'He’s in great form at home' - analysis and key quotes for Doncaster's 5f handicap

This went to Aberama Gold last season but the seven-year-old is 2lb wrong for this year’s race having not managed to win in the interim.

He was one of the first off the bridle in the Catterick Dash last week but stayed on gamely to finish fourth, shaping as if he may need a little further at this stage of his career.

His old adversary Vintage Clarets made it two wins from his last three starts in the Catterick Dash, travelling powerfully through the race before asserting late. That was the same event he won en route to finishing third in last year’s running of this and he should get a decent tow into the race this time from the likes of Venture Capital, King Of Stars and Vespasian all drawn high.

The near side is probably the place to be and another last-time-out winner, Blue Storm may have an advantage from stall 17. The three-year-old colt arrives after a career-best, soft-ground success at Haydock and, although he’ll need some luck in running if his usual waiting tactics are used, a 5lb rise may not be enough to halt his progress.

Designer was roughly four lengths behind Blue Storm at Haydock but she arrives fresher than most for this having just her third start of the campaign. The mare is well suited to a fast, flat five furlongs, as seen when runner-up over course and distance at this meeting in 2022 and her two other highest RPRs both came at York, a track with similar characteristics. Expect her to be played late under Jamie Spencer.

From the low draws, Woolhampton (5) is arguably most interesting after a career-best, heavy-ground win at Nottingham, her fourth success of 2024. Any rain would enhance her chance.
Analysis by Phill Anderson

 What they say

Gemma Tutty, trainer of Blue Storm
We’re not going into it expecting another win as he’s been put up another 5lb for Haydock last time when there was obvious track bias. He owes us nothing though and will like the ground, and this will be his last run of the year.

David Barron, joint-trainer of Pilgrim and Jerr Batt
They both look to have decent draws in the middle although there would be a doubt over Pilgrim on the ground as he is very effective on fast ground. Jer Batt goes on soft and we have the champion jockey booked, so we’ll see what he can do.

Ed Crisford, joint-trainer of Vespasian
We’ll have a look at the ground before we make a decision over whether he runs but, if he does, he’s entitled to come for it as it’s his first run since Dubai in the spring.

John Gosden, joint-trainer of Cover Up
He’s in great form at home but the ground may well challenge him. He’s a better horse on better ground.

Rod Millman, trainer of Woolhampton
She’s won four races for us this season and goes on any ground. It’s a competitive race and she’s off a career-high mark but we’ve booked Morgan Cole who takes off a handy 5lb.

Rod Millman: runs Woolhampton at Doncaster on SaturdayCredit: Edward Whitaker

Hamad Al Jehani, trainer of Solar Aclaim
Hopefully, the ground doesn’t dry out too much as his best form is on heavy. He was drawn a bit on the wing at Nottingham last time when he could never get involved, but we are hoping for a better showing with the champion apprentice booked.

Grant Tuer, trainer of Je Ne Sais Quoi
She won really well at Ripon last time since when she had a setback but is fine again now. She’ll like the ground but I don’t know about her draw in stall two.
Reporting by David Milnes

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