Our top gossip column returns and is expecting Boldmere to go close in a fascinating Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster.
3.15 Doncaster - Boldmere
So far this season Boldmere hasn't produced anything like his best form as a novice over fences last term but he still retains the ability to win a big race and looks worth taking a chance on in the Sky Bet Handicap Chase at Doncaster on Saturday.
Old rivals Cap de Nord and Canelo dominate the market and look sure to be involved in the finish but there is plenty of scope for each-way investments and Caroline Bailey's gelding offers good value at around 14/1.
A winner over course and distance last season, he was very unlucky not to win at Grade 2 level on his next attempt at Wetherby. He had the race at his mercy but fell at the last, presenting the prize to Newtide. Connections have clearly had this race in mind for some time and it is interesting to note that Sean Bowen, who steered him to that success here just over 12 months ago, is back on board.
12.55 Doncaster - Sunset West
Ex-Irish pointer Sunset West looks the pick of the weights in the opening Visit Attheraces.com Handicap Hurdle. His three outings so far this season make very solid reading.
Unlucky when falling at Kelso on his second start, his two placed efforts behind the smart Ask A Honey Bee at Wetherby and Enqarde at Newcastle either side of that setback look very solid.
Both winners (Enqarde over fences at Ascot last week) have done well at a level higher level since and this looks a good opportunity to land a deserved first win.
2.40 Doncaster - Emir Sacree
Emir Sacree is in good form at home and looks ready for a step up to Grade 2 company in the Albert Bartlett River Don Novices Hurdle. A consistent performer over hurdles and fences in his native France, he made the best possible start to his career with Nicky Henderson when landing an emphatic success in a conditional jockeys event at Ascot just before Christmas.
The form of that race does not look anything too startling but the manner of win for a horse returning from a long absence was impressive and his experience should stand him in good stead on this return to novice company.
3.50 Doncaster - Financial Outcome
Financial Outcome has been hampered with breathing problems during his career but produced a sound effort behind Echo Watt on his first appearance after an operation at Bangor last time.
He looks worth an interest in the Sky Bet Money Back As Cash Handicap Chase having shown his liking for this course in the past and he'll handle the prevailing soft ground.
4.25 Doncaster - Alchemystique
Alchemystique can show the benefit for recent throat surgery in the British European Breeders Fund (EBF) Mares' Standard Open NH Flat Race. The ever shrewd Joe Tuite has always thought a bit of this daughter of Hunter's Light and she showed plenty of promise on her debut when third to the smart Mayhem Mya at Warwick in November.
She was again an each-way whisper on her only subsequent start at Wetherby but came up against an even better filly there in subsequent listed winner Eileendover. In truth she disappointed slightly in finishing only fifth to Pam Sly's well-bred and unbeaten daughter of Canford Cliffs.
Connections clearly felt she would benefit from a wind op after that performance and hopes are high she can make it third time lucky on what looks her easiest opportunity so far.
12.35 Lingfield - Lamorna Cove
Lamorna Cove could reward an each-way interest in the Play Ladbrokes 5-A-Side On Football Novice Median Auction Stakes at Lingfield. David Menuisier likes to bring his youngsters along steadily and there was plenty to like about this daughter of Footstepsinthesand's second appearance on this course last month.
Although she ran green as on her debut, she finished nicely in the closing stages to occupy fourth behind Sealed Offer in what looked a decent novice. The extra yardage here should suit judged on that effort and more improvement is anticipated.
4.05 Lingfield - Angel Mill
James Tate's Angel Mill finished a close third to two decent types from the respective stables of William Haggas and John Gosden when third to Skulk and Kestenna on her latest start over course and distance two weeks ago and looks reasonably weighted with a rating of 63 on her first outing out of maiden and novice company in the Get Your Ladbrokes Daily Odds Boost Handicap.
3.45 Kempton - Lottie Marie
Lottie Marie has won and finished second in three outings since joining the Tuite team from Robert Cowell and looks to have been found a good opportunity to gain compensation for her narrow defeat at Lingfield last time in the Unibet Extra Place Offers Everyday Fillies Handicap at Kempton.
