Big-field, soft-ground River Don is going to place the emphasis on stamina

2.45 Doncaster
Albert Bartlett River Don Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) | 3m½f | 5yo+ | ITV/Sky

The Albert Bartlett River Don Novices' Hurdle is the eighth and final race over hurdles across Doncaster's two-day meeting. That may well prove significant, as the meeting started on decidedly soft ground on Friday and is unlikely to ease off with so much footfall over the following 24 hours or so.

Deep stamina, therefore, could be key, especially with a dozen runners reducing the chances of an early dawdle.

Exploiteur won over 2m7½f at Chepstow in December, but has quite a bit to find, although Ashtown Lad does not and he also struck over that trip in testing ground at Uttoxeter in November.

However, he was a beaten favourite at this level next time at Cheltenham's International meeting when Pats Fancy and Ask A Honey Bee finished in front of him, but Ashtown Lad was right there before seeming to hit the wall at the bottom of the hill. Whatever happened that day, it was probably not down to stamina.

The Cheltenham race is as close as there is to a key piece of form and the three mentioned runners are among the top four on adjusted Racing Post Ratings, even allowing for Make Good beating them all comprehensively.

Emir Sacree is the other, after winning a conditional jockeys' handicap hurdle at Ascot on his British debut. He ran eight times in France before that, mostly over fences and never looking any better than fairly useful. He shaped as though 3m would suit last time, but he was receiving 11lb from the reopposing Castle Robin (sixth in the Lanzarote since) even before Joe Anderson's 10lb claim is taken into account. In short, improvement is probably required.

Admittedly, that applies to all runners. The average winning performance over the last ten years on RPRs has been 144. Nothing in the field can boast form within half a stone of that figure.
Keith Melrose, betting editor

Making a strong case for Fern Hill

Ben Case is firmly on target for his best seasonal tally of winners, and hopes are high promising stayer Fern Hill will run a big race.

The Banbury trainer, who enjoyed Cheltenham Festival success when Croco Bay plundered the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase in 2019, also landed a Sandown Listed handicap hurdle with Deep Trouble in 2013.

Case's most prolific campaign was in 2014-15 when he sent out 18 winners, and he's already on 13 this term, with Fern Hill responsible for two of those victories.

The son of Dylan Thomas has made an excellent impression with wins at Wetherby, and fully deserves his chance in this better company.

"He outstayed Witness Protection last time out and has improved with each run," Case said. "It's a step into the deep end, but win, lose or draw he's a nice horse.

"I know everybody says it with this type, but his future really does lie over fences. He shows a good attitude to it all, and is a nice prospect."

Of his own good form, Case added: "The horses have been running well and we're enjoying a good season. You always want more winners, though! Long may it continue."

Read more Saturday previews

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1.30 Doncaster: Shishkin ready to cement his position as the best novice chaser in town

'He was brilliant from day one' - Fitzgerald recalls Shishkin's schooling debut (Members’ only)

1.58 Fairyhouse: Cheltenham Festival clues on offer as Gauloise lines up in red-hot novice hurdle

3.15 Doncaster: Find out why victory in the Sky Bet Chase for Aye Right would mean so much

You can take on handicap snip Cap Du Nord in Sky Bet Chase, says Keith Melrose (Members’ only)

2.05 Doncaster: A major threat to the Nicky Henderson pair lurks in Yorkshire Rose Mares' Hurdle

Lingfield Saturday: Pirate King ready to steal ITV-featured handicap for second year running

What they say

Fergal O’Brien, trainer of Ask A Honey Bee
We think he's a dour stayer so this race should suit. He has not finished out of the first three in four starts this season and shouldn't be too far away. We've freshened him up since his last run at Cheltenham with this race in mind. It's been the plan, and he goes there in good form.

Kim Bailey, trainer of Bobhopeornohope
The step up to three miles is an experiment but, as an ex-Irish point-to-pointer, he should be okay. He won well at the track last time and if he handles this softer ground should go well.

Charlie Longsdon: Castle Robin's trainer is optimisticCredit: Alex Davidson (Getty Images)

Charlie Longsdon, trainer of Castle Robin
He is 11lb better off with Emir Sacree for a length and a quarter and we're now three times the price. It doesn't make sense. Hopefully we’ll prove that.

Nicky Henderson, trainer of Emir Sacree
He's been chasing in France and the idea was to go novice chasing, but he was actually rather impressive at Ascot. He stays three miles, he likes soft ground and is still a novice so I thought we'd have a look at something like this while he is still a novice.

Graeme McPherson, trainer of Exploiteur
He's not run a bad race all year and the softer the better for him. The drop back to novice company and good searching gallop should play to his strengths, and I don't think he'll be out of the frame.

Ben Pauling, trainer of The Cob
He didn't run his race at Newbury last time and is better than that.
Reporting by Richard Birch

Read a selection of our Saturday tipping . . .

Members' Club: Tom Segal thinks favourite might not be best handicapped horse in Sky Bet Chase

Members' Club: Paul Kealy had 18-1 and 11-2 winners on Friday – now he's taking on Cap Du Nord

Members' Club: Irish expert David Jennings is sweet on a mare at a double-figure price

The Punt Daily: Tom Collins' free horse racing tip on Saturday afternoon

Saturday's free horse racing tips: top betting advice from our expert team

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