' Apprentice Series Final Handicap (7f)
Lucy Barry had already been crowned the winner of this series, but in her absence it was young Jason Hart who took the honours on the well backed local runner TED'S BROTHER. The favourite drifted left-handed under pressure but still had enough in reserve to fend off Indieslad.
Lizzie ran well in third from a prominent position while Showboating confirmed his wellbeing with a creditable fourth and may be a useful performer on the All-Weather this winter.
