Racecards
15:50 Doncaster
Sky Bet 'In-running' On All Premiership Games Handicap Hurdle (Class C)
- 8 Runners
- Distance: 2m 110y
- Going: Soft, Heavy in places
- Form 146-443
- Age 8
- Weight 11-12
- Trainer N J Henderson
- Jockey Andrew Tinkler
held up, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened
- Form 313P-22
- Age 9
- Weight 11-11
- Trainer O Sherwood
- Jockey Jimmy McCarthy
held up in touch, headway to lead 3 out, ridden clear next, easily
- Form P32246
- Age 7
- Weight 11-8
- Trainer Miss V Williams
- Jockey B J Crowley
held up, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened
- Form 111-11P
- Age 7
- Weight 11-6
led, ridden and headed approaching 3 out, soon weakened
- Form F44-142
- Age 8
- Weight 11-6
- Trainer J Quinn
- Jockey R Garritty
tracked leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened next
- Form 0-0P000
- Age 6
- Weight 10-10
- Trainer B Rothwell
- Jockey A Ross
chased leaders, ridden after 4 out, soon weakened
Baby Gee
7- Form 341651
- Age 10
- Weight 10-9
- Trainer D Whillans
- Jockey L McGrath
held up, chased leaders 4th, ridden and weakened 3 out
- Form 245
- Age 4
- Weight 10-0
- Trainer J Parkinson & S Smith
- Jockey J R Ryan
tracked leader, ridden to lead briefly approaching 3 out, weakened 2 out
In depth
Verdict
Petanque might just be good enough here ahead of Tik-A-Tai, Archie Babe and Baby Gee. The Nicky Henderson-trained selection was unlucky not to have won at Wincanton last time, where a final-flight flounder forfeited the winning initiative. Clearly none the worse for that, she can make amends. The trip might not be ideal for Tik-A-Tai so the rain-softened going will help and he possesses a fair amount of natural ability and will come here fit following two placed efforts this season. Baby Gee caused a shock from out of the handicap at Catterick last time and, just five pounds higher in the ratings, is entitled to respect. Archie Babe will love the soft going and this could yet see some improvement over hurdles from this grand dual-purpose performer. Conversely, Besieged, whose bid for a six-timer came unstuck last time, seems best on better going, while Gimmick has failed to build on his Wetherby win from Rigmarole earlier in the season. Overall, then, the one for us is Petanque.