11-1 Donncha deserves a change of luck

Ante-post punters couldn’t believe their luck when the draw was made for the Betfred Mile (3.10), because the incredibly well-handicapped Franklin D not only has the assistance of Ryan Moore but has also bagged stall one. That is nearly always crucial in this race and it is hard to see any reason why it should be any different today.

If there were a lot of front-runners to take on Franklin D stall one could be an issue, but since fitted with a visor this horse has taken off and he couldn’t have been more impressive when winning at Newmarket last time.

That day he won a good quality handicap by miles and even on his previous form, when he probably went too fast too soon, he has a terrific chance. If this race hadn’t been an early closer he would be carrying 10lb more and there is a case for thinking the 4-1 on offer is too big.

The only worry I have is that the ground was getting tacky yesterday afternoon and most of the jockeys wanted to come up the middle of the track. Therefore, it might not be quite as disadvantageous to be drawn in the middle and for that reason it might be worth taking a chance on my old pal Donncha from stall ten.

There is no doubt he has a big race in him off his mark as he got stopped about three times when a close fifth in a good race at York three starts ago and had no chance from the draw after stumbling at the start in the Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot.