The November handicap, the last major handicap of the turf season is run today at Doncaster. Hopefully the going won’t be too soft as this can sway the fortunes of horses way out of proportion. Anyway the John Dunlop trained Ebtikaar has the look of an improving young horse and he looks the one to be on here. He has shown progressive form in his last two races and seems to act with a bit of cut in the ground. Sirce is a consistent sort and should again run well especially of his low weight while others with a chance include the more experienced pair Wonderwood and Frank Sonata.
The long distance handicap at 1.20 can go to the John Gosden trained Indian Pipe Dream. He looks to have been found a nice opening and should have a bit in hand of the likes of Elusive Dream and recent dual winner The Nawab who can go on soft ground.
Kelso also race today and Silver Jack can get of the mark for the season in the Novices H’cap Chase at 2.15. The distance of 3m 1f should be right up his street. He stayed on well from well of the pace when third recently at Hexham and the extra distance should benefit him here. Brandy Wine, Bright Steel and Tee-Jay can chase him home.
The other Novice chase at 3.20 looks like a good opportunity for Clouding Over to start the season with a win. He appears to have quite a bit in hand of his rivals although the in form Parisienne Gale could make proven fitness tell.
The Badger Ales chase at Wincanton 3.15 doesn’t look as strong a renewal but this should mean that the highly thought of Red Devil Robert is able to start his climb up chasings ladder with success here. His talented but quirky stablemate Inca Trail can give him most to do if he is in a co-operative mood. Naunton Brook can also go well along with Windsor Boy.
Finally the recent conqueror of Gold Cup winner Kicking King, War of Attrition, is due to run in the Nicholson Wine Merchants Champion Chase at Down Royal. Also in the line up is Beef or Salmon and I believe Beef or Salmon can start to redeem his now questioned reputation with a win here.
SELECTIONS
DONC 3.35 EBTIKAAR
DONC 1.20 INDIAN PIPE DREAM
KELSO 2.15 SILVER JACK
KELSO 3.20 CLOUDING OVER
DOWN ROY 2.40 BEEF OR SALMON
WINC 3.15 RED DEVIL ROBERT