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Analysis and key trainer quotes for a competitive handicap on Town Moor

3.55 DoncasterSky Sports Racing HD Virgin 535 Handicap | 1m2f | 4yo+ | Sky

There is a school of thought that the John Gosden-trained, Frankie Dettori-ridden Harrovian holds all the aces in this 1m2f handicap.

He progressed from a Pontefract maiden win last year to running with great credit in a fiercely contested handicap at Glorious Goodwood, and then landing a Yarmouth event in good style off a mark of 91.

Gelded over the winter, there could be further improvement in him this season, and he shaped well enough when a running-on second to Babbo’s Boy at Haydock on his seasonal reappearance.

However, he runs off 96 here – 1lb higher than when beaten three lengths on Merseyside – and it may be worth opposing him at likely short odds.

Kaloor contested the Group 3 Chester Vase and Goodwood’s Listed Cocked Hat Stakes last spring.

He came up short of both occasions, but gives the impression he could find a handicap off his current rating of 90. This will be only his second start since joining David Menuisier, and there were encouraging signs when he finished fifth behind Cap Francais over a mile at Haydock.

Kaloor: highly tried last season but makes his second start for David Menuisier
Kaloor: highly tried last season but makes his second start for David MenuisierCredit: Harry Trump

It’s highly likely he’ll be happier stepping back up in trip to 1m2f on this galloping track, and he could be the one to turn over Harrovian.

Where’s Jeff has the ability to win a valuable handicap over 1m4f this season, but his last two runs have seen him beaten an aggregate of 60 lengths.

Keep an eye on him with the future in mind. He progressed well as a four-year-old, when his three victories included the Cumberland Plate at Carlisle.

The fact he idles in front means the handicapper struggles to keep up with him. Hopefully those last two efforts – one of which can be attributed to heavy ground – will prove mere blips.

Race analysis by Richard Birch


Ironclad's six races have been split evenly on the all-weather and turf but, while he is yet to win from three runs on the all-weather, his turf strike-rate is an impressive two wins from three and the return to grass should be in his favour providing conditions are not too quick.


What they say

Jamie Osborne, trainer of Big Country
I think he's starting to become well handicapped. He didn't stand a chance the way the race was run at Newcastle last time – the fractions were unsustainable and he ran better than his finishing position suggests. He's training well and I don't think he's deteriorated faster than his mark, and hope he's got a chance.

David Menuisier, trainer of Kaloor
He lost his form throughout last year and he came to me for a change of scenery. I've tried to go back to basics with him and thought he ran with a lot of credit on his debut for the yard. The trip should suit him better this time around and I hope he performs well.

Hugo Palmer, trainer of Ironclad
He's been declared because it looks like there could be thunderstorms. He doesn't want to run on fast ground. He picked up a little injury the last time he ran and I'd like to think that's why he didn't win. His work has been good and I'm as pleased as I've ever been with him.

Hugo Palmer: runs Ironclad
Hugo Palmer: runs IroncladCredit: Edward Whitaker

Jack Channon, assistant trainer of Storting
He's been training really well and it's a track he's run well at before. The only issue would be if it's really quick ground. Ideally we'd like to see the thunderstorms and, if the ground isn't too quick, he'd have a really good chance.

Nigel Tinkler, trainer of Archie Perkins
Rain or shine, the ground is not going to be a problem to him and I'd give him an each-way chance.

Ruth Carr, trainer of Tricorn
He's well handicapped on his best form. We had a good run before lockdown at Wolverhampton but we were a bit disappointed last time at Doncaster. Maybe a mile wasn't far enough and we're hoping he'll improve for a step up to a mile and a quarter.

Reporting by Lewis Porteous


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Published on 25 June 2020inPreviews

Last updated 16:30, 25 June 2020

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