Doncaster 15:00
Medicean Man was only beaten a neck in the Kings Stand Stakes at Ascot before being outclassed and finishing well down the field in the Nunthorpe. This is a big drop in class and connections will be hoping he is good enough to prove that the King's Stand run was no fluke. I think he is short enough in the betting when looking at what he has achieved outside of that run and will look elsewhere.
Cotai Glory also ran in the Nunthorpe and finished only two places in front of Medicean Man well down the field. Prior to that he was a competitive fifth in the Qatar King George Stakes at Goodwood and a repeat of that run could see him make the frame today.
Monsieur Joe beat Cotai Glory by a head in an earlier race at York and his most recent run saw him win a soft ground sprint at Tipperary. He is another if running up to his level has definite chances here.
Steps finished third in this race last year and although on first glance he doesn't appear to be currently in form, he has been running in much higher class races on his past two starts. He is three pounds lighter this year which will give him a chance if showing up here on song.
Kingsgate Native is the old timer of the field at ten years old but he certainly knows how to win a race of this class. He finished less than a length behind Cotai Glory in his most recent run at Goodwood and I think the ground may have been a little too firm on that occasion. He is a horse that is usually held up but I am hoping James Doyle keeps him fairly handy and if so, I think he has an excellent chance of taking this at a nice price.
Doncaster 14:30
Elronaq has been competing in Group 2 quality races on his past couple of starts and is well clear of the others that have an official rating. He drops down in class markedly here and should be there or thereabouts if running to his recent level.
Venturous overcame a slow start to win with plenty in hand at Newmarket last time and seemed to improve a lot from his first run. There is a chance this Charlie Appleby colt by Raven's Pass is of the top drawer and if so he can take a race of this standard in his stride.
Today's Selections
Doncaster 15:00 Kingsgate Native - 1 point each way @ 14/1 (Stan James)
Doncaster 14:30 Venturous - 3 points @ 11/8 (Several firms go 11/8)