Back for two races at Doncaster today including the Leger and then over to Leopardstown for the Irish Champion Stakes. After the strong winds yesterday at Doncaster the forecast is more benign. However there is there a possibility of rain and the clerk of the course has not ruled out the possibility of the ground easing from the current good conditions.
At Leopardstown the going is on the softer side of Good.
2.00 Doncaster Champagne Stakes (Group 2)
Six to post for this 7f event for the 2y.o. boys.
Thunder Snow sets the form standard on his second in the Vintage Stakes at Goodwood.
He looks sure to go close, although the Saeed bin Suroor stable remain relatively quiet and that is a cause for concern.
Rivet impressed when winning at York. Rivet looks sure to step up significantly on that bare form and is in the ‘could be anything’ category. Partnered by Andrea Atzeni; the young Italian has already ridden five winners at this meeting so far.
2/1 joint favs on my provisional tissue.
3.45 Doncaster St Leger Stakes (Group 1)
A.P. O’Brien has three of the nine entered here. His Great Voltigeur winner Idaho being the strong market leader.
With the heavy rain having missed Doncaster Idaho deserves to be at short odds. He sets a high standard with the prospect of further improvement on this step up to 14f.
Muntahaa is progressing with racing but faces a very tough task in improving past Idaho.
The market has it about right. I go:
Idaho 4/5
Muntahaa 5/1
10/1 bar
6.45 Leopardstown Irish Champion Stakes (Group 1)
Here we have the Oaks winner taking on the Derby winner.
I favour Minding to come out on top against the highest class opposition.
Harzand may find the drop back to 10f a problem, the Arc being his target.
I price them as follows:
Minding 5/2
Harzand 7/2
10/1 bar
It is a day of high quality where the layers have had ample time to get their markets right for the main contenders. An angle in may be a change in the conditions at Doncaster and a sharp weather eye is advised.