UK Horse Racing Tips: Doncaster

Portledge won on the all-weather off a 1lb lower mark from Esprit De Corps in February and could be fairly treated in this sphere, though of more interest is RIGHT ACTION, who is taken to repeat his success in this contest 12 months ago. Silvestre De Sousa has been booked and he's dropped 4lb lower than when striking at Catterick last spring. Buccaneers Vault has conditions to suit and could play a supporting role, likewise Saluti, who has recently been given wind surgery and now debuts for Paul Midgley.
Prediction : 1st Right Action 2nd Saluti 3rd Buccaneers Vault

Fox Champion was only narrowly denied on his debut here in June and took a step forward to win his sole subsequent start at Kempton. That said, the form of those races is not very strong and he could be vulnerable under a 7lb penalty. Cool Exhibit is another proven winner in this field but the same comments apply to him regarding his penalty. With that in mind, a chance can be taken with COUNTRY, who lacks previous race experience but his pedigree suggests that he could be very talented. The son of Dubawi is a full-brother to Lucky Nine, who was a multiple Group 1 winner in the Far East, and to a couple of Group performers in Japan. Fox Win Win cost 320,000gns as a yearling and he has to be respected on his debut, especially as the same connections also run Fox Champion. Conaglen also merits a place on the shortlist having run well on his debut last month and that should give him a race-fitness edge.
Prediction : 1st Country 2nd Conaglen 3rd Fox Champion

NAADIRR won this contest off 2lb lower 12 months ago and although he lost his way in the latter stages of last season, he's recently been given wind surgery and is weighted to go close now back down in grade. How Far had a recent pipe-opener on the all-weather and is expected to show up well under Silvestre De Sousa. Others to consider are Von Blucher, who finished a neck second over C&D off 2lb lower when last sighted in October, and Green Power, who has been gelded since his last run, drops in grade, is rated only 1lb above his last winning mark and has Andrea Atzeni booked.
Prediction : 1st Naadirr 2nd Green Power 3rd Von Blucher

WILLIE JOHN didn't show his form in a Group 3 at Longchamp last September but won on Town Moor the time before that like a horse who is a good bit better than this level. He won over 10 furlongs here on a return from a break/first run for Roger Varian last season and, given the yard has been responsible for a few winners this week, he should be ready to roll and the step up in trip may unlock another gear. Red Verdon is the highest rated in the field and was tried in Group 1 races at the back end of last year, so he's noted along with Crowned Eagle.
Prediction : 1st Willie John 2nd Red Verdon 3rd Crowned Eagle

The eye is immediately drawn to SHAREEF STAR's unexposed profile, representing a trainer who boasts a good record at this track. The Sir Michael Stoute-trained Sea The Stars colt improved between runs last year, disappointing favourite backers at Leicester latest but running a career best behind a smart Godolphin horse. A mark of 81 could underestimate his ability on handicap debut and he looks worth chancing. Archippos won this 12 months ago and represents an in-form yard, while chances are also given to Hulcote and Infanta Isabella.
Prediction : 1st Shareef Star 2nd Hulcote 3rd Infanta Isabella

GOOD BIRTHDAY improved with every start as a juvenile and he was last seen winning a competitive novice event over a mile at Newbury in October. The step up in trip is not certain to suit but if he does see out the trip then he could have plenty in hand off a mark of 82. Venedegar displayed promise in some competitive maiden and novice races last year and he should improve as a three-year-old, while Flying Dragon and Mister Chiang also merit consideration.
Prediction : 1st Good Birthday 2nd Venedegar 3rd Flying Dragon

CRISTAL SPIRIT was only narrowly denied on his seasonal return 12 months ago and he ended his 2018 campaign with a win at Kempton in October. That form suggests that he could make a winning debut for new connections today and the booking of the experienced Simon Walker is also a positive. Master Grey is not the most prolific of winners but he is more than capable of running well in a race of this nature, while Grandscape and Party Royal also merit consideration.
Prediction : 1st Cristal Spirit 2nd Master Grey 3rd Grandscape