Day 1 of the St Leger meeting at Doncaster is shaping up to be a really competitive, interesting card. Good ground all round makes it a level playing field for all involved so I’m looking forward to finding some winners today and the rest of the week.
My main fancy today is TOOMUCHFORME in the opener at Doncaster. Karl Burke‘s filly lost little in defeat last time out as she finished second to a smart one giving her weight. Having raced handily throughout the race she looked like she might just fade away late on but instead she powered on through the line to regain the lead and suggest a step up to 7f might be the way to go. Connections have decided against that but a stiff 6f here at Doncaster should suit and I’m hoping she proves to be better than a mark of 85.
I was surprised to see Ryan Moore choose Ecstatic over JANUARY but I am not surprised that there is plenty of money for the latter this morning. Sean Levey takes over the steering onboard this daughter of Kingman and I am anticipating a big run given the step up to 1m will bring about plenty of improvement. She has looked a top filly over 7f trips this summer but has struggled over 6f so I’m pretty confident that this trip will bring about the improvement required to figure.
Down at Epsom the Jump Jockeys Derby caught my eye as I think Poncho and PARRAMOUNT have outstanding chances. I have sided with the latter on the basis that his running style should suit Epsom. Soft ground is also a plus for Charlie Longsdon’s charge as he has had to look to the all weather recently to avoid the firm ground elsewhere. If Lily Pinchin can get her charge out in front I think he will be very hard to peg back up the straight.
Doncaster 1.50 – Toomuchforme
Doncaster 3.00 – January
Epsom 3.45 – Parramount
