Racecards
14:30 Doncaster
O2 Alphatech Software Handicap Chase (Class D)
- 8 Runners
- Distance: 2m 110y
- Going: Good
- Form 1/0-0041
- Age 6
- Weight 11-13
- Trainer Miss V Williams
- Jockey P Robson
held up in touch, rd along when unseated rider hit 3 out
- Form 01-4326
- Age 7
- Weight 11-12
- Trainer J Candlish
- Jockey J Mogford
behind and reminders after 5th, pulled up before 5 out
- Form 11551-4
- Age 7
- Weight 11-9
- Trainer P Beaumont
- Jockey G Lee
in rear, driven and outpaced approaching 6th, kept on from 3 out
Lauderdale
24- Form FFPF21
- Age 6
- Weight 11-5
- Trainer Miss Lucinda V Russell
- Jockey M H Naughton
led, ridden and headed 2 out, kept on approaching last
- Form P02U/24-
- Age 10
- Weight 11-0
chased leaders, ridden to lead 2 out, kept on
- Form 51-6434
- Age 5
- Weight 10-9
- Trainer T D Easterby
- Jockey R Garritty
held up, ridden and hit 4 out, never dangerous
- Form 16-P025
- Age 10
- Weight 10-7
in touch, ridden approaching 3 out, kept on one pace from next
- Form 561-2P0
- Age 7
- Weight 10-5
- Trainer R Dickin
- Jockey D R Dennis
with leader, every chance 4 out, soon ridden, kept on from next
In depth
Verdict
In what looks a tough handicap on paper, Sharpastrizam gets the nod. This seven-year-old has won six of his eleven chasing starts - a real force to be reckoned with- and won over course and distance in January. He looked like he needed his first race back at Southwell last month, and should be sharper for that run. He is rising in the official ratings, but he carried more than 11st 9lb to win in the past and should score here. Friedhelmo carries a 7lb penalty for a good win in a Southwell handicap a week ago. He had made good progress over fences, and should still finish in the first three. Optimistic Chris generally has very good form over fences, winning at Ludlow and Bangor last season. However, things didn't go to plan last time out at Cheltenham's Open Meeting, where he was well-beaten. Nevertheless, his weight won't be a problem, but he is yet to win on ground any softer than good. Tim Easterby's Stone Cold has a real chance of opening his account for the season in this race. He won over course and distance in March, beating the favourite Nephite on soft ground. He has been coming down the ratings since then, as he's been unable to get into the places in four starts this season. On the other hand, he hasn't been too far away and he should relish the return to Town Moor, where he will carry just 10st 9lb. The only concern in the application of first-time blinkers. Arctic Spirit has been struggling since scoring at Towcester in April and is best-watched here. Lauderdale, who has more letters than numbers to his name, scored last time out at Kelso on heavy ground, but is desperately inconsistent and others are preferred.