'If there is one superstar in the field, it's him' - David Jennings answers the burning questions ahead of a super Saturday
What's the big story?
You decide for yourself. Is it the final Group 1 of the domestic Flat season – the William Hill Futurity (2.40) at Doncaster – or is it day two of the Showcase meeting at Cheltenham?
Let's deal with Donny first. Aidan O'Brien is seeking a 12th win in the race and relies on Delacroix to emulate greats such as High Chaparral (2001), St Nicholas Abbey (2009), Camelot (2011), and Auguste Rodin (2022). What do we read into the fact that he runs only one? A show of strength or a lack of depth in the division? You can decide that for yourself as well.
Meanwhile at Cheltenham, the Masterson Holdings Hurdle (3.30) was won by the legendary Tiger Roll once upon a time and the chap who rode him to two Cheltenham Festival wins will be on board the raging hot favourite Bottler'secret from the all-conquering Gavin Cromwell stable. Does he need more cut in the ground? That's another one you'll need to decide for yourself, I'm afraid.
Who wins the Futurity (2.40)?
There are eight runners and you could back seven of them and still not collect. That's how tricky it is.
A whole host of rock-solid colts are in there, potentially smart stayers for next year, but if there is one superstar in the field it's Detain.
We haven't a clue how good he could be. John Gosden knows the time of day, important given the clocks go back on Saturday night, and he wouldn't be throwing him into the deep end if he didn't think he could swim.
What's the bet of the day?
Danielle has been dying to get on some proper soft ground and she will finally be granted her wish in the BetVictor St Simon Stakes (3.45) at Newbury. Don't let me down, girl.
Connections have been patient and that patience can be rewarded here. She is a different filly altogether on this surface and she can take full advantage of her huge weight allowance from Al Aasy, who will once again find this 1m4f trip stretching his stamina to the very limit.
And the lay of the day?
Yeats Star looks a very skimpy price in the 3m½f novices' chase (4.05) at Cheltenham at around 11-4. Theatre Man has achieved a lot more than him and there should be a bigger gap between the pair in the market.
Any outsider who could spring a shock?
Don't laugh at me, but Laafi pops up once a year and this could be the day.
He's got blinkers on for the first time in the 1m2f handicap (3.15) at Doncaster and it is going to be bottomless, which will suit him down to the ground. He's been dropped 4lb to a career low mark of 90, too. It will be hard to resist a little nibble at 20-1.
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