The Weekends Racing – by The Sportsman Racing

It’s to Doncaster I go in search of winners beginning with the ferociously competitive Class 2 handicap at 3.30 over 6f with two selection’s against the field. Shropshire from the in-form Charles Hill’s stable is a sturdy, well-made son of Shamardal and ran well when fourth in a 6f Doncaster handicap on Lincoln day. Running from off the pace didn’t help the five-year old and the level of that form can be upgraded. Versatile on both soft and good going Shropshire horse is running off a handy mark and can go close at odds of 16-1. Selection two is Duke Of Firenze who is the second favourite and deserves that position with his six furlong form figures on good ground or better reading third, first, first and second. Duke Of Firenze has a missile-like turn of foot and provided he is fully fit, shall go very close at 13-2. In opposition, Move In Time is a quirky individual but has run well previously in pattern races and will enjoy the sound ground. The horse lost his way last season under the tutelage of Bryan Smart but knocked seven bells out of the opposition over 5f on his reappearance this season for shrewd new handler David O’Meara. Favourite for the race is the progressive Cammidge Trophy victor Jack Dexter who is raised 7lb to a mark of 109 for his Listed triumph but cannot be ruled out having already won twice on the Town Moor course. Should Jack Dexter run a big race trainer Jim Goldie will be having a tilt at the King’s Stand and a potential rumble with the Aussie sensation Black Caviar. If Farlow can triumph it will be a real bookies benefit – for the leased owners of the horse are employees of Skybet. Farlow is highly thought of within the Richard Fahey yard and should be finishing with a wet sail at the business end of the race. Back Robot Boy to shed his maiden tag in the 4.40. Robot Boy was a 115,000 David Barron acquisition and the three-year old Shamardal colt ran an encouraging second start at Nottingham, staying on strongly, he will be all the better for that experience.]]>