UK Horse Racing Tips: Doncaster

Amo Racing and rising Ireland-based trainer Robson De Aguiar have two notable contenders in a bid to get the new Flat season off to a flyer. Blixen Force was well touted in the early betting for this race and must be taken seriously on that basis, while Ocean Club is a nicely-bred colt who could be a useful second string. However, preference is for A BEAR AFFAIR, who is suitably reared for speed and represents a yard responsible for two of the last four Brocklesby winners. Dance A Jig, Arrbob and Step To Glory are other appealing options.
Prediction : 1st A Bear Affair 2nd Blixen Force 3rd Dance A Jig

Last year's winner SPYCATCHER has got better with age and although he picks up a 5lb penalty for winning a Group 3 in France, he could be up to the task given he carried the same burden when he won the Wentworth over C&D when last seen. Montassib, who won this in 2024, could only manage fifth in that race and may again find the Karl Burke-trained gelding to be his nemesis. My Mate Alfie is a notable alternative on debut for David O'Meara, while Jasour drops in class and is dangerous to ignore.
Prediction : 1st Spycatcher 2nd Montassib 3rd Jasour

Not one favourite has obliged in this over the last 10 years, which doesn't bode particularly well for Mezcala, who was the subject of good early support at declaration time. Jack Channon's four-year-old is unexposed and may well have sufficient ability to buck the trend but there are some very wily characters amassed and preference is for DESPERATE DAN, who was last seen registering a gutsy victory over C&D in October. Lir Speciale also enters the equation having won a brace of 7f events here last autumn. Carron, Pressure's On and Classic Encounter all have each-way prospects.
Prediction : 1st Desperate Dan 2nd Mezcala 3rd Lir Speciale

DOCKLANDS has been presented with a fine opportunity to get his head in front for the first time since landing the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot. The six-year-old wasn't disgraced on a number of occasions, including when fourth in the QEII back at his favourite track, and he escapes any penalties due to the conditions of the race. Similar comments apply to shock Sussex winner Qirat, who was last seen at the Breeders' Cup, while Volterra appeals most of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Docklands 2nd Qirat 3rd Volterra

Harry Eustace hasn't hidden his confidence in LA BOTTE, with the Newmarket handler stating earlier in the week this would probably be the last time he is seen in handicap company before aiming higher. A desperately unlucky loser in the Britannia at Royal Ascot, he made a pleasing reintroduction when fourth in the Lincoln Trial at Wolverhampton and that outing should bring him on nicely. Eternal Force represents a yard that has won this contest five times, most notably with Addeybb in 2018 and last year with Godwinson, and he arrives in search of a four-timer after impressing at Haydock on his final appearance last term. Rogue Diplomat ended last season winning four on the bounce, including a brace of 7f handicaps here in the autumn, and he enters calculations along with Botanical, who makes his first start for Karl Burke, and Anno Domini, with Charlie Appleby opting to utilise Toby Moore's 7lb claim.
Prediction : 1st La Botte 2nd Eternal Force 3rd Rogue Diplomat

High Storm sets the standard with an official rating of 80 and improved for going up in trip when chasing home a well-bred Godolphin newcomer at Southwell last month. That said, it wouldn't be a massive surprise if a less-exposed rival in the shape of TURTY TREE came out on top. The son of New Bay made a promising start when runner-up over a mile at Newmarket, shaping as though a step up in distance would suit, and his stable couldn't be in better form. Valenday ran with plenty of credit on both starts at York, despite not looking the most straightforward, while Super Crown and Marasi Bay are newcomers of significant interest.
Prediction : 1st Turty Tree 2nd High Storm 3rd Valenday

MAO SHANG WONG got off the mark in impressive fashion over this trip at Newcastle earlier in the month and the unexposed four-year-old may be able to defy a 5lb rise. Bownder was narrowly denied at Lingfield most recently and is an obvious threat, while Up The Jazz is another with good recent all-weather form to his name and has to be noted. Any market support for Glint Of Light would be interesting.
Prediction : 1st Mao Shang Wong 2nd Bownder 3rd Up The Jazz

HASHTAGNOTIONS showed promise when filling third place on the back of a short break at Newcastle last week. He could be hard to beat with the benefit of that outing and a first-time hood may also help his chances. Golspie was a place behind the selection that day and has to be of interest as a result. Others to note are Endless Whisper and Dancing Tiger.
Prediction : 1st Hashtagnotions 2nd Golspie 3rd Endless Whisper