The Yorkshire Rose Mares’ Hurdle headlines Doncaster’s action on Saturday and we are also treated to two Grade 2 novice hurdles and the Great Yorkshire Handicap Chase.
Charlie Sharp provides his analysis on the big race as well as some other selections at Doncaster’s meeting, where they race from 11.50-3.50, with the Yorkshire Rose Mares’ Hurdle due off at 2.05.
2.05 – Yorkshire Rose Mares’ Hurdle (2m½f)
A field of six will battle for Doncaster’s feature race, which could see the winner shoot to the top of the market for the Mares’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. The market is headed by Ashroe Diamond.
The Willie Mullins-trained mare is unbeaten in mares-only races over hurdles and brings in some fantastic form with some of the best novice hurdlers from last season. Teahupoo, Impaire Et Passe, Facile Vega, Marine Nationale, Irish Point and Il Etait Temps are the only horses that have finished ahead of this talented mare over hurdles. If she continues to progress, as she is entitled to, she can remain unbeaten against mares here.
Her closest rival is Gala Marceau, who is also trained by Willie Mullins. She’s been behind stablemate Lossimouth on all her starts in Britain or Ireland and her owners will be relieved that Lossiemouth heads to the Unibet Hurdle at Cheltenham.
However, Ashroe Diamond is potentially more progressive and should be able to get the better of Gala Marceau.
This race looks set to be a Willie Mullins ding-dong finish but Nicky Henderson will be hoping that Under Control is able to give the two Irish mares something to think about. She ran absolutely no race in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival last season but bounced back by winning two handicap hurdles, beating the talented Iberico Lord.
The seasonal reappearance was one to forget when finishing tailed off behind Hansard. She has since had a wind surgery which may allow her to run her race again.
3.15 - Great Yorkshire Handicap Chase (3m)
This competitive staying handicap chase sees 18 runners go to post and it could be a cracker.
Famous Bridge continues to progress in handicap company and has a very eye-catching record with form figures reading 11-411 since March 2023. This race is a step up for him, but he’s favourite to continue his winning run.
Cap Du Nord is a horse who seems to find his best form around this part of the season. He has won under rules eight times, with six of those wins coming between January to March. Christian Williams and Jack Tudor know every inch of this horse and I believe that this race with a prize of £56,900 has been the target. The plucky 11-year-old has career earnings of over £296,000 and has another big pot in his sights here.
SELECTION: CAP DU NORD
