2.40 Doncaster
Doncaster Cup (Group 2) (Class 1) (3YO plus)
Winner £56,770
Pick: Opinion Poll (win)
Opinion Poll: Progressive sort who fairly romped away with big 12f handicap last year at Ascot and is even better with cut in the ground, as he showed when looking like Group horse all over when cantering away at Nottingham at beginning of season; Has since been hit and miss but showed his best form when winning Lonsdale Cup and major chance here on that form.
Askar Tau: One of leading stayers in 2009, completing Group 2 double with success in tis race, having taken Lonsdale; Would be right there on that form, but he ran abysmally at Ascot on return in April and has not been seen since.
Darley Sun: Couldn’t stop improving last year, romping away with 2m handicap at Ascot before only just losing out to Askar Tau in Lonsdale Cup and then hacking up in Cesarawitch on final start; Since been switched to Godolphin hand hasn’t regained that form, and has plenty to prove although conditions are set for him to run well if finding form.
Dirar: Successful hurdler who resumed progress on the Flat this year, charging through field to take Ebor at York last month with career best effort under superb ride from Jamie Spencer (helped by a generous pace); This is much tougher though and longer trip is a possible worry for him.
Electrolysis: Won 2m listed race at Ascot in 2009 and showed further improvement when third to Illustrious Blue in Sagaro Stakes there in April; Possibly didn’t have to improve to come second in Goodwood Cup behind Illustrious Blue and seemingly beaten fair and square in Lonsdale Cup, so needs more.
Pointilliste: Won Group 3 and listed event in France and has generally been a smart performer in France up to 15.5f for past couple of years; Didn’t shown much on debut for new yard, though, and this isn't any easier.
Samuel: Third in Yorkshire Cup 2 years ago before 2 useful efforts behind Tranquil Tiger and Distinction; Ran very well on comeback from long break first time out this season and bettered that with fine second to Opinion Poll in Lonsdale Cup last time, and major player with a 3lbs pull.
Tastahil: Did nothing but improve last year, taking his form to a new level with a nice all the way success at Newbury in soft ground before good string of efforts in group company; Gallant front running effort in Chester Cup under topweight but outclassed in Gold Cup and once again came up short in pattern company at York last time.
Dayia: Has stamina for this trip having finished placed in the Cesarewitch and the Ascot Stakes, but those efforts not good enough at this level.
Motrice: Highly-progressive filly, having won last 3 on trot over 1m6f when coming a good third in Moet Hennessy Fillies' Stakes (form given major boosts by Eastern Aria, Polly’s Mark and Rosika since); Was staying on but this test and trip demands more, although she cannot be ruled out with more to come receiving so much weight.
VERDICT: An intriguing and solid renewal. Based on their close finish in the Lonsdale not much will split Electrolyser, Samuel and OPINION POLL, with the latter just preferred on account of the extra improvement the forecast rain should bring in him, not to mention that he was able to hold them all off on fast ground last time. In receipt of so much weight, it’s impossible to discount Motrice, while this will be much tougher than the Ebor for the progressive Dirar. Conditions are ideal for last year’s 1-2 of Askar Tau and Darley Sun if they find their best form but they have a lot of questions to answer.
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