Selections for Saturday 1st of April 2023
2.25 Doncaster
1 point each way Dirtyoldtown (6/1 Skybet, 7 places or else 7/1 Bet365, 6 places)
Dirtyoldtown has proven form on soft ground having won and been a close second twice from four runs. He was second over today’s trip when second by a half a length at Musselburgh on his reappearance last season. His only run at Doncaster saw him finish second by a head to the Charlie Appleby trained New Kingdom who has won since in Meydan. He will be a danger to all if the application of first time blinkers can squeeze out another bit of improvement.
1 point each way Broken Spear (17/2 Skybet, 7 places or else 8/1 Bet365, 6 places)
Broken Spear is drawn higher but has become well handicapped off a mark of 82. He loves it here at Doncaster and the ground is definitely in his favour. He finished second in the 2018 Brocklesby and fifth in last year’s Lincoln off 4 lbs higher. Top apprentice Billy Lougnane is onboard taking a further 5 lbs off his back. He surely has a solid each way shout.
3.00 Doncaster
1 point each way Vadream (12/1 Bet365, 4 places or else 10/1 Generally, 4 places)
Vadream comes in here fit off the back of a couple of failed attempts on the all weather over 7 furlongs. Back over 6 furlongs on her preferred ground she could run well at a price. Her runs on ground with cut in it included a third in the Jersey Stakes in 2021 and a sixth in the Champion Sprint last season. She also finished third in a Group 3 at Chantilly. She may prove hard to win with but there are enough positives to suggest she can finish in the places.
3.35 Doncaster
1 point each way Al Mubhir (5/1 Paddy power/ William Hill/ 888 Sports/ Unibet/ Betway, 6 places)
I was looking for a horse to take on the main market principles in this but decided to just pick the horse I thought had the best chance of winning even if it is well found in the market. William Haggas won this last year with a similar type and won the Irish equivalent last week. Al Mubhir won his sole start as a two year old at Newmarket. He was frustrating last year before winning at Haydock on Heavy ground in October over a mile. He has had a wind op since and at the age of four is likely to improve further this season.
3.15 Kempton
2 points Win Aztec Empire (5/4 Coral/ Ladbrokes)
Aztec Empire has the profile to take a race of this nature. He is still unexposed after just five racecourse starts. He won a 1m 4f race here at Kempton in January by 7 lengths. He disappointed at Southwell before returning here over 2 miles to win easily. The opposing Aced It was 3 lengths back in third and has a 6 lbs swing in the ratings but I feel Aztec Empire can take another step forward and confirm those placings. He is by Sea The Stars out of a dam who is by Arc winner Hurricane Run, so stamina is throughout his pedigree.
5.00 Kempton
2 points Win Chantico (11/8 William Hill/ Betvictor)
Chantico is another with a favourites chance in the final race on the card. This looks like a typical Roger Varian improver that could leave his opening handicap mark of 84 well behind him in time. He was third in both starts at 1 mile and 1m 2f last September before getting off the mark at Lingfield three weeks ago over 1m 2f. He won going away from market rival Idee Fixee and indicated there was still likely more to come.
**Date & Time of next Selections Friday 7th of April at 9pm..