18:50 Doncaster

Saturday 6 May 2017

All17:1517:5018:2018:5019:2019:5020:20

Water Aid Handicap

Off time: 18:51 | Winning time: 1m 24.67s

(9)

Get Knotted^p¹⁹⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 10-0| J: P Mulrennan| T: M Dods| OR: 100

11/2

Generally consistent type who has placed in all his six most recent runs except two starts ago when finishing a close tenth in the York Sprint Trophy. Tends to need the run after a break but is one of the classier options in the field.

Form: 33202-6

(3)

Steel Train²²

Age: 6| Weight: 9-13| J: Patrick Vaughan⁽⁷⁾| T: D O'Meara| OR: 99

11/1

Looks to have reached his handicap limit having lost his way since winning at Newcastle in December. Interesting now back on turf, especially as a C&D winner, but needs to put his recent form behind him

Form: 000708

(1)

Twin Appeal^b⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 9-7| J: P Makin| T: T D Barron| OR: 93

4/1

Has already had a busy campaign with four races this season, giving him a potential fitness advantage against some of these, running well in the main including in the victory at Musselburgh two starts ago over this evening's trip. Up in the weights but definitely still a player.

Form: 23-3315

(4)

Gallipoli²⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: D Nolan| T: R A Fahey| OR: 89

4/1

Last time out winner of a competitive Leicester handicap, and goes up 3lb for that victory. That could be lenient despite it being a narrow victory, and we now he goes on this ground and at this course.

Form: 75286-1

(8)

Alnashama²⁴⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: Dane O'Neill| T: C Hills| OR: 88

11/1

Possibly over the top when not running to his best at Haydock last time out and returns now after a winter break. Would have a good chance here on his best form but needs to overcome the lay-off and looks on a high enough mark.

Form: 31119-3

(10)

Truth Or Dare²¹⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 9-2| J: J P Spencer| T: J D Bethell| OR: 88

10/1

Goes for a trainer today with no win for either of his two previous yards, or at all since 2013. Return to 7f not sure to suit and he's best watched here.

Form: 53647-4

(7)

Russian Realm⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 8-13| J: Cam Hardie| T: P T Midgley| OR: 85

25/1

Hasn't impressed since moving to this new trainer from Richard Hughes', and a leading role seems unlikely despite him being on his lowest mark since 2013.

Form: 8308-06

(5)

Orewa²¹⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 8-6| J: B A Curtis| T: B Ellison| OR: 90

10/1

Won back-to-back starts last year including an Irish raid to the Curragh in a very rich race, before acquitting himself well in Listed company at Redcar. Lightly-raced and up in trip and is an interesting contender in this.

Form: 35119-9

(2)

Aardwolf⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 8-5| J: P J McDonald| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 89

7/2

Lost his way a little bit during his juvenile career following two wins but gets away with a low handicap rating as a result and could do better here, especially if able to dominate affairs from the front.

Form: 17553-2

Non-Runners

(6)

Bertiewhittle²¹

Weight: 9-5| Age: 9

T: T D Barron J: A Mullen

Forecasts

Aardwolf (7/2), Gallipoli (4/1), Twin Appeal (4/1), Get Knotted (11/2), Truth Or Dare (10/1), Orewa (10/1), Bertiewhittle (10/1), Alnashama (11/1), Steel Train (11/1), Russian Realm (25/1)

Despite there not being many natural front-runners in the field, a lot of these do like to race prominently, and if that results in a strong pace then GALLIPOLI could take advantage. Richard Fahey's gelding won at Leicester last time in a very competitive race, and a 3lb rise seems more than fair despite him not winning by far. He'll have a fitness advantage over some of these and it would be a surprise if he wasn't involved at the finish. Orewa is a difficult contender to get a handle on but the form of his victory at the Curragh in September should be respected, while Twin Appeal is another who has been going well recently.