15:00 Doncaster

Saturday 29 March 2025

All13:1513:5014:2515:0015:3516:1016:4517:20

William Hill Doncaster Mile Stakes (Listed) (Str)

Off time: 15:00 | Winning time: 1m 38.1s

(5)

Botanical^t¹⁸⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: Billy Loughnane| T: G Boughey| OR: 110| BF| DWS

5/2

Resumed progress when excellent second of 20 in the John Smith's Cup at York in July (final start for Roger Varian). Lost little in defeat in a first-time tongue strap when second in listed event at Goodwood on final start and remains lightly raced for his age. Has had a breathing operation.

Form: 31/1022-

(3)

Checkandchallenge¹⁴⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 9-2| J: Callum Shepherd| T: W J Knight| OR: 109| D

14/1

Smart performer. Best effort last season when third in Group 3 Strensall Stakes at York in August. Not far off that level when second in Sandown listed event next time but ran poorly final 2 outings. Bounce back required on seasonal debut.

Form: 653265-

(8)

Dancing Gemini¹⁶¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: K Shoemark| T: R A Teal| OR: 110| C

9/4

Listed winner at 2 and confirmed himself a smart performer when ½-length second in French 2000 Guineas on reappearance last season. Failed to kick on in 4 starts thereafter but this represents a drop in grade and he's clearly capable when fresh.

Form: 5/26654-

(1)

Liberty Lane¹⁶⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: C Lee| T: K R Burke| OR: 113| BF| CD

7/2

Put up one of the handicap performances of the season when a very good winner of the Cambridgeshire at Newmarket (9f) in September. Ran to a similar level when second in Group 3 Darley Stakes there final outing and sets the standard on this return to action.

Form: 170212-

(4)

Noble Order^t1⁸⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 9-2| J: K T O'Neill| T: Mrs C A Dunnett| OR: 84| D

250/1

Useful handicapper at best but shaped as if amiss when last of 7 at Wolverhampton on most recent start and sold out of Archie Watson's yard for only 1.500 gns subsequently. Easily passed over in this grade.

Form: 3/1080-7

(7)

Point Lynas^h⁴²

Age: 6| Weight: 9-2| J: Callum Rodriguez| T: E Bethell| OR: 112| D

16/1

Got well and truly back on the up with a dominant display when making all in Pontefract listed event (1m) in July. Not disgraced when second of 13 in Group 2 at Doha 7 months later and could prove tough to peg back, especially if allowed an easy lead.

Form: 4/1401-2

(2)

Savvy Victory^p¹¹³

Age: 6| Weight: 9-2| J: James Doyle| T: S Woods| OR: 107

33/1

Produced career best to end a losing run down in grade in 10-runner handicap at Newcastle (10.2f, 10/1) in December, rallying to lead again post. More needed back up in class.

Form: 676541-

(9)

Witch Hunter²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 9-2| J: S M Levey| T: R Hannon| OR: 109

6/1

Smart performer who ran well when third of 20 in Balmoral Handicap at Ascot on final 2024 start. Shaped as good as ever with a recent run behind him when second in listed event at Wolverhampton (7.2f) on most recent outing, conceding first run. Warrants respect.

Form: 2363-62

(6)

Chic Colombine^t1¹⁷⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 8-11| J: H Crouch| T: G Boughey| OR: 102| BF| C| DWS

25/1

Completed a 4-timer in 2023 and resumed progress/winning ways in a 1m Saint Cloud listed event on return last season. Unlucky not to have won Princess Elizabeth Stakes at Epsom 2 starts later but well below form final 2 outings. Has had a breathing operation. Tongue strap on for 1st time.

Form: 4/10208-

Forecasts

Dancing Gemini (9/4), Botanical (5/2), Liberty Lane (7/2), Witch Hunter (6/1), Checkandchallenge (14/1), Point Lynas (16/1), Chic Colombine (25/1), Savvy Victory (33/1), Noble Order (250/1)

A strong-looking renewal of this listed contest. LIBERTY LANE produced one of the handicap performances of 2024 when landing the Cambridgeshire in good style on his penultimate start and has to be considered the one to beat on his return to action. Point Lynas could be dangerous, especially if allowed an easy time of things on the front end, with low-mileage 5-y-o Botanical another who seems likely to be making his mark in pattern company before long.