Race Report - 28th June 2008
6.40 Society Lifestyle & Leisure Magazine Maiden Stakes (7f)
John Gosden initiated a double on a night when 80's chart toppers Madness played live after racing, attracting a bumper crowd of around 15,000. His debutant DOCTOR CRANE enjoyed a perfect introduction in the hands of Robert Havlin. Doctor Crane, who has a US dirt pedigree, was covered up behind the leaders before being switched for a telling run. He had plenty to spare over Peter Chapple-Hyam's Royal Executioner and may end up on the dirt tracks Stateside, according to the trainer.
7.10 mosspm.co.uk Handicap (6f)
This tight handicap was settled in a matter of strides by JOHN KEATS' turn of foot. He quickened impressively on his favoured fast ground to beat High Curragh and Punching with something in hand. A winner at Thirsk 11 days earlier, again on fast ground, Jim Goldie's sprinter is on a roll and remains one to follow. Course and distance winner Charles Darwin was disappointing, being taken on for the lead and fading quickly.
7.45 Urban-I Live Music Nights Handicap (1m Rnd)
Vicky Haigh, born in Doncaster, saddled her first ever winner at Town Moor when the improving PARAGUAY got up with a late burst to score his fourth win in five starts. Paul Hanagan produced the five-year-old with a great run up the far rail to get the verdict over recent winner It's A Dream by a neck. "This is my first winner here and I couldn't be happier," said Vicky, who trains at Wiseton Hall near Bawtry.
8.15 crownhotel-bawtry.com Maiden Fillies' Stakes (1m21/2f)
CAPRIVI completed John Gosden's double to confirm the promise of her debut second at Newbury. She was well backed here and never looked like letting her supporters down, winning in the manner of a progressive filly for Jimmy Fortune, who came up from Newmarket just for the ride. Time Control, a 1.2 million guineas purchase, made a pleasing re-appearance for Luca Cumani in third and gave the impression she can win a similar race, though whether she will ever justify her hefty price tag is open to question.
8.50 Doncaster Sponsorship Club Handicap (1m61/2f)
RAJEH kicked for home at the right time under a perfect ride by Liam Jones. John Spearing's runner thrived on the fast ground, while runner-up Four Miracles, who had won over two miles, got going all too late and gave the impression that she needs to return to the longer trip to score again. Crossbow Creek was given a patient ride by Jamie Spencer and ran on to be third without ever troubling the principals.
9.20 Yorkshire Business Exhibition & Conference Fillies' Handicap (7f)
A shock result saw Tim Etherington's SLIP STAR outstay her rivals at a massive 25-1. It was her first success at the 14th attempt and, rated only 48, she could not have been expected to beat the likes of Navene, a well backed favourite. However, she was never travelling and could not land a blow. Loveinanelevator for Michael Bell ran on to be second and looks capable of winning a small handicap in due course.
