Doncaster - Saturday 16th May 2026
SISTERANDBROTHER is the only one with any relatively recent winning form and shades preference in a race where the majority have something to prove. Traffic problems blighted his last two starts, but he extracted himself well to finish a respectable third at Southwell most recently. Granted a cleaner run, this could be a good opportunity for the Joey Ramsden-trained gelding. In The Post has scope for improvement and heads the list of dangers on that basis. Piecederesistance is best of the rest.
NOBLE RAIDER showed promise in both previous starts and takes a significant enough drop in class to make his experience count. El Floridita is bred to be effective as a sprinter and could be the pick of the debutants, although Wolf's Gallop and Dancingonthestars also appeal on pedigree and merit betting checks. Wopbopaloomop was a well-backed favourite on her introduction and better was obviously expected. However, she has been beaten again since and might fare better when she goes handicapping.
FLIGHT CONTROL cost 200,000 euros as a yearling, but was sold by Coolmore for just 8,000gns before he even saw a racecourse. That proved to be money well spent when the son of Calyx emerged as a surprise, but ready winner on his debut over C&D last month. That was a taking performance and he should have more to offer. The Untamed got off the mark in fine style at Ripon and is a logical danger. Tip Foster and Frio are others to consider.
HAVANA RUM filled second place in a much stronger event at Pontefract last month and the six-year-old merits plenty of respect on the back of that performance, despite a 2lb rise. Novello Lad made the frame at Beverley on his seasonal return and is likely to be in the mix once again, while Noble Consort and Lorna B are others to note.
All of these have claims, but preference is for WATCHDOG. The son of Time Test has won three of his last five starts and that includes a Redcar victory last month. Off just 4lb higher, the Faheys' gelding could add another success to his record. Coyy should not be discounted following his recent Windsor triumph, while Orange Emperor and Concert complete the shortlist.
MASABAN had plenty in hand when making a winning handicap debut at Ripon last week. An 8lb rise demands more from him, but it would be no surprise to see Ed Bethell's gelding follow up. Ice Cube is also going in the right direction and should not be underestimated after his third at Redcar. Of the remainder, Palace Artois on her handicap bow catches the eye.
Typeface drops back a furlong on his return after fading over the Newcastle mile and, having run well off this mark before, he warrants serious consideration. MOONHALL LASS arrives at the top of her game after 6f wins at Yarmouth and Salisbury, where she ran on strongly. She could land her hat-trick off 8lb higher before being forced up in class. Rocket Rod missed the whole of 2025, but has won here off 12lb higher and should be spot-on after two starts this year.
WAR MEMORIAL battled on gamely to win by a neck over this trip at Musselburgh and although upped 4lb in the handicap, he sports first-time cheekpieces while Cian Horgan claims 5lb from the saddle. On Key deserves a victory after finishing second on two of his last three starts, but he may have to settle for more of the same and three-time winner Sedgemoor looks the bigger danger after his third in a better race at Haydock.
A tight contest can go to SISTERANDBROTHER who was an AW winner over the winter off 4lb lower but has won off much higher marks in the past. He bounced back to form when placed last time despite being given too much to do. Recobella has proven consistent for this yard and still has mileage in her mark judged on her French efforts. She can chase the selection home ahead of In The Post who will appreciate this slight drop back in distance.
NOBLE RAIDER has placed on both of his runs so far and sets a clear standard on form. He's proven on fast ground and is a strong selection here ahead of Everatease who would've finished much closer last time if he hadn't been badly hampered late. Alpha Legend was green in that same contest last time but could fight for a place if making usual improvement.
FLIGHT CONTROL pulled off a big upset on debut over C&D on fast ground and the form of that race has been boosted so he is chosen to defy a penalty. Jellystone Park was very green on debut where he was forced wide and the form of that race has been franked emphatically. He is expected to make significant improvement and throw down the biggest challenge ahead of The Untamed who showed a good turn of foot when off the mark last time but will need to progress again.
Ruth Carr has had a number of her reappearing horses win recently so MEN OF HONOUR is backed to make a winning stable debut. He has been given a very generous mark based on his best Irish form and he's a strong stayer at the trip which could prove vital at this track. Noble Consort has been seen sparingly in recent years but he has won 5 of his last 8 including when fresh so he looks the obvious danger on his return. Veteran Novello Lad is likely to come on from a promising return where he placed and also rates a threat.
ORANGE EMPEROR was too keen and failed to stay 7f last time but holds strong claims on his previous run over 6f where he finished runner up. He had a next time out winner in behind that day and races off just 1lb higher here. The inconsistent Watchdog is feared most having gone up just 4lb for a last time out win where he proved he handled fast ground. The steadily progressive Believeinmenow can also make his presence felt in a tight contest.
MASABAN is the obvious pick here. He had plenty in hand when making a winning handicap debut relishing the step up to 1m and an 8lb rise underestimates the ease of that victory. Ice Cube was a beaten favourite on his handicap debut but he did show a willing attitude despite looking in need of the run. If building on that reappearance he can provide a big challenge along with Palace Artois. The well bred filly hasn't shown much in maidens but is open to significant improvement now handicapping for a leading yard with a top jockey booked.
MOONHALL LASS can defy top weight here. She has been thriving for her new stable this spring since getting her head in front and remains thrown in on her best Irish form despite an 8lb rise. The longer trip is no issue and she is taken to defeat veteran Back From Dubai who showed a bit more last time. He isn't the force of old but has dropped to a workable mark so can fill the podium with Trais Fluors who should get his desired pace to run at here on a favourable straight track.
ON KEY is an exposed maiden but his latest runner up effort is worth marking up as he did much the best of those up with the pace so he could be ready to strike. He's not fully exposed over 7f and the sound surface will suit on his turf return. War Memorial belatedly shed his maiden tag last time and remains well treated on his old form. He could progress in first time cheekpieces now he's had his head in front and is feared most ahead of Eulalia. She went too fast over a stretching mile last time but had run well over this trip prior to that.
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