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With Royal Ascot on the horizon, it’s probably fair to say the majority of people in racing will already be looking forward to next week. However, Doncaster plays host to seven interesting races on Sunday afternoon including a competitive Class 2 sprint handicap.
The 7f Class 5 Mr Dan Entertainers Parties And Events Handicap (2.05) opens the card and the Tony Coyle-trained Ey Up Its The Boss may prove the one to side with. The four-year-old produced a solid second over the mile on quick ground at Thirsk last start and the fitting of a first-time visor could eke out some progress.
Charlie Appleby won the 7f Class 5 Active Fusion 10 More Years Appeal EBF Maiden Stakes (2.40) last season and saddles an interesting newcomer in the shape of Majestic One. The son of Teofilo cost 260,000 guineas at the sales and he may have too much class for his rival's first-time-out.
Only five go to post in the 1m4f Class 5 Five-Rivers Fostering Doncaster Maiden Stakes (3.15). William Haggas' Tajanis looked too green to do himself justice when fifth at Nottingham on debut in April and he could take a sizeable step forward. However, this looks like a good bit of placing by the Gosden team and with further improvement on the cards now upped to a mile and a half, Vaguely Royal should be getting off the mark following a decent second over ten furlongs at Chepstow.
The feature 5f Class 2 James Hammond Handicap (3.50) has attracted some nice sprinters. With a record of two from four over course and distance, Burning Cash requires serious consideration having shaped nicely when fifth in a more competitive sprint at York recently. Ancient Times was a good third at Chester on Saturday and would have to be noted if turning out quickly but King Of Bavaria gets the overall vote. Michael Appleby's runner won snugly on quick ground at Windsor earlier this month and a 3lb rise may not be enough to prevent the follow-up.
The drop back in trip should see Power Of Gold in a better light in the 1m Class 4 Follow JPL Shetland Racing On Facebook Handicap (4.25) but Laser Guided may take some stopping. The Crisford-trained son of Kingman battled on strongly to force a dead heat for first on his handicap debut at Ripon last-time-out. There should be more to come from this well-bred colt as he continues to gain experience and it would be no surprise were he to go in again off a 3lb higher mark.
Elsewhere on the card, B Associates may prove up to completing the four-timer in the 6f Class 6 Learn. Perform. Achieve. National Horseracing College Handicap (5.00). Jim Goldie's charge arrives in red-hot form following back-to-back Class 6 handicap wins at Carlisle and a further 7lb rise probably will not be enough to stop him.
It could be worth following the same form line in the finale. The 7f Class 6 Harrison College Handicap (5.35) looks tricky but Bernie The Bear was returning from a lengthy break when runner-up to the aforementioned B Associates at Carlisle and he just about earns the vote.
RACING & SPORTS SELECTIONS
RACE 1 – EY UP ITS THE BOSS
RACE 2 – MAJESTIC ONE
RACE 3 – VAGUELY ROYAL
RACE 4 – KING OF BAVARIA
RACE 5 – LASER GUIDED
RACE 6 – B ASSOCIATES
RACE 7 – BERNIE THE BEAR