The pick of the prices at Doncaster….

Friday, 15th September 2023

The pick of the prices at Doncaster….

BADRI makes appeal at 14s & 16s in tomorrow’s Portland at Doncaster (2.20)….

He’s done well over 5f at Newcastle on the tapeta surface….

…. but what he’s shown on turf over the minimum trip is that he needs a strong pace and a test….

…. evidenced by winning performances at Beverley and Ascot – both tracks that provide the speedballs with a stiff finish….

Town Moor is flat, of course….

…. but tomorrow’s Portland trip is closer to 6f than the bare 5f….

…. and that extra yardage will play to Badri’s strengths….

…. enabling him to produce his customary strong finish when others are fading….

There’s plenty of pace on tomorrow…..

…. much of it up the middle of the track….

….. and from stall 7 I reckon Badri’s well-positioned to hang off the back of it until he’s ready to make his move….

I was worried about the soft ground yesterday….

…. but the straight track is already described as good/soft in places….

…. and with dry weather and a breeze forecast over the next 24-hours….

…. the ground shouldn’t present problems….

He’s been in good form this term….

…. producing four 100+ performances since the end of April….

…. and he gives the impression there could yet be more to come….

• In the St Leger – 3.35….

In the proper big races….

…. the media drives the narrative and shapes opinion….

All this week in the build up to tomorrow’s St Leger (3.35)….

…. the focus has been on Frankie Dettori and which of the Gosden horses he’ll ride….

…. which one Ryan Moore will ride for Aidan O’Brien….

…. and whether or not the general public will produce a mass back-flip should the King’s horse come home in front….

CHESSPIECE – running for the Crisford operation – has barely merited mention….

…. he might just be overpriced as a result….

…. and I’m minded to swing the bat at the 12s about him….

The 12f trip didn’t play to his strengths last time at Goodwood….

…. tomorrow’s 14f trip – with the emphasis on stamina – is much more up his street….

…. the ground has come right for him – some of his races this summer have been on ground too quick for him to show his very best….

…. and the galloping nature of the Doncaster track will play to his strengths….

…. we know he stays and he could well be going on late when other more fancied horses have given way….

He’s got it to do on the figures as they stand – for sure….

…. but he’s a potential improver in the conditions tomorrow….

…. and he can certainly outrun his odds….

• Finally….

That's all for today....

Back next week….

Meantime - contact me direct at - nick.pullen@oxonpress.co.uk

Stay tuned….

Nick Pullen

Against the Crowd