Doncaster 14:45 5 1/2f Handicap 11th September 2010

MASAMAH
Performed well for Kevin Ryan this term and is one from one under Spencer. Thinking is this trip might be a shade too far and is now 6lbs higher than last handicap win. Obvious talent but others look better treated.

SIGNOR PELTRO
Doing all his best work at the end of recent 6f outings, suggesting this could all happen a bit too quick for him. Will need the rains to stretch the stamina of others but entitled to be near the head of the market on ability.

QUEST FOR SUCCESS
Improved into a classy animal last year landing three events. Continued fine form this time around and given last two visits to Doncaster have yielded wins he deserves major respect. Powerful trainer/jockey combo.

JUDGE ‘N JURY
Running well since tongue-tie has been removed. Group three beyond him last time out but could be a danger to all in this off a mark 6lbs below his highest winning one. Any rain would help.

STRIKING SPIRIT
Disappointing on latest start in Steward's Cup after promising run in Wokingham time before. Now 6lbs higher than last win and normal jockey not onboard today. Should blaze off in a bid to make all, but likely to get nabbed.

MONSIEUR JOE
Tough ask to take this off a mark of 101. Wins against own age sandwich three fair efforts against his elders. While improvement should still be happening it will take a big effort to get by some of these.

NOBLE STORM
Drop back to handicap company should suit after contesting Listed events of late. Just 1lb higher now than last winning mark but, once again, others look to have a bit more up their sleeve in this.

BAY KNIGHT
Unwise to rule out raider from across the sea after Santo Padre landed this last term. However, doesn't look in the same league as last year's winner and faces a stiff task at the weights.

ARGANIL
Not shown much sparkle so far this term and ideally needs the going to be much softer than this, so rain would be a plus. Comes into his own on the AW and blinkers reapplied to kick-start him again.

POET’S PLACE
Very lightly raced and clearly on the upgrade. Destroyed useful field last time at Haydock and holds entries in higher grades than this. A 10lb rise might not be enough to halt him and the one they all have to beat.

BAJAN TRYST
Has been in fine form in the last few starts and confirmed his good heart with a win at Dundalk four weeks ago. Ryan Moore an interesting booking and sure to go well. Steep rise in weights a worry.

JOHANNES
Won on seasonal bow off just 1lb lower than today's mark and showed signs of coming back to form last time out at Ripon. Four-week break should have freshened him up and useful claimer gets the leg up. Respected.

FOL HOLLOW
Consistent sprinter who often gives his best. Conditions aren't really in his favour here today though and yet to land a blow when contest is as competitive as this.

SINGEUR
Poorer than expected last time in a race he ought to have won and has struggled in against his elders in these heats all season. The slight drop in the weights should help, but tough to think atleast one other in here won't be better.

HOTHAM
Has improved leaps and bounds this year, landing two victories in hot affairs. Yet to win at this level though and improvement needed again off higher weight to land one of the big sprint handicaps of the season.

TIDDLIWINKS
Highly talented on the AW but no top three finish from seven attempts on turf is a worry. However, has been running extremely well in hot races of late (bit flat at Ripon latest). Jockey booking is decent and has each way appeal.

HOGMANEIGH
Winner of this two years ago off 6lbs higher mark means he earns respect. That was his last victory however and will need to bounce back in a major way to take this. Rain will help, as will eye catching booking of Fallon.

JACK MY BOY
Looked good when landing two handicaps in a row at the start of the season but somewhat tailed off since. This is his first try against his elders and a special effort is required to sweep past them all today.

TAWAABB
Quite a bit to find with Monsieur Joe on their last meeting three weeks ago and will have to improve not only to beat that rival but to beat his talented elders. Big ask.

DEACON BLUES
Comes from a talented family and might be significant that Dettori gets the leg up here. Has been somewhat unlucky since winning Yarmouth event in good style and should come out best of the 3yos. Whether good enough to win remains to be seen.

DUCHESS DORA
Game and likeable filly who won well at Sandown earlier in the season after bursting from the gates off this mark. Sure to land decent handicap before long but hard to see it being this one.

CONFESSIONAL
Won well at Haydock last weekend with a bit to spare on the line. Up 5lbs here but could still be on the upgrade and likely to perform with credit in much tougher heat.



As always a gripping contest to get stuck into. The draw might not play a significant part, as they have been coming up the middle all week and going close from either side of the main bunch. While unoriginal it’s very hard to oppose Poet’s Place. He put a very useful field to the sword last time out at Haydock and the form is working out well with Harry Patch (Well regarded; won next time out) 2nd, Damika (Won Great St Wilfrid (also working out well) next time out) 3rd and Baby Strange (Won hot sprint handicap here on Thursday) 6th. He is clearly talented, holds entries in bigger things and remains on the upgrade. Overnight rain will be a big help. Of the remainder, Quest For Success is of interest. He has been a model of consistency since summer last year and his last two visits to Doncaster have resulted in two wins. Hanagan/Fahey are always to be feared in the North and all ground comes alike to him. Solid claims. Another Fahey runner is also one to catch the eye in the shape of Johannes. Midfield off the same mark in this last term, he was unlucky to be on the wrong side and find trouble in running. He bolted up at York first time out this season and has competed in top class sprint handicaps since, cutting little mustard. He seemed more like his old self last time out at Ripon though and with Lee Topliss taking a valuable 5lbs off his back he has decent each way claims.


SELECTIONS

Poet’s Place 3pts win @ 11/2
Quest For Success 1pt win @ 12/1
Johannes 0.5pt ew @ 28/1