A tricky race, with Godolphin’s Pure Diamond heading the market after a hugely impressive win on Kempton’s all weather. That was just her second start and, with the promise of more to come, she could be anything. The horse she thrashed into second, Kasseopia, franked the form next time out by winning a maiden by nine lengths, so there’s plenty to like despite her slim price of 9/4. I can see that price coming right in – there’s already plenty of money flowing – so we’re on board.
Gypsy Eyes won her maiden well – form that’s since been franked by third-placed Thetis winning next time out – and with her trainer, Charlie Hills, in good form she can be competitive. Any market confidence should be respected as this is a lofty target for just her second start.
Hawksmoor really flew home to snatch Group Three honours from Fireglow last time out, but soft ground at Goodwood is a far cry from good ground at Doncaster, and it’d be dangerous to read too much into that run. If we did, we’d have her ahead of Opal Tiara, Marenko and Raaqy, whom Fireglow has defeated during the season.
We’d also have her ahead of Light Up Our World, who was a good third at Goodwood but won’t have appreciated the ground. Back on good ground, she makes plenty of appeal at 10/1, as her two defeats have come with some cut and there’s a liking for a sounder surface on both sides of the breeding. Trainer Richard Hannon is confident the step up to a mile will suit, so I fancy her to run a big race.
Irish raiders Turret Rocks and Midnight Crossing are unexposed but haven’t shown enough to enter considerations.
1.5pts win Pure Diamond @9/4, Doncaster 15:40
0.5pts win Light Up Our World @10/1, Doncaster 15:40