Finding genuinely attractive bets among the ITV races at Doncaster on Friday proved quite tricky but I do think Archie Watson, who hasn’t had a runner in the Flying Childers since winning the Group 2 with Soldier’s Call in 2018, has two fascinating runners. Molecomb runner-up Aesterius is an obvious one but at a bigger price I’d give Hollie Doyle’s mount ZAYER a proper chance too. He’s a breeze-up buy who has been learning on the job and I loved the way he went about his business from the front when dropped to the minimum trip for the first time at Ripon late last month. He could be well up to tackling this grade.

POINT LONSDALE – 3.35 Doncaster (Ben Linfoot)

POINT LONSDALE was a beaten favourite in the Lonsdale Cup at York last time and I wouldn’t put the defeat down to his first go at two miles, but rather the way the race unfolded with a moderate pace at a speed track like York hardly playing to his strengths. Of course, there is the possibility of a moderate pace again in this small field, but on ground that isn’t as rattling quick over an extra couple of furlongs – and at a price three times bigger than he was sent off at York – I want to be with him in this company.

Recommended multiple: Lucky 15

By Andrew McLaren

13:50 Doncaster – Shadow Dance

After shaping well at Ripon in July, SHADOW DANCE was a good winner of a competitive handicap at York last month and a 5 lb rise for that effort doesn’t look enough to stop him following up. His strength at the finish last time suggests this step up in trip could unlock even more improvement and the return to an easier surface holds no fears.

15:00 Doncaster – Magnum Force

Low draws dominated the sprints at last month’s Ebor Festival so MAGNUM FORCE’s second the reposing Tropical Storm has to be marked up significantly having broke from stall 16, with the winner coming from stall 1. He met traffic in-running too after traveling strongly in the rear and he should go close granted a clearer passage this time.

15:35 Doncaster – Sweet William

With no Kyprios in opposition this time, this looks a good opportunity for SWEET WILLIAM to get back in the winners enclosure. He drops in class now after two very respectable runs in the Gold Cup and Goodwood Cup and a repeat of those efforts should be enough to land this Group 2.

16:45 Doncaster – Whirl

The Convivial Maidan at York looked a particularly strong renewal this year and WHIRL comes here after a big run to finish fifth there. The only filly in the line-up, her effort can probably be marked up having been stuck out wide for most of the contest and with two runs under her belt now, she can put her experience to use here with her main market rivals all making their debut.

SUBSEQUENT appeals as one who should have more to give and can make light of a 4 lb rise for Newmarket. The way that Shadow Dance got on top towards the finish in a competitive 1½m York Ebor meeting handicap suggests this longer trip should be within range and he’s feared most ahead of penalised Goodwood scorer East India Dock.

2.25 Doncaster

After opening his account on his second start, SYMBOL OF HONOUR ran well upped in grade when not beaten far in the Coventry at Royal Ascot, so he remains capable of better having been gelded since last time. He can see of the challenge of the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Jonquil, who looked very promising when making a winning debut, with Benevento also considered.

3.00 Doncaster

This is wide open but Mick Appleby’s BIG MOJO shaped as if the return to 5f would really suit when a strong-travelling fourth in York’s Gimcrack Stakes so edges the vote from Ger Lyons’ equally promising Irish colt Magnum Force. Lots of others can have a say too though, notably Coto de Caza, Zayer, Tropical Storm and Mr Lightside in a cracking Flying Childers.

Little between the principals on form but the likeable SWEET WILLIAM has no Kyprios to contend with this time so is fancied to resume winning ways after very good efforts in the Ascot Gold Cup and Goodwood Cup. In-form stablemate Gregory could emerge as the main danger, although past winners Trueshan and Coltrane both need consiering too in a fascinating Doncaster Cup.

4.10 Doncaster

Successful over C&D on her penultimate start, CABRERA looked on a handy mark and shaped well when runner-up on handicap debut at Newmarket 4 weeks ago, finding only an even better treated rival too strong. Open to further progress, she makes plenty of appeal dropping back in trip. Ayyab has possibly found her stamina stretched in recent starts and a better showing is anticipated. Bint Al Daar and Miss Alpilles are others in the mix.

4.45 Doncaster

A field largely made up of newcomers and the one who stands out on paper is KINGSCLERE being a full sister to the high-class Kameko, so she receives the vote before market clues. Gulya is another interesting debutante and could go well, while Whirl remains open to improvement after showing clear promise on both outings so far.

5.20 Doncaster

FAR ABOVE THE LAW is taken to turn around recent York form with Artagnan (who should go well again) and make it third time lucky with nurseries. Rare Change is also quite closely matched with that pair on Goodwood and Newbury form and could also play a prominent role, particularly if reacting well to first-time blinkers.

5.55 Doncaster

CLUEDO is still unexposed in sprinting terms and got firmly back on track when runner-up at Goodwood last time, so she’s worth a chance to take this wide-open sprint handicap. The in-form Strong Johnson should be thereabouts and South Parade is worthy of respect.

Suggested Placepot permutation

Leg 1: 1 and 6

Leg 2: 6

Leg 3: 4

Leg 4: 1 and 4

Leg 5: 2 and 4

Leg 6: 4 and 6

Perm: 2x1x1x2x2x2= 16 lines

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