1.50 Doncaster – Hot Like Me EW
This is a tough start, but there weren’t too many horses that were jumping off the page at me. The one I was drawn to was Hot Like Me for Richard Spencer. This filly has had a strange campaign. Her first start was in the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot, and then she subsequently ran twice on the July course at Newmarket, finishing down the field on both starts. Though she was disappointing at Newmarket, I think she didn’t handle the track, and if you go back to her last start, she was running on strongly at the end. The daughter of Ghaiyyath now makes her nursery debut off a mark of 72, which could be lenient. Overall, I just think she’s better than what she’s shown, and running on this more conventional track could see a career-best performance.
2.25 Doncaster – An Outlaw’s Grace EW
These races are never straightforward, but I am going to give An Outlaw’s Grace one more chance. Some of you might remember I put him up last time out at the Ebor Festival, where he ran on to finish sixth. He was just never in the race that day, and it’s fair to say it probably wasn’t Ryan Moore’s finest hour. I think the key to him could be the return of Sean Levey. Prior to his run at York, Levey had ridden him on every single start. I just wonder if he’s that kind of horse that takes a bit of knowing. Moreover, his form would give him a good chance in this race. Earlier this year he had performed creditably in Group 2 company, so he clearly has ability. Richard Hannon is now trying first-time cheekpieces, which could make all the difference.
3.00 Doncaster – Elsie’s Ruan EW
Desert Flower could be the best horse in this field, but at the prices I’m keen to take her on. The one I like is Elsie’s Ruan for Gemma Tutty. She’s done quite well with her juveniles this year, and this filly won well on her debut at York, hitting the line hard. After that race, she went on to Newmarket, where she wasn’t disgraced in the Group 3 Sweet Solera Stakes, finishing third. At one point she looked like she could have faded away, but she kept on well in the closing stages. I think Doncaster will suit her better, and I can see being in the mix.
3.35 Doncaster – Oxford Comma EW
Oxford Comma is a filly who I’ve had on my radar this summer, and we will finally get to see her in this race. It’s pretty clear that Ralph Beckett has tried to keep her away from quick ground, as all her form has come with a bit of ease in it. The last time we saw her, she dotted up at Doncaster over 1m4f, staying on strongly in the closing stages. She will have to prove her stamina by stepping up an extra couple of furlongs, but I think she’ll stay. Three-year-old fillies have a good record in this race, as they’ve won the last four renewals because of the weight-for-age allowance. That just makes such a massive difference, and Oxford Comma will be getting plenty of weight from her rivals here. The ground should be fine, and I can see her being a massive player.
4.10 Doncaster – Fox Legacy EW
Fox Legacy absolutely bolted up at Salisbury by twelve lengths the last time we saw him. He looked like a typical Group horse in a handicap, though it is hard to say if that was a flash in the pan. Ryan Moore rode him that day, and it’s interesting to see him keep the ride here. The son of Lope De Vega has been raised 16lb by the handicapper for that run, but I do think he could have more to offer. I don’t think this is a deep race, and I think he should be the favorite. If market support does come for him, then he should be taken very seriously.
