vertem.co.uk Doncaster Stakes (Listed)

Off time: 13:46 | Winning time: 1m 15.45s

(6)

Helmont²⁹

Age: 2| Weight: 9-1| J: R Kingscote| T: Tom Dascombe| D

6/1

Displayed good attitude when scoring on debut at Haydock (6f, good), despite conceding first run. That form is working out well (second, third and fourth have all won since) and he's a nice prospect.

Form: 1

(1)

Intrusive¹⁶

Age: 2| Weight: 9-1| J: B A Curtis| T: K R Burke| OR: 73| D

66/1

Off the mark at third attempt in an 8-runner minor event at Ayr (6f, heavy) 16 days ago. However, he looks up against it in this more exalted company.

Form: 041

(3)

Just Frank²¹

Age: 2| Weight: 9-1| J: Lewis Edmunds| T: J L Eyre| OR: 97| D

3/1

Has improved with each of his 4 starts, bagging a valuable big-field sales race in good style at Newmarket (6f, heavy) last time. Another bold show anticipated.

Form: 0211

(4)

Lipizzaner¹³

Age: 2| Weight: 9-1| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 105

10/3

Winner at Navan in September and kept on well when hitting the crossbar in Group 3 company at the Curragh (6.3f, soft). Eased in class here and should be firmly in the mix.

Form: 224162

(2)

Shark Two One⁸

Age: 2| Weight: 9-1| J: P Hanagan| T: R A Fahey| OR: 96| D

8/1

Opened his account when landing a big pot in Ireland last month, and improved on that when scoring in decisive fashion at Redcar (6f, heavy) recently. However, more needed in this tougher race.

Form: 52191

(5)

Zamaani²¹

Age: 2| Weight: 9-1| J: W Buick| T: S & E Crisford| OR: 105| D

2/1

Dual winner during the summer and posted best effort yet when second in the valuable Two-Year-Old Trophy at Redcar (6f, heavy) last time. High on the shortlist.

Form: 211252

Forecasts

Zamaani (2/1), Just Frank (3/1), Lipizzaner (10/3), Helmont (6/1), Shark Two One (8/1), Intrusive (66/1)

Preference is for JUST FRANK, who was well on top at the finish when landing a Newmarket sales race 3 weeks ago and he should have more to offer. Zamaani and Lipizzaner both command plenty of respect but, with the form of his Haydock debut success working out very well indeed, Helmont is second choice.