13:40 Doncaster

Friday 11 September 2020

All13:1013:4014:1014:4015:1515:4516:15

bet365 Mallard Handicap

Off time: 13:40 | Winning time: 3m 9.06s

(5)

Volcanic Sky²³

Age: 5| Weight: 10-0| J: Cieren Fallon| T: S bin Suroor| OR: 102

13/2

Improved model again this term, posting a comfortable AW success (2m) prior to a solid fifth on the back of a 10 lb rise at York (16.2f) last month. Ease back down in trip fine and respected.

Form: 313-D15

(6)

Alfaatik^b²¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-11| J: Jim Crowley| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 99

2/1

Low-mileage 4-y-o who, on the back of being gelded/15 months off got back on the up to make winning handicap debut at York (11.8f) last month. Did well coming off a modest pace then and claims at 1¾m.

Form: 1/57-1

(2)

Hochfeld⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 9-8| J: S De Sousa| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 96

11/1

Down in weights and back to form with a bang when landing 1¾m Glorious Goodwood handicap last month. Below form in Ebor but back on track when third at Haydock (11.6f) 8 days ago. This more suitable.

Form: 004103

(8)

Sleeping Lion³⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 9-6| J: J P Spencer| T: J R Fanshawe| OR: 94| CD

5/1

Matched previous best when landing this race 12 months ago and running right up to his best of late, placed in handicaps at Newcastle/Ascot. Mark looks an average one, though.

Form: 281-723

(4)

Calculation^v¹⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: W Buick| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 93| CD

8/1

Improved for fitting of visor/step up to 1¾m last summer, rattling off a hat-trick (including over C&D). Better for return when runner-up over this trip at Sandown recently and expected to go well.

Form: 1119-82

(1)

Solo Saxophone^v²³

Age: 6| Weight: 9-4| J: P Mulrennan| T: B Haslam| OR: 92

14/1

Revitalised by new yard back on the Flat this term, readily scoring at York (16.2f) to complete a hat-trick in July. Not disgraced in face of hefty weight rise since and more needed now.

Form: 7/11139

(3)

Apparate⁶²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-4| J: David Egan| T: R Varian| OR: 92| BF

5/1

Enjoyed a productive 2019, scoring for the second time over 12f at Ascot 12 months ago. Didn't convince for stamina tackling 1¾m on return in July but interesting connections persevere at the trip.

Form: 13210-7

(7)

High Wells^b⁷^{(ex 5)}

Age: 6| Weight: 8-9| J: L Morris| T: D Killahena & G McPherson| OR: 76

18/1

Positive start for new yard this summer, making it 2 wins from 4 starts at Kempton (2m) 7 days ago, clearing away by 5.5 lengths. This requires more but clearly in rude health.

Form: 47/2151

Forecasts

Alfaatik (2/1), Apparate (5/1), Sleeping Lion (5/1), Volcanic Sky (13/2), Calculation (8/1), Hochfeld (11/1), Solo Saxophone (14/1), High Wells (18/1)

On the back of a lengthy absence/gelding operation, ALFAATIK repaid connections' faith in him when successful at York's Ebor meeting last month, deserving of extra credit in coming off a steady gallop. The step up in trip promises to suit and there may well be more to come from him. The ease back in trip will hold no fears for Volcanic Sky and he is feared, along with Calculation.