1.50 Doncaster – Wolf Of Badenoch (Win)
Cases can be made for all of them in this trappy race, but I like Wolf Of Badenoch. Last time out, he created a good impression, staying on to take second in the Vintage Stakes at Glorious Goodwood. The son of Pinatubo was given too much to do that day, so he will need to be closer to the pace today. Having said that, he should be suited returning to Doncaster as he won over this course and distance on his racecourse debut back in June. His trainer, Hugo Palmer, has been having an excellent season with his juveniles, and this could be the best of them.
2.25 Doncaster – Albasheer EW
This is one of the most competitive sprint races of the season, but I think Albasheer will run well. Topweights don’t have a bad record in the Portland Handicap, which was the case with last year’s winner Annaf. The last time we saw Albasheer, he ran on really well to finish second in a Listed race at Beverley, where he probably found the track to be a bit sharp. I think coming back to Doncaster will suit, and he’ll get a strong pace to aim. Moreover, Hollie Doyle is booked for the ride, and she knows him really well. I wouldn’t be shocked to see him running late and picking up the pieces.
3.00 Doncaster – Kinross (Win)
Kinross should take all the beating in this race. He was meant to run at York last time out, but the ground was deemed too quick for him. Coming back to Doncaster and a slower surface should suit, as he’s won here before. The son of Kingman is the joint highest rated in the race, but on his day he is the class act of the field with being a Group 1 winner. It looks like all the stars are aligning for him, and this could be his time to get his head back in front.
3.40 Doncaster – Illinois (Win)
This isn’t a vintage St Leger, but Illinois is the standout pick for me. I’ve been a fan of this horse since he did us a turn by winning at Royal Ascot in June. Ever since then he’s looked like a Leger horse. He’s also followed the same routes as Kew Gardens, who won this race in 2018. The one thing St Leger winners all have is stamina, and this son of Galileo seems to have plenty. I think he’s the one they’ve all got to beat.
4.15 Doncaster – Rathgar EW
Rathgar has improved well for Jack Charlton this season, which included a win in the Racing League at Yarmouth. The four-year-old gelding was last seen running at York, where he was badly hampered when making his move, so you can forgive him that run. I think the application of the first-time cheekpieces could help him here, as they might help him travel through his races better. Moreover, the slower ground won’t be an issue, as he’s won on soft before. I think Rathgar is a lively player here.
2.05 Chester – Al Qareem (Win)
Al Qareem should be too good for all his rivals here. The five-year-old gelding won this race last year, and he’ll really appreciate the underfoot conditions. We last saw the son of Awtaad finishing a respectable second at Newbury behind Al Aasy, which is the best piece of recent form on offer. If he can replicate that run, then he should have too much for all his rivals.
2.40 Chester – Tashkan EW
This is one of the hardest races to solve on Saturday, but maybe Tashkan could be the answer. The six-year-old gelding has always been a good horse for Brian Ellison but hasn’t had many chances to show it. The key to him is soft, and it looks like he’ll get his conditions here. Running back in a handicap could also suit, as he ran a good race to finish third in the Cesarewitch last season. Though he has to carry top weight, I can’t see him being out of the frame.
