Dashing Star has proved somewhat frustrating having not won a race since June 2013. However, he has run some cracking races in defeat especially his run when fourth behind De Rigueur at Haydock this summer. That run was over today’s trip of a mile and a half which seems to bring the best out of this tough galloping type. He has no stamina issues having run second to Dark Crusader of 1m6f last season on soft and there is no doubting he will appreciate the soft ground at Doncaster today.
The most progressive jockey of the season in Andrea Atzeni takes over and that looks a very positive booking. The handicapper has finally dropped Dashing Star a few pounds and he gets to run today off a rating of 97 which gives him every chance of getting his head back in front. Trainer David Elsworth has always liked this horse and hopefully this confidence can be justified with an end of season win. Dashing Star likes to be ridden prominently and on soft ground that is the best place to be as long as they do not go a silly pace up front.
Proud Chieftain is a threat to all if rediscovering his best form but that is a big if and his trainer has elected to put a claimer on board today which is not an overly confident sign! I like Forgotten Hero and the ground was too quick in the Cambridgeshire when he was outpaced a furlong out but he is not weighted to reverse form with Dashing Star when both were behind De Rigueur at Haydock earlier this season and this trip on proper soft ground will test his stamina to the max.
There is just the eleven runners and therefore we will stick with just the one selection which will hopefully turn out a good one.
Selection – 1 Point *EW Dashing Star Doncaster 14:40 6/1 generally
Best of luck,
Nicky
