Doncaster Saturday

1.15 PJ Towey Construction Handicap 1m

With 23 wins from 89 runners in the last eight weeks, the stable of Simon and Ed Crisford remains in excellent form, and their runners at Doncaster are always worth a second look. That alone makes Treble Tee interesting, but his claims look rock-solid in any case. Unexposed after just two handicap starts in which he’s finished a close second, Treble Tee appeals as being open to further progress and the form of his last two runs is working out nicely.

Beaten a neck at Thirsk by Big Leader, Treble Tee went on to be second, half a length behind Tribal Chief at Goodwood late last month. Treble Tee boosted the earlier form when an excellent third from his revised mark at York, while he and Tribal Chief had a trio of last-time-out winners behind them at Goodwood. A scopey sort, Treble Tee looks sure to continue on the upgrade and has leading claims against more exposed rivals here.

1.50 Betfred Champagne Stakes (Group 2) 7f 6yd

I was impressed with Andrew Balding’s Gewan in the Acomb Stakes last time, particularly the way he rallied when challenged again by Italy in the closing stages, and his pedigree suggests he will be at least as good on yielding turf as he was on the quick surface at York.

Gewan is following a similar path to Balding’s Chaldean, winning the same contest at Newbury prior to the Acomb. Chaldean also took this contest, and Gewan looks in similar mould, if a very different colour to the 2023 2000 Guineas winner. He can progress further, with the stiffer test sure to suit given the way he went away again in the dying strides at York, and he’s a confident selection in the circumstances.

2.25 Betfred Portland (Heritage Handicap) 5f 143yd

Jordan Electrics represents the stable which won this race in 2022 and 2024 and the nine-year-old is capable of enhancing that record, having run a cracker on his most recent start. Having his second run of the week, Jordan Electrics looked as good as ever when just over half a length behind Northern Ticker in the Constantine Handicap at York last time. Last year, he was only narrowly beaten by J M Jungle over the five-and-a-half-furlong trip on the Kanvesmire and this track and trip should suit - in fact, it’s strange to note that this will be his first-ever visit to Town Moor.

Jordan Electrics improved markedly last season, winning seven times, and retains all that ability despite drawing a blank so far in 2025. He looks well-drawn in stall 20 (American Affair won from stall 22 last year) with two potential front-runners immediately to his left to draw him into the contest. He’s also been eased 1lb since York, making him look well treated, and there is a lot to like about his chances.

3.00 Betfred Park Stakes (Group 2) 7f 6yd

Shadow Of Light is in danger of becoming disappointing, having met with defeat on all three starts this season, but he’s run to a high level in both the 2000 Guineas and in the Prix Jean Prat last time (beaten less than half a length) either side of his one real disappointment, that coming when only fifth in the Commonwealth Cup on firm ground at Royal Ascot. His record on good or softer short of a mile now reads 112114 and his chance here remains obvious enough, for all his odds remain skinny enough.

At more attractive odds, a fair case can be made for Ten Bob Tony who hasn’t been seen since winning the John of Gaunt Stakes at Haydock at the end of May. That absence might seem a concern, but his record after a break of two months or more now reads 121, and he is clearly capable of running to his best when fresh. His draw on the outside of the field could well be a positive, and he is ideally suited by seven furlongs with some cut in the ground, so ought to give a good account for a stable that has maintained a high level of consistency through the season.

3.40 Betfred St Leger Stakes (Group 1) 1m 6f 115yd

There are two horses I would take a very positive view of in the Leger. Firstly, the outstanding contender is dual Derby winner Lambourn, who looked rusty when beaten under a penalty in the Great Voltigeur at York and would be a very skinny price if coming here straight after his Curragh win.

I’m happy to mark up his York effort, which came in a messy race that put less emphasis on stamina than he needs, while his trainer was adamant that he would need the run to bring him to a peak for the final Classic of the season. The way he scored at Epsom immediately suggested he would take the world of beating if rocking up at Doncaster in the same form, and Aidan O’Brien has no peers when it comes to preparing horses for this contest.

The other horse to take the eye at York was Carmers, who was racing over the shortest trip he’s ever faced and got outpaced before making good late headway. His defeat of Furthur in the Queen’s Vase has worked out very well, and he also appeals as having the ideal blend of stamina and class required for this contest. Scandinavia is resected but I feel that his win in the Goodwood Cup is not quite as strong as it looked at the time, given he was getting a stone from Illinois, who wasn’t quite good enough to win a St Leger himself.

Recommended

Treble Tee 1.15 Doncaster 2pts win @ 11/4 (Bet365, 5/2 Hills)

Gewan 1.50 Doncaster 2pts win @ 7/4 (general)

Jordan Electrics 2.25 Doncaster 1pt e/w @ 11/1 (general – 5 places)

Ten Bob Tony 3.00 Doncaster 1pt e/w @ 4/1 (Bet365, SkyBet – 4 places)

Lambourn/Carmers 3.40 Doncaster 1pt RFC