DonaldMcCain

15.20 Wetherby - Weird Al

This looks a good race to start him off in and although he is wrong with a few of them at the weights, it is probably better for him to come here rather than the big-field handicap at Ascot which was the other option. He has been in good form since he joined us - his work has been solid and he looks very well. We know that he has plenty of ability from his novice days and although things haven't been straightforward since, he has shown me no signs of any of the problems he has had. I like to learn as I go along with new horses to the stable and this should give me a better idea of where we are with him - if he is back to his best, he wouldn't be out of this and it is worth remembering that he hasn't had that many runs - there could be more to come.


16.00 Wetherby - Lucky Landing

He has been a bit of a headscratcher as he looked a good prospect when he won a bumper at Uttoxeter on his debut but has run dismally in two starts over hurdles. Hopefully he will show his true colours this winter but a few of ours have needed their reappearance and I think he will come on for this.


15.00 Ascot - Drill Sergeant

I have gone on record as saying he has one of these valuable handicaps in him and I think he will go well here. We know what he is - he has shown his quirks on a few occasions - but he has plenty of ability and isn't impossibly handicapped. It makes a pleasant change for him not to be carrying top-weight and I actually thought he ran a bit better than the result at Market Rasen last time. The fact that he has been kept on the go might be in his favour here too as some of the more fancied runners are making their seasonal reappearance and he may have a fitness advantage.


My Best Chances

I would think that Koup De Kanon would take all the beating at Carlisle on Sunday (13:10) - he looks well handicapped and Henry Brooke's claim is an added bonus. Super Duty , who also goes at Carlisle on Sunday (14:10), has plenty of ability and as long as he settles, he would be best of the rest.


For more exclusive Donald McCain content, go to http://betting.betfair.com/horse-racing/donald-mccain/