Saturday Tote Placepot Tips for Doncaster from Architect

Leg 1 Selections: Iberian, Rosallion

IBERIAN was well-backed ahead of his debut at Newbury in June in which he won in good style before finishing second in the Vintage Stakes when stepped up in class next time. He is likely to do better again and must be respected. 

The unbeaten ROSALLION beat a subsequent winner with ease at Ascot last-time-out though, and sets a clear standard on that form and on ratings. He will be difficult to beat in the opener. 

Leg 2 Selections: Annaf, Tees Spirit

ANNAF’s two best performances this year on the turf have come in Group 1 company and despite finishing a very good seventh in the Sprint Cup last time, he would have been much closer with a clearer passage (denied a run twice). 

He has top-weight here but the return to a handicap will be easier for him and should he navigate his way through the field, he should go well. TEES SPIRIT returned to form with a good second last-time-out and has claims with a repeat performance here. 

Leg 3 Selections: Sandrine, Spycatcher

SANDRINE won the Group 2 Lennox Stakes last season and while she has not won since, her latest third at York hinted that she might be about to return to winning form for connections. She has her ground, favoured trip and the retained visor from last time. She must be considered. 

Karl Burke’s SPYCATCHER was unlucky when second in a Group 1 in France last time though and will be extremely competitive if he can replicate that performance in this contest. He is included but I’m more confident about the chances of the former, who comes out very well at the weights and on official ratings. 

Leg 4 Selections: Middle Earth, Continuous 

I wouldn’t say this is the strongest of renewals of the St Leger and I want to take a chance on the progressive three-year-old MIDDLE EARTH, who I know has a bit to find in terms of ratings, but the fact that connections have supplemented him for this catches the eye and that’s without delving into his profile. 

He won the Melrose very easily last-time-out and the step up in trip should suit. He is worth inclusion to find out whether he can handle this grade or not after just four career starts. CONTINUOUS returned a good winner of the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York last time and should be thereabouts. 

Leg 5 Selections: Symbol Of Light, Masekela

SYMBOL OF LIGHT made a promising seasonal/stable debut when beaten just a neck into fourth at Newcastle and can be expected to build on that here. Before his 15 month lay-off, he won three on the spin very easily and ran well on his debut on the turf at Newmarket when third. 

He has been hitting the line with a flourish to suggest he will benefit from this step up in trip and can take out this field, who mostly ran poorly last time. Julie Camacho’s charge should be favourite. MASEKELA has seemingly lost his way, but if he did return to something near his best, he would have a chance. 

Leg 6 Selections: Deira Mile, At Vimeiro

DIERA MILE shaped with plenty of promise when third on debut at Sandown last month despite showing signs of inexperience. With a lot more improvement to come, Charlie Johnston’s charge must be considered. 

AT VIMEIRO was an extremely expensive yearling, however, and does make a lot of appeal on paper for a stable who have a good record with two-year-old’s. He could go well, especially if the market speaks in his favour, which would add further confidence.