Can Emmet Mullins win another British handicap - this time with Sevenna Star?

Friday: 3.15 Doncaster
racehorselotto.com Mallard Handicap | 1m6½f | 3yo+ | ITV3/Sky

Shrewd operator Emmet Mullins took the jumps season by storm with a selection of heavily punted winners on this side of the Irish Sea, not least The Shunter, who recorded successes in the Morebattle Hurdle and Plate at the Cheltenham Festival.

For all of his newfound British success over jumps, it hasn't been the same story with his Flat runners (0-11) and he will look to break his duck with the well-treated Sevenna Star, who attracted customary strong support earlier in the week in this year's running of the Mallard.

Winner of the Group 3 Classic Trial in 2018 before taking tenth in Masar's Derby, Sevenna Star's career has largely taken a turn for the worse since and this once 107-rated stayer now finds himself competing off a mark of just 80.

Breathing has long been his problem and two wind operations don't seem to have rectified the issue. On a losing streak of 16 races and with a first-time hood fitted, this one-time Classic hope still has punters keen to take the chance that he is back firing.

Emmet Mullins: yet to train a Flat winner in BritainCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Four-year-olds have won five of the last seven runnings of the Mallard and that generation is represented by all-weather specialist Khatm, battle-hardened HMS President and Prince Alex.

The last-named is the most interesting if he lines up as he has a prolific profile (six wins from 12 starts) and assured stamina over this 1m6½f trip. He made a winning start for Michael Bell, who has trained two winners and two seconds from four runners in this race in the last 20 years, and surely deserves to head the market.

Future Investment (third) and Nuits St Georges (eighth) were behind Prince Alex at Goodwood and look to have stiff tasks to reverse the form. The latter will be part of a likely fast gallop alongside Speedo Boy.
Race analysis by Tom Collins

What they say

Stuart Williams, trainer of Rhythmic Intent
He ran really well at York and I'm very happy with him, but my worry is the ground. We didn't run him at Haydock last week as they were breaking track records and I hope Doncaster gets some rain, otherwise he'd be a doubtful runner.

Michael Bell, trainer of Prince Alex
He's in great shape but it doesn't look as if they're going to get enough rain for him to run, so he's a doubtful runner at this stage.

Prince Alex (far side): a narrow winner at Goodwood last timeCredit: Edward Whitaker

Jane Chapple-Hyam, trainer of Uber Cool
He has a competitive weight, he's improved again and I'm looking forward to seeing him on a more galloping track. He suffered a tendon injury hence his long layoff, and it was very much a waiting game with him, but Fiona [Carmichael, owner] was keen to give him all the time and rehab he needed as we always knew he had lots of ability. It's great to see him back in such good form. He'll be a big price and hopefully in the shake-up.

Emmet Mullins, trainer of Sevenna Star
It's his first time wearing the hood for me and hopefully that brings about enough improvement that will get him over the line. He goes there with a chance. He was a good horse in his day but he's had plenty of problems and has slipped down a long way. Hopefully we have him back to a mark he can win off. If he runs well at Doncaster he could run at Leopardstown on Saturday.
Reporting by Jack Haynes

Racing Post Live is your ultimate racing watchalong every Saturday and during major festivals. Our experts offer uninterrupted tips, analysis and reactions to the ITV action. Subscribe to the Racing Post YouTube channel here and never miss a minute