Big Lanzarote form boost gives Bailey hope for Getaweapon in Doncaster feature

3.10 Doncaster
Sky Bet Best Odds Guaranteed Mares' Handicap Hurdle | 2m3½f | 4yo+ | Sky

Although most racecourses in Britain and Ireland are currently dealing with a problematic concoction of frost and heavy going, Doncaster seems an anomaly with good to soft ground on offer and not an inspection in sight.

In recent weeks, punters have been systematically looking for horses who handle testing ground and this quicker surface has the potential to cause a few teething problems. However, finding the winner may be as simple as looking at last year's result.

Hawthorn Cottage ran away with this Northern Lights mares' series qualifier under Lucy Barry and never looked in trouble after making her intentions clear from an early stage. She returns to the scene of the crime after three efforts over a variety of trips.

When you watch the replay of her success 12 months ago, the ground looks far more testing than it will likely be this time and she has to race off 10lb higher. However, Hawthorn Cottage has always been considered better in non-bog-like conditions and aggressive tactics in first-time blinkers may catch out her rivals once again.

Strong traveller Oksana and Kestrel Valley, who stays this trip well, are considered from the foot of the weights, while the red-hot team of David Bass and Kim Bailey team up on the well-handicapped Getaweapon.

The market won't miss this lightly raced six-year-old as the form of her recent Ludlow second received a timely boost when Misty Whisky finished a highly creditable second in the Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton on Saturday.

Unexposed at the trip and leniently treated off a mark of 115, imagination isn't needed when finding an angle for Getaweapon, though value hunters are advised to look elsewhere.

Race analysis by Tom Collins

What they say

Neil Mulholland, trainer of Runasimi River
She was beaten a fair way last time but mine usually improve for their first run back and I would be hopeful she can make the frame in what looks a competitive race.

Amy Murphy, trainer of Hawthorn Cottage
She's a previous course and distance winner who usually needs a couple of runs to put her straight and we've upped her headgear into blinkers to help her concentrate. She likes to front run so hopefully she gets her own way in front.

Amy Murphy: trainer of last year's winner of this race Hawthorn CottageCredit: Sarah Farnsworth

Kim Bailey, trainer of Getaweapon
The form of her second at Ludlow last time got a massive boost when the winner Misty Whisky finished second in the Lanzarote Hurdle at the weekend so she has an obvious chance. I would have preferred a bit further but thought I'd get her in a race a bit sharpish after Harry Fry told me Misty Whisky would nearly win when I saw him at Taunton last week.

Ben Pauling, trainer of Granny's Secret
She's not been setting the world alight so far this season but seems to be coming to herself at home so I'd be hopeful of a better showing.

Lucy Wadham, trainer of Easter Gold
She got stuck in the mud at Uttoxeter last time but hopefully this drying ground will be better for her. She's only lightly raced and still has plenty of potential.

Matt Sheppard, trainer of Kestrel Valley
She's up 6lb for winning at Wincanton last time but I think this trip and track will play to her strengths and I expect another good show. We've tried her over three miles in the past but she's better suited to going over shorter.
Reporting by David Milnes

Watch live races through the Racing Post website. Log in to your bookmaker account via the bookmaker button at the top of the page and look on the racecards for eligible races. Click the red 'Watch live now' icon and they're off! Find out how here