Apres Christmas Village At Doncaster Racecourse Apprentice Handicap

Off time: 14:00 | Winning time: 2m 31.31s

(4)

Tiger⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 10-0| J: Harry Vigors⁽³⁾| T: Ian Williams| OR: 73

11/8

0-6 in Britain but proved suited by the return to 1½m when creditable fourth of 9 at Goodwood (good to soft) 9 days ago and he's down to a mark he can be very competitive from.

Form: 7634-64

(2)

Caledonian³⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-13| J: Alexandra Egan⁽³⁾| T: D M Simcock| OR: 72

17/2

Made a winning all-weather/handicap debut at Southwell (7f) in November 2024 but has failed to make a significant impact in 5 outings since. Eased another 2 lb but it doesn't look enough.

Form: 1/475-58

(3)

Optician¹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 9-13| J: C J Whiteley⁽³⁾| T: M Herrington| OR: 72| D

9/2

Not long with this yard and shaped encouragingly when fourth of 9 in handicap at Southwell (11f, 18/1) on reappearance in April. Had an excuse (short of room) when down the field at Thirsk since. Given another chance to confirm Southwell promise.

Form: 230P-40

(1)

Holly Mist¹²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: Jack Nicholls| T: R Varian| OR: 66

7/2

Hasn't matched the best of her novice form since switching to handicaps, including fifth of 8 in handicap at Pontefract (1¼m, good, 5/1) 12 days ago. Steps up in trip again now.

Form: 233455

(6)

Idyllic⁵⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 9-4| J: Lauren Young| T: W Storey| OR: 63| DWS

13/2

Dual winner last summer but ended 2025 on a low-key note and she shaped as if she'd come on for the run when sixth of 12 in handicap at Thirsk (1½m, good, 25/1) 57 days ago (has since had breathing operation). Hood on first time. Engaged 5.12 Chester Saturday.

Form: 41476-6

(5)

Red Derek²³

Age: 10| Weight: 8-9| J: Ben Ffrench-Davis| T: L Williamson| OR: 52| C

20/1

Course winner but 2-56 overall and 19 runs since last win in 2022. Remote fourth on both starts this season and it's likely the wait for another win will go on.

Form: 3356-44

Forecasts

Tiger (11/8), Holly Mist (7/2), Optician (9/2), Idyllic (13/2), Caledonian (17/2), Red Derek (20/1)

OPTICIAN has dipped to below his last winning mark and is given another chance to build on an encouraging reappearance effort at Southwell. Tiger dips into a Class 5 handicap for the first time and is feared most ahead of Holly Mist.