DONCASTER signalled the start of the British flat turf season last weekend, with the Brocklesby Stakes raising the curtain, writes Page Fuller. It was no surprise to see a resident of Richard Hannon yard landing the spoils. However, the horse that finished runner-up to it looks the one to keep on side next time out. Dance A Jig has the pedigree to enjoy a sprint race at Doncaster. Two of his older sisters were winners of the Group 3 Fillies and Mares Sceptre Stakes over six furlongs at the track. Unfortunately he had a lot of learning to do on the job, and got into all sorts of trouble.

He was slow into stride with his 0-20 mph time of 2.56 seconds, faster than only four other horses in the race. The winner, A Bear Affair, on the other hand, was the third quickest into stride and 0.41 seconds faster than Dance A Jig. That put him on the back foot straight away.

To compensate, he quickened impressively in the third furlong once the penny dropped. His Top Speed of 40.22 mph was the only Top Speed recorded faster than 40 mph. The gaps then seemed to open for him, but as they approached the final furlong, one suddenly closed on him, and he got severely squeezed up by two of his rivals. This check of momentum caused by the incident meant that he certainly should have been closer, and it makes him difficult to oppose when we next see him on the track.