Rory Delargy

DONCASTER SATURDAY

1.50 BETWAY CAMMIDGE TROPHY STAKES (Listed) 6F

Ed Walker has had his best ever start to the campaign having moved yards to Upper Lambourn, and while Captain Colby has a little bit to find on the figures, last autumn’s Portland winner clearly relishes the track and the drying ground is very much in his favour. He is drawn on the stands’ rail and should be well placed to chase the pace set by the likes of Nameitwhatyoulike and Swift Approval who are both drawn nearby. A high draw has been an advantage in this race in recent years, regardless of underfoot conditions, and the five-year-old gelding is reported in fine form at home.

2.25 BETWAY SPRING MILE HANDICAP 1M

Lord Of The Rock made all to win this a year ago, and the relative lack of pace in this field suggests he may be able to repeat the feat having had his 2016 season curtailed. Michael Dods is 4-26 so far this year, and clearly has his team in good nick, so it may pay to ignore a couple of blow-outs after his defeat of Donncha a year ago. That piece of form has been advertised regularly by the runner-up, who is a leading hope for the Lincoln this time around. It’s not hard finding dangers, with Nimr, Sacred Act and Ballet Concerto all representing powerful stables and with positive profiles. On the other hand, all three have been well found in the market.

3.00 BETWAY DONCASTER MILE STAKES (Listed) 1M - ROUND

Custom Cut failed to win last year, but looked as good as ever in pattern company, and is capable of improving on last year’s third in this race with underfoot conditions more in his favour now. The eight-year-old son of Notnowcato is tough and durable and only Stormy Antarctic is rated higher by the official handicapper. He was conceding 5lb to Tullius when beaten a neck by that rival at Epsom last June in a quick time, and now meets that rival on equal terms, so appeals as good value at the same price. The pair are drawn next to each other on the inner rail, which promises to be advantageous.

3.35 BETWAY LINCOLN 1M

As always, the Lincoln looks nigh-on impossible to solve, with the effect of pace and the draw relative unknowns and the fitness of most of the runners taken on trust. One who appeals as overpriced in the market is Master Carpenter, who usually runs in pattern company but has been given a chance by the handicapper having been dropped to a mark of 99. Two years ago, he won the John Smith’s Cup at York off a higher rating, and he was far from disgraced on his only outing at this level last year, when giving the impression that a return to a well-run mile would be his best chance to get back to winning ways. The son of Mastercraftsman isn’t really suited by the tactical nature of small-field group races and his opportunities to run at an end-to-end gallop have been few and far between in recent seasons. He showed on numerous occasions last term that he retained a large portion of his old ability and hails from a yard which has done well with limited runners in heritage handicaps. Lulu Stanford has had an opportunity to get to know him on the track and the combination represent lively outsiders in the first big betting heat of the turf season.

5.50 BETWAY APPRENTICE HANDICAP 1M 2F 60Y

It’s rare for Paul Nicholls to have a flat runner in a race such as this, but with daughter Megan riding, the Ditcheat handler has found an excellent opportunity for Volpone Jelois, who has made the frame on all five starts over hurdles for his new yard and was a dual winner on the level in France. His French form gives him a chance here, but he seems to have improved for the move to Nicholls, and with cheekpieces fitted for the first time, he looks something to bet on from a kind draw.

KEMPTON SATURDAY

2.05 BETFRED MOBILE MAGNOLIA STAKES (Listed) 1M 2F

John Gosden has an enviable record in this contest, winning it five times since 1992, and can gain another victory courtesy of Linguistic, who won on his reappearance last year before a couple of second place finishes in listed company, including a short-head defeat by Viren’s Army in the Dee Stakes at Chester. He failed to take to blinkers in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot, but has been given time to mature since and is the type to do better with the benefit of a break.

3.15 BETFRED ‘HOME OF GOALS GALORE’ ROSEBERY HANDICAP 1M 3F

Big Country showed ability in a handful of soft-ground maidens for Charles O’Brien, but looked a different proposition on his debut for Mick Appleby at Wolverhampton last month, putting his rivals to the sword in a smart time despite being eased down. This is a much stronger race but he’s completely unexposed away from the mud and has in no way been harshly handicapped with an opening mark of 84. Silvestre de Sousa takes over the steering and should help cement his new position as part of the Appleby team by winning this once prestigious prize.

RECOMMENDED

CUSTOM CUT 3.00 Doncaster – 1pt win @ 8/1 (general)

MASTER CARPENTER 3.35 Doncaster – 1pt e/w @ 33/1 (general)

VOLPONE JELOIS 5.50 Doncaster –1pt e/w @11/2 (SkyBet)

BIG COUNTRY 3.15 Kempton – 1pt win @ 4/1 (general)