Doncaster Races & Results All Racing UK & International Horse Racing Speed Ratings & Tips for 2024-09-12

There were 263 Races on across 31 meetings. There was 7 races at Assiniboia Downs first race 01:30, 9 races at Beaudesert first race 03:02, 7 races at Bunbury first race 06:57, 4 races at Canterbury Park first race 23:10, 3 races at Charles Town first race 00:00, 7 races at Churchill Downs first race 22:00, 8 races at Delaware Park first race 17:30, 8 races at Doncaster first race 13:50, 7 races at Epsom first race 14:00 Downs, 8 races at Hawkesbury first race 04:05, 9 races at Hawthorne first race 20:10, 18 races at Hipo Chile first race 16:45, 10 races at Horseshoe Indianapolis first race 19:10, 12 races at Kasamatsu first race 02:50, 8 races at La Teste De Buch first race 11:25, 7 races at Lismore first race 04:25, 8 races at Mauquenchy first race 16:08, 12 races at Mombetsu first race 06:25 Monbetsu, 5 races at Mountaineer first race 01:15, 7 races at Munich first race 10:10, 7 races at Mysore first race 09:30, 9 races at Newcastle first race 16:25, 12 races at Oi first race 06:15, 8 races at ParisLongchamp first race 12:55 Longchamp, 9 races at Remington Park first race 01:28, 12 races at Sonoda first race 02:40, 11 races at Taif first race 13:15, 8 races at Thistledown first race 17:50, 8 races at Vaal first race 11:35, 8 races at Warrnambool first race 04:30, 7 races at Woodbine first race 21:50, no doubt Tomform helped you find a winner. TomForm.com uses a custom rating system for each runner.

Race 1: 13:50 Doncaster British Stallion Studs EBF Fillies' Nursery Handicap GB 6f 111y

Info	OR	Days since last run	Age	Jockey
(11) Hackney Diamonds	2	Sean Levey	Brian Meehan	Won on nursery debut at Leicester in July (7f, good to soft; led) and slow ground would boost her claims; however, she was beaten a long way at Goodwood (6f, good to firm) last time; hard to be confident after that.
2nd (14) Oolong Poobong	2	P J McDonald	Edward Bethell	Built upon the promise of her debut second at Haydock (6f, good) in July to win at Newcastle (6f, AW) last month; disappointing on nursery debut at Wolverhampton (7f, AW) and not easy to fancy on the back of that, but it wasn't her true form; has an attractive pedigree and is not written off.
(15) Stage Effect	2	Saffie Osborne	Ed Walker	Has run four times and her win at Haydock (6f, soft) in May on second outing stands out; on a fair opening mark on that form but needs to leave her last two performances well behind.
(10) Substitute	2	Joe Fanning	Charlie Johnston	Hasn't progressed from her debut win at Ripon (6f, good) in May but she ran well when sixth of 16 against males in a competitive nursery at Glorious Goodwood (7f, good to firm) last time and shaped as though today's slightly shorter trip would be in her favour; not discounted.
(13) Skellig Isle	2	Silvestre De Sousa	Tom Ward	Kept on for fourth at Kempton (6f, AW) in July on second start and won a Nottingham maiden (5f, good to firm) six weeks ago; today's trip on nursery debut may well be within range and her attractive pedigree provides optimism that she can continue to improve.
(16) Hot Like Me	2	Hayley Turner	Richard Spencer	Tough task in the Chesham at Royal Ascot on debut but has tackled lesser company both starts since and finished well beaten on all three; not obviously well treated for nursery debut but she has a useful pedigree and connections have some talented 2yos this year; market check advised.
(3) Scatter Penny	2	Joanna Mason	Michael & David Easterby	Won her first two starts (6f, good to firm/good); merely mid-division on nursery debut at York (6f, good to firm) three weeks ago but was slowly away and she retains potential; not ruled out in first-time tongue-tie.
4th (9) Eartha	2	Oisin Orr	Richard Fahey	Got up close home at Wetherby (5.5f, good) in June on second start and third in blanket finish to Southwell novice (5f, AW) since; the step up in trip could be a positive move and she's a possible player on nursery debut.
(1) Alice Fairfax	2	Tom Eaves	Kevin Ryan	Won at Thirsk (6f, good to soft) in June on second start then not beaten far when sixth of eight in Group 3 at Ascot (6f, good to firm); below par in Group 3 at Goodwood (7f, soft) latest but travelled well before fading and could have more to offer now down in grade and back on better ground.
3rd (5) Griselda	2	Callum Shepherd	George Scott	Won her first three nurseries (6f, good to soft/good to firm) in July; she's better than she showed when only eighth at Newmarket and York the last twice, but has something to prove after those performances.
(6) Beauty Nation	2	Billy Loughnane	George Boughey	Favourite when winning on debut at Kempton (6f, AW) in July and she reared at the start and was wide into the straight when turned over 13 days later at 4-9; has had a break since and it will be no surprise if she plays a leading role on nursery debut for last year's winning yard; the hood worn on her first two starts is now left off.
(4) Silver Ghost	2	Charles Bishop	Emma Lavelle	Short-headed in Newmarket maiden (7f, good to firm) in July on third start and again finished second on nursery debut there (7f, good) last month, keeping on well both times; has a progressive profile; firmly in calculations.
(8) Dear Cat	2	Edward Greatrex	Warren Greatrex	Went close at Newbury (6f, good to firm) in June on second start and made all at Salisbury (7f, good to firm) four weeks ago; it wasn't a strong race last time but she did it easily; brings potential to her nursery debut.
(2) Toomuchforme	2	Pierre-Louis Jamin	K R Burke	Had wind op after heavy defeat on debut in May (6f, soft) and won by 3l at Ripon (6f, good) on second start; another good run when rallying for second at Newbury (6f, good) last time and today's extra yardage could be in her favour on this nursery debut; she's one to consider.
(12) Art Design	2	Tom Marquand	William Haggas	Solid third on nursery debut at Newmarket last month (6f, good to firm; also effective on good to soft); improved form when winning at Southwell (6f, AW) since and she could continue to progress for her top yard.
1st (7) Ghost Run	2	Oisin Murphy	Andrew Balding	Failed to threaten in sales race at York three weeks ago but prior to that she caught the eye when fourth on nursery debut at Newmarket (6f, good to firm), where she came out best in the near-side group; can be a contender if tapping back into that promise now back in a handicap.

The progressive grey SILVER GHOST was a good second on last month's nursery debut at Newmarket and is taken to go one better. Ghost Run retains potential back in a handicap and is second choice ahead of Eartha, who could be suited by the step up in trip, and class-dropper Alice Fairfax. Toomuchforme, Beauty Nation and Art Design could also be involved.[Ben Hutton]

Race 2: 14:25 Doncaster Weatherbys Scientific £300,000 2-Y-O Stakes (GBB Race) GB 6f 111y

Info	OR	Days since last run	Age	Jockey
(17) Pearly Squirrel	2	William Pyle	Craig Lidster	Found a bit of bother in running when beaten 8l at Redcar but she lacks experience and likely the talent to keep up with the best of these.
(5) Midnight City	2	Robert Havlin	Richard Spencer	Will win races but he was just behind An Outlaw's Grace at York and he's worse off at the weights with that rival here; there are plenty of others to worry about, also.
4th (7) Seagolazo	2	Kieran Shoemark	Hugo Palmer	Progress came to a halt when only seventh in a 7f nursery at York in which he never raced on an even keel; has been gelded and blinkers now go on, but he makes limited appeal.
(12) Popeye Doyle	2	Jim Crowley	Hugo Palmer	Could finish only in midfield on his debut at Deauville (7f, good) and this is a big ask.
(4) King Of Angels	2	Richard Kingscote	Hugo Palmer	Only tenth and fifth in his two nurseries (both over 7f) and faces an even tougher task this time.
(13) Cuban Girl	2	Oisin Murphy	Andrew Balding	Disappointing in a hood (now discarded) on the AW last time (7f) and even her placed effort on debut (6f, good to firm) makes for modest reading in today's company.
(20) Timefall	2	Hayley Turner	Ralph Beckett	All four runs over 7f; third off a modest mark (in relation to today's opposition) on her nursery debut and doesn't look up to this.
(2) Deauville Blue	2	Silvestre De Sousa	Charles Hills	Only a neck behind King Of Bears (improved since) when an encouraging eighth of 20 at Newbury in May (6f, good; 20-1); however, these terms aren't favourable unless he can find plenty on that form and the absence since is offputting.
(16) Yes I'm Mali	2	Joe Fanning	Richard Fahey	Dual winner, latterly in a 6f York nursery (good to firm); unlikely that the late rain helped him back there on Sunday but he's well down this pack on the figures.
(8) Victory Sound	2	Billy Loughnane	Charles Hills	Narrow winner of a 7f maiden at Haydock (good to firm) before a sobering defeat in the Group 3 Solario Stakes at Sandown; unlikely to be good enough here.
(10) Cairdeas	2	Tom Marquand	William Haggas	Has improved with each run but it was over 7f when off the mark at Newmarket (good), flooring the odds-on favourite (useful) with the pair dominant; would be receiving a fair bit of weight off some of these were this a handicap so he'll need his best yet to get involved.
(18) Due To Dance	2	Tyler Heard	Hugo Palmer	Ran a nice first race at Chester (7f, good) when up against horses with experience but this is a huge rise in class.
(6) Moving Force	2	Oisin Orr	Richard Fahey	Group 2s were beyond him but he fared better on nursery debut at York when beaten under 2l in a big field (6f, good to firm); his finishing effort that day suggested that 7f might be a better fit than this extended 6f.
(14) An Outlaw's Grace	2	Sean Levey	Richard Hannon	The form of his close fourth in a French Group 2 is far superior to his British achievements; beaten fair and square in the sales race at York last month and now goes in cheekpieces.
3rd (19) Miss Nightfall	2	Saffie Osborne	James Fanshawe	Coming along nicely and wasn't overly troubled to justify favouritism at Windsor ten days ago but others have achieved a whole lot more.
(11) King Of Bears	2	Jamie Spencer	Paul & Oliver Cole	Looked nice when travelling strongly throughout en route to his Newbury win (6f, good to firm) and he raced freely towards the head of affairs before weakening in a Group 2 at Glorious Goodwood; he's not weighted to reverse placings with the third Intrusively but appeals as a colt who is capable of better; today's bigger field might help; first-time tongue tied.
1st (3) Hallasan	2	William Buick	Charlie Appleby	Three solid efforts over 5f before devouring the extra furlong and winning as he liked at Nottingham (good to soft); has a deal more on his plate here against rivals who have achieved more, but no surprise to see him take another step forward.
(15) Intrusively	2	Rossa Ryan	Edward Bethell	He's right up there on Topspeed and RPR figures courtesy of his much-improved 40-1 third in the Group 2 Richmond at Glorious Goodwood (6f, good to firm), which seemed unlikely when under the pump from halfway; was found an open goal at Nottingham and duly strolled home at long odds-on; deserves to be towards the top of the betting.
(9) Caburn	2	Dylan Hogan	Jack Jones	Super Sprint winner who was ahead of a below-par Camille Pissarro when fifth in the Gimcrack (6f, good); likeable in the way he stuck to his guns at York and he's a major player at these weights.
2nd (1) Camille Pissarro	2	Ryan Moore	A P O'Brien	0-4 since his debut win but got to within a half-length of subsequent Group 1 winner Babouche at the Curragh on his penultimate start (similar trip to today's); never landed any real blow when sent off favourite for the Group 2 Gimcrack at York (6f, good) but faces a very different calibre of opposition here; massive shout on that Curragh form.

Camille Pissarro (second choice) will need to run better than he did in the Gimcrack when behind the respected Caburn but the Irish colt is a massive player on his previous second to rising star Babouche. Others have a squeak, though, and this big-field scenario might benefit KING OF BEARS, for whom Jamie Spencer could be a key booking. This scopey individual never gave himself a chance to do himself justice in a Group race at Goodwood after racing freely on the pace.[Alistair Jones]

Race 3: 15:00 Doncaster Betfred May Hill Stakes (Group 2) (Fillies) GB 1m

Info	OR	Days since last run	Age	Jockey
(8) Manila Thriller	2	Silvestre De Sousa	Jack Channon	Consistent at novice level since winning a Chester seller but has the worst chance at the weights in this markedly stiffer company; much worse off with Serving With Style on Goodwood running last time.
(2) Biniorella Bay	2	Kieran Shoemark	Tom Clover	Respectable fourth in a couple of 7f Group 3 races since her Newmarket novice win but looks comfortably held by Anshoda on Prestige form (over 3l behind that rival); needs improvement upped further in class.
(10) Serving With Style	2	Shane Gray	K R Burke	Brings a 2-2 profile having won at Carlisle (7f, good to soft) and Goodwood (1m, soft), beating Manila Thriller by a neck on much worse terms last time; however, faces a tough task on bare ratings and good/faster ground would be an unknown.
(5) Elsie's Ruan	2	Connor Beasley	Gemma Tutty	Nice prospect for Gemma Tutty, having shown a good attitude to win at York then performed well in the Sweet Solera (Group 3) at Newmarket, both over 7f on good to firm; has more on her plate in this field but may improve further, with the longer trip likely to suit.
4th (9) Miss Tonnerre	2	Tom Marquand	Ed Walker	Got up close home at Newmarket (7f, good) eight weeks ago for a winning debut; has a lot to find on bare figures upped sharply in class but is open to improvement and the longer distance looks a plus.
(1) Anshoda	2	Billy Loughnane	David Loughnane	Has shown progressive form over 7f while shaping as if this extra furlong will suit; took her record to 2-3 with success in soft-ground Prestige Stakes at Goodwood most recently and that Group 3 event supplied the May Hill winner last year; debut win came on good to firm; possibilities.
3rd (6) Flight	2	Oisin Murphy	Ollie Sangster	No match for comfortable winners, including Desert Flower, in her first two races but subsequently recorded a 4l success at Sandown (again over 7f; good) and looks the type to improve further, especially now upped in distance; young trainer's biggest wins have been with fillies; in the mix.
(4) Ecstatic	2	Ryan Moore	A P O'Brien	First foal of her yard's smart 1m-1m4f winner Magic Wand; won well at Tipperary (7.5f, good to firm) last month on second start and looks open to any amount of further progress; it's interesting that Ryan Moore sides with this filly over Listed-winning stablemate January; shortlisted.
2nd (7) January	2	Sean Levey	A P O'Brien	Relished the return to a longer trip in Listed race at Tipperary (7.5f, good to firm) last month, winning by 4l and taking record to 2-4; placed in Curragh Group 2 the time before, despite finding 6f inadequate; improving and has a useful rating; deserted by Ryan Moore but can't be ruled out.
1st (3) Desert Flower	2	William Buick	Charlie Appleby	Very promising filly who is two from two, both wins over 7f at Newmarket (good/good to firm); comfortably beat Flight on debut, then defied a penalty in impressive fashion (skipped clear with ease); should be suited by 1m; looks a Group performer in the making and commands respect.

The big impression created by DESERT FLOWER puts her top of the list in this year's May Hill, ahead of Flight who ties in with that bright prospect on Newmarket July festival running. Ecstatic, with Ryan Moore on board, is the more interesting of the two Ballydoyle runners, although January certainly can't be dismissed on form. Anshoda, another improving filly, is also in the mix.[Steve Boow]

Race 4: 15:35 Doncaster Betfred Park Hill Fillies' Stakes (Group 2) GB 1m 6f 115y

Info	OR	Days since last run	Age	Jockey
(7) Ambiente Amigo	3	Silvestre De Sousa	James Owen	Best form when making the frame in two 1m4f Listed races on good to firm at Newmarket this summer, before a lesser show in 1m2f handicap; this trip is of uncertain benefit and she has plenty to find on form.
(1) Gather Ye Rosebuds	4	Jamie Spencer	Jack Channon	Best form was a Listed win at Goodwood (1m4f, soft) in May, but disappointing in 1m6f Group 3 at York three weeks later; all starts on softer than good, except when last of eight in the Musidora at York (good) in May 2023; worth another go at 1m6f and a hood is enlisted, but may need rain.
(6) Sweet Memories	4	Kieran Shoemark	John & Thady Gosden	Listed winner at Newmarket (1m4f, soft) last August followed by a Group 3 second on the other track there (1m4f, good to firm); made a respectable return in the Lancashire Oaks at Haydock this July, before a lesser show at Deauville (1m4f, soft) in another Group 2; below form both starts in cheekpieces, including last time; needs a career best but 1m6f is well worth a go if she's back on song.
(5) Sumo Sam	4	James Doyle	Paul & Oliver Cole	Came into her own once encountering the mud last term, galloping on relentlessly with front-running rides to win Group 2s over about 1m6f at Glorious Goodwood (by wide margin) and Doncaster (this race); flopped on reappearance this May, however, and although she returned from wind surgery with a satisfactory run (considering the good to firm ground) last month, she surely needs an absolute downpour.
1st (9) Nakheel	3	Jim Crowley	Owen Burrows	Won 1m2f maiden at Ascot in May before minor honours in Listed races at Goodwood, Newmarket and York; the last two were over 1m4f (good to firm) and she gave every indication that this longer trip will suit her; no match for Scenic last time but now has cheekpieces and has progressive form.
4th (4) Scenic	4	Tom Marquand	Ed Walker	14th start but only her second win when she upped her game markedly to win the Galtres at York (1m4f, good to firm; seventh attempt at a Listed race) three weeks ago in fine style, coming from off the pace; that followed a very close third in 1m7f Deauville Listed race and that's her only run beyond 1m4f, so there may be some untapped potential with this sort of stamina test.
(2) Mistral Star	4	William Buick	Hughie Morrison	Improved markedly to score in good style in Newmarket Listed race in July and similar form when fourth of eight in Group 1 Yorkshire Oaks at York (again 1m4f on good to firm) three weeks ago; with plenty of hope that this longer trip will suit, she brings major claims.
(10) Oxford Comma	3	Rossa Ryan	Ralph Beckett	Won readily at Salisbury (1m2f, soft) in May and asserted by 3l late in the day in another novice at Doncaster (1m4f, good to soft) in June; that form is way short of what is required to win this and the ground could be very different, but she's had just three races (non-runner in the 1m6f Group 2 at Goodwood), is on her way up and shapes like a stayer.
2nd (3) Night Sparkle	5	Oisin Murphy	Andrew Balding	In career-best form when at 1m6f-2m this season for three seconds and a fourth; the last two of those races were Group 2s at Goodwood (1m6f second against her own sex; ahead of Grateful) and York (2m fourth against the males) and she should be bang there once again.
3rd (8) Grateful	3	Ryan Moore	A P O'Brien	Won a 1m4f maiden at the Curragh in June and 1m6f Group 3 at Fairyhouse in July, both on good ground; hung right in Group 2 at Goodwood (1m6f, good to firm) on latest outing but made some progress from off the pace to finish just under 3l behind Night Sparkle; that shows that improvement is needed.

Night Sparkle has least to prove in terms of form and stamina on the likely ground (Sumo Sam's 2023 Park Hill was on soft) but Mistral Star's recent 1m4f form puts her narrowly top on ratings and she may well get this extra distance. The latter point also applies to SCENIC, who impressed when breezing home in front in the 1m4f Listed Galtres at York last month, while the Galtres third Nakheel looks one of the strongest candidates for a step up in trip, so they top the list, with Oxford Comma a dark horse who cannot comfortably be ruled out.[Richard Austen]

Race 5: 16:10 Doncaster Pertemps Network Handicap (0-105) (2) 3yo GB 1m 2f 43y

Info	OR	Days since last run	Age	Jockey
(9) Golden West	3	Pierre-Louis Jamin	K R Burke	2-2 last season and handed tough tasks in Group 3 races on first two starts this year; it's too soon to write him off but he's failed to threaten in handicaps the last twice and needs to turn things around.
(2) Theory Of Tides	3	Kieran Shoemark	John & Thady Gosden	Beaten a long way the last twice but the first was a Group 2 at the Royal Ascot and the latest was on heavy ground at Hamilton; before those he won his first two starts (1m2f/1m3f, good/good to soft) and he's not written off for his leading stable; wears first-time blinkers.
3rd (8) Magico	3	Tom Marquand	Marco Botti	Won when up in trip at Kempton (1m3f, AW) recently; he could have more to offer over this sort of distance and he has won on turf, but he's now 2-2 on AW and needs to transfer that last-time-out improvement back to grass.
1st (1) Grey Cuban	3	Jamie Spencer	Hugo Palmer	Front-runner who won at Chester (1m2f, good to soft/good) in July on first two starts in this hood; ran well for a long way at York (good) last month on first crack at 1m4f and can make a bold bid now back down in trip.
(4) Fox Legacy	3	Ryan Moore	Sir Michael Stoute	Lightly raced colt who displayed massive improvement to win by 12l at Salisbury (1m2f, good to firm) four weeks ago on second handicap start; hit with 16lb rise but entitled to respect in view of that dominance.
2nd (6) T'Challa	3	Oisin Murphy	Andrew Balding	Won Windsor novice (1m, good to firm) in June and bounced back from a lesser run on handicap debut at Ascot when making all at Newbury (1m2f, good to firm) last month; he's in good hands to continue to progress and could give another bold account up 5lb.
(7) Blake	3	Billy Loughnane	Peter Chapple-Hyam	Won at Sandown (1m, soft) in May on second handicap start and returned to winning ways in smooth style back at Sandown (1m2f, soft) in July; a 9lb rise since last time may not be enough to stop him if conditions are suitable; unraced on good/good to firm going (has been a non-runner due to fast ground).
(5) Victorious Street	3	William Buick	Simon & Ed Crisford	Showed promise last autumn on both 2yo starts (1m, good) and came clear with very useful yardstick to win Southwell maiden (1m, AW) on last month's reappearance; cost 370,370euros at last year's breeze-ups and has potential off his handicap debut mark, especially now up in trip.
4th (10) Promethean	3	Sean Levey	David Menuisier	He took a drop back in trip for his handicap debut at Newmarket (1m, good) three weeks ago and stayed on strongly for a short-head second; on that evidence the step back up in distance is very much worth a go and his attractive pedigree bolsters that argument; lots to like.
(3) Harper's Ferry	3	P J McDonald	Ed Walker	Runner-up on first two starts (1m/1m2f, soft) before winning at Windsor (1m2f, good) in April; travelled well before fading in the Group 2 King Edward VII at Royal Ascot (1m4f, good to firm) and gelded since; has a fine pedigree; could play leading role now back down in trip on handicap debut.

Having stayed on well for a short-head second over 1m on his handicap debut at Newmarket, the well-bred PROMETHEAN (nap) earns the vote now he's back up in trip. The newly gelded Harper's Ferry could be a big danger, however, having travelled well before fading in a 1m4f Group 2 at Royal Ascot. Grey Cuban has done well in the hood and is next on the list now back down in distance, while Fox Legacy, Victorious Street, T'Challa and Blake are other interesting contenders in a hot race.[Ben Hutton]

Race 6: 16:40 Doncaster Hilton Garden Inn Doncaster Racecourse Nursery Handicap (0-90) (3) 2yo GB 7f 6y

Info	OR	Days since last run	Age	Jockey
5th (7) Valsharah	2	Silvestre De Sousa	Charles Hills	His form figures are none too inspiring but his nursery debut at Sandown (7f, good) was encouraging as, after blowing the start, he did throw down some sort of challenge before weakening late on; still looks vulnerable in this classier contest.
1st (1) Yaroogh	2	Tom Marquand	William Haggas	Posted useful RPRs in winning 7f races at Haydock (soft) and Kempton (AW) but couldn't make much of an impression in the Acomb at York, albeit in a strong-looking renewal of that Group 3; in shallower waters here on handicap debut and not ruled out.
6th (4) Thunder Wonder	2	Joe Fanning	Charlie Johnston	All runs over 7f; contested strong races at Newmarket before making the most of an easier opening at Thirsk (good) where he was nicely on top at the finish after racing prominently; warrants plenty of respect on handicap debut.
(6) Jorge Alvares	2	Tom Eaves	Kevin Ryan	No wins in four starts but he's useful and did well to be a close fourth in York's valuable sales race (6f, good to firm) having been stone-cold last at one point; mixed messages as to the strength of that form but stepping up to 7f looks the right move.
4th (5) Qaseem	2	Shane Gray	K R Burke	Experienced after five starts and followed up his Haydock win (6f nursery; good) with an improved third in a big-field handicap at York's Ebor meeting (7f, good to firm); a further 4lb rise asks a question but he's solid.
2nd (2) Spell Master	2	Oisin Murphy	Andrew Balding	Probably his best form yet when beaten just under 3l on his nursery debut at York (7f, good to firm) and he has a 4lb pull with third-placed Qaseem; if the new cheekpieces can trigger something extra then he's highly likely to be in the thick of it.
3rd (3) Back In Black	2	Daniel Muscutt	James Fanshawe	Runner-up at Yarmouth (good to soft) and Ascot (good to firm; both over 6f) before justifying favouritism with something up his sleeve over 7f back at Yarmouth (good to firm) 24 days ago; looks to be going the right way and he contests this instead of Saturday's Group 2 Champagne Stakes; interesting.

James Fanshawe isn't one to make Group-race entries without good reason and BACK IN BLACK makes his nursery debut in favour of contesting Saturday's Champagne Stakes. He won comfortably at Yarmouth and looks very progressive. Qaseem ran well at York and is highly likely to do so again, while making a case for him also brings Spell Master firmly into the equation.[Alistair Jones]

Race 7: 17:15 Doncaster Christmas Live @themovies At Doncaster Racecourse Nursery Handicap (0-80) (4) 2yo GB 1m

Info	OR	Days since last run	Age	Jockey
(5) Dukes Of Haather	2	Connor Beasley	Adrian Paul Keatley	Won in first-time blinkers (retained since) on nursery debut at Chester (7f, good to soft) in July; the step up to 1m could suit and he's been drawn wide in big-field nurseries at Goodwood and York the last twice, but he needs to take a sizeable step forward from those performances.
1st (6) Harmonia	2	Richard Kingscote	David Evans	Went close on nursery debut at Beverley (7.4f, soft) in July and won her next two (7f, good to firm); beaten about 3l when third of five to Brindavan at Kempton (1m, AW) three weeks ago but she could improve upon that latest form if getting a stronger gallop; not ruled out.
(7) Pivotal Days	2	Tom Marquand	Ed Walker	It's very early days and he's shown signs of promise, but he was behind three of these when last of five on last month's nursery debut at Kempton (1m, AW; beaten just over 3l) and improvement is required.
(2) Brindavan	2	Daniel Muscutt	S Woods	Runner-up twice in a row (7f, AW) before getting off the mark when upped to 1m on nursery debut at Kempton (AW) three weeks ago; he could have more to offer at this trip and a 4lb rise isn't harsh; showed some promise on turf (good to firm) on debut; he's one to consider.
(3) Defence Missile	2	William Buick	Eve Johnson Houghton	Placed on two of his first three starts (6f/7f, good); beaten 3l when fourth of five to Brindavan on last month's nursery debut at Kempton (1m, AW) and he needs a bigger performance today, but perhaps the first-time cheekpieces will prompt some improvement; not written off.
2nd (1) Pellitory	2	Sean D Bowen	James Owen	Has improved with each of his three runs, finishing fourth at Yarmouth (7f, good to firm) in July then winning there (7f, good to soft) last time; there's every chance he'll continue to progress and that this longer trip will be within range; respected on nursery debut.
3rd (4) Best Adventure	2	Oisin Murphy	Andrew Balding	Promising second of five at Lingfield (7f, good to firm) in July on second start; failed to build on that when fourth at Sandown (7f, good) but this 650,000gns Frankel colt is bred to be suited by the step up in trip on today's nursery debut and he could play a leading role.

The step up to 1m could be a major positive for the 650,000gns Frankel colt BEST ADVENTURE and he can make a winning nursery debut. Brindavan did it nicely when beating three of these on his first nursery start and is feared most ahead of the progressive Pellitory.[Ben Hutton]

Race 8: 17:50 Doncaster Winners Wear Skopes Menswear Handicap (0-90) (3) 3yo+ GB 1m 3f 197y

Info	OR	Days since last run	Age	Jockey
(8) Saratoga Gold	6	Billy Loughnane	Kevin Frost	Eight wins overall but only one last season (AW in July) and none for new yard this term; latest start showed he can still be competitive (same mark today, lowest for two years) but there are stronger win candidates.
(13) Soowaih	4	Amie Waugh	Jim Goldie	0-11 in handicaps since winning a Newcastle novice (1m, AW) last October, though he went very close off this mark at York (1m4f, good to soft) in July; has a competitive mark if tinkerings with the trip (two runs at 1m2f, two at 2m) explain the diminishing returns since.
(2) Graphite	10	Ray Dawson	T J Kent	Veteran who is on a losing spell of over three years; second off a career-low mark at Wolverhampton (1m6f, AW; second run since wind surgery) on latest outing but very lightly raced on turf these days and more to prove.
(7) Ludo's Landing	4	Joe Fanning	Charlie Johnston	Very reliable in a busy year and never better than when winning at Beverley 18 days ago; both wins have been there over 1m2f on good to firm this summer; has a bit more to prove back at 1m4f but needs respect.
(1) Ensured	6	Saffie Osborne	Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole	Failed to win in Hong Kong in 2022 or 2023 but returned to James Fanshawe this year and won at Brighton in April; followed up in another six-runner race at Newmarket (1m4f, good to firm) for new yard in August, when cheekpieces (kept since) were added, 18 days before never dangerous over 2m at York; more interesting back at 1m4f but needs to raise his game again.
4th (11) Trouville	3	William Buick	Simon & Ed Crisford	All four races have been at 1m2f, none on firmer than good; twice runner-up before gaining a narrow verdict in maiden at Chepstow in May; looked a scopey sort likely to do well in handicaps, but he never figured at Goodwood (soft) 19 days ago, hampered after 4f but disconcertingly laboured and eased from 2f out; should have potential if that can be forgiven.
2nd (5) Percy Shelley	5	Rossa Ryan	David O'Meara	Three French wins on good to soft in 2022; 0-10 in Britain but with significant encouragement this season given his falling mark and that he now returns to 1m4f after three runs over further; each-way chance.
(4) Per Contra	3	James Doyle	Ollie Sangster	Has won a maiden, a novice and a 1m4f AW handicap, plus heavy defeats in a Group 3 as 2yo and a York handicap this May (9-2); absent since and brings very mixed messages but he is a lightly raced 3yo.
(10) Champagne Prince	3	Callum Shepherd	Jane Chapple-Hyam	Strong-finishing, neck second in Shergar Cup race at Ascot (1m4f, good to firm) in August was easily his most competitive show this term; shortlived headway from the back in the 1m6f Melrose at York (1m6f) two weeks later, pretty disappointing at 10-1, but he's a player on the Ascot run.
(14) Raja Raja	3	Jamie Spencer	David Simcock	Fair form and some improvement this April-June in two maidens at Newbury and a C&D novice; gelded since; unraced on firmer than good; makes handicap debut after 88 days off and it's possible that he is now a bit closer to the finished article, so he needs a market check.
(3) Indemnity	4	Silvestre De Sousa	Roger Varian	Never finished far away, but expensive to follow with his sole win (nine races) coming at 1-2 in a maiden in June; confined to 1m-1m1f on his last five starts, wearing cheekpieces on last two; there is enough stamina in the pedigree but other options look more solid.
3rd (12) Xiomara	3	Tom Marquand	David Menuisier	Comfortable winner of a maiden at Dieppe (1m3f, soft) three weeks ago, having been second in 1m2f handicaps on three of her five starts in Britain earlier this season; needs improvement and has sometimes raced freely, so isn't nailed on to get 1m4f despite the positive signs in her pedigree.
(6) Lyric	3	Kieran Shoemark	John & Thady Gosden	Went on about 4f out when clearcut winner of eight-runner maiden at Windsor (1m2f, good to soft) in April; sixth of seven in Listed race at Goodwood (1m3f, good) in May was only a marginal improvement on that form and he was second favourite, so a fair bit better was seemingly anticipated; after only three races and now 110 days off, he's an eyecatching handicap debutant.
1st (9) Kildare Legend	3	Daniel Muscutt	James Ferguson	Close, staying-on second in maiden at Pontefract (1m2f, soft) on second start, three weeks before comfortably going one better in a novice at Southwell (1m3f, AW); an interesting handicap newcomer with potential and he shapes as if 1m4f will help.

Percy Shelley is one to note among the older horses but the 3yos will probably have the edge, given that several should still bring potential. The key horse may well be the Gosden-trained LYRIC, who failed to match expectations in a Listed race in May but may now be ready to start delivering on his earlier promise. Kildare Legend (second choice) is another promising handicap newcomer, while Trouville may be worth another chance and Champagne Prince's second at Ascot looked good before his heavy defeat in the Melrose.[Richard Austen]