Doncaster Mile preview
A capacity field of 20 will line up in this Saturday’s $3 million Group One Doncaster Mile.
Chris Waller takes six into the race including last year’s winner Sacred Falls as he looks to go back-to-back, and claim his fourth Doncaster Handicap. In fact, that was Sacred Falls’ last win but he does go into the race after two encouraging runs.
Boban will carry top weight of 58kg and if his task wasn’t hard enough already, he’s been allocated barrier 19. My Kingdom Of Fife has two duck eggs to his name after his first two runs back from an injury enforced lay off but he’s a class horse and will get better as the distances get longer.
Hawkspur has Jim Cassidy on board and he was an impressive winner of the George Main Stakes over this track and distance in the spring, and the gelding is one of a few who has been backed after drawing barrier eight. Weary was backed before the barrier draw and is now the second favourite for the race, and he only gained a start after his impressive win last week. Royal Descent is the sixth of the Waller team and the mare is third-up with 54kg but has also drawn wide in barrier 20.
Although a slight drifter in the markets since the barrier draw (and drawing 18), Messene is the favourite for the in-form Team Hawkes, as they look for another Group One major after taking out last week’s Golden Slipper. His stable mate, Ninth Legion, gained an entry into the Doncaster after winning the Villiers Stakes back in the summer.
Guy Walter’s two runners have been targeted for this race but they’ve had varying luck in the barrier draw. Streama has drawn wide in 21, Toydini in three. Peter Moody also has two, those being Lidari and Dissident; the latter already a Group One winner this campaign. NZ colt El Roca, finished neck and neck with him on that occasion.
Speediness has drawn the rails and no one will begrudge him a big win while connections of Japanese mare Hana’s Goal, have opted for a Japanese rider – Kyosuke Maruta. He’ll see a lot of the Randwick track as she’s drawn wide in barrier 16.
Mouro is seven wins and five placings from 15 career starts, and not with out his chance while Kris Lees has locked in leading Singapore and Hong Kong jockey Joao Moreria for Slow Pace. The six-year-old gelding is having his second Aussie start and will need every bit of Moreira’s skill as he’s drawn the car park in 22.
It’s a great race with many chances. Good luck if you’re having a bet.