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.