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Sam James: Al Hussar Can Make Experience Count At Doncaster

It was great to get my first winner in the Rhino breeches at Catterick this week, as I won on Hail Sezer for Geoffrey Harker. Hopefully, it will be the first of many this season.
Sam James Rhino Bet

Moving on to this weekend, it’s a busy night for me on Saturday as I go to Doncaster. I’ve got five rides on the card for a few different trainers, so it would be nice to come away with a winner.

What is it like to ride Doncaster?

I like going to Doncaster. It’s a flat course with a long home straight, and you can win from the front or from coming off the pace. It tends to suit all kinds of horses, which makes it a fair track to ride.

My rides at Doncaster

5.35 – Al Hussar (Grant Tuer)

He took a good step forward last time to finish third at Thirsk, where he was beaten by a useful-looking horse of Kevin Ryan’s. There are several horses in this field making their racecourse debuts, so there could be something lurking. However, I think my horse has the best form on offer of those who have raced, and I can see him running well.

6.42  – Back Before Dark (Grant Tuer)

She finished fourth on her racecourse debut at Catterick last season, and she then went on to win at Carlisle on her next start. We’ve not seen her since, but hopefully she has improved from two to three. I’m looking forward to getting back on her.

7.15 – Nova Legend (Paul Midgley)

I don’t know too much about him, but you have to respect Paul Midgley’s horses. He is a good trainer. Looking at his form, he was beaten a long way at Doncaster last time out after he tried to make the running and seems to have paid the price for it by being too keen. Hopefully, he can settle better and take a step back in the right direction.

8.20 – Media Shooter (Karl Burke)

He did very well on the all-weather last winter, winning at tracks like Kempton. Apart from his recent run, he’s usually been a very consistent horse for us, often finishing in the places. This will be his first run on the grass in 2024, so it will be interesting to see if he can transfer his all-weather form. 

8.50 – Too Much Too Young (Roger Fell and Sean Murray)

I’ve not ridden him before, but he might just have needed his last run when he finished sixth at Redcar last month, as that was his first outing for several months. Roger and Sean’s horses have been in good form, so all being well, we might just see an improvement here.

Whatever you’re up to this weekend I hope you have a good one, you’ll be hearing from me again soon.

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It was great to get my first winner in the Rhino breeches at Catterick this week, as I won on Hail Sezer for Geoffrey Harker. Hopefully, it will be the first of many this season.
Read also...