Chindit has form to outclass rivals and maintain unbeaten first-time-out record

Saturday: 3.00 Doncaster
SBK Doncaster Mile Stakes (Listed) | 1m | 4yo+ | ITV/Sky

This is the smallest turnout for the Doncaster Mile since Group 1 winner Belardo beat three rivals in 2016 and the hopeful assumption is that the presence of Chindit has acted as a deterrent to many.

That would be understandable as he was not far off top class at three, has 8lb in hand of his nearest opponent and meets all three off level weights.

Chindit, among the best British milers of his generation, was campaigned solely in Group 1s and Group 2s after he won the Greenham in April.

The Doncaster Mile is the lowest-quality race he has contested since his juvenile days and all four odds-on shots to have tackled this in recent seasons have obliged. If Chindit has not regressed and is fit enough to do himself justice, that figure should be five.

A lack of pace is often a cause for concern in small-field races but Tempus has led on both starts for Archie Watson and is likely to ensure they don't go a crawl.

The only runner with race fitness on his side, Tempus might be best served going hard in order to blunt Chindit's turn of foot in the finish, having dictated to good effect in another four-runner contest two starts back.

A strongly run race will be crucial for Royal Champion on his seasonal comeback for Roger Varian. A half-brother to Outbox, who stays 1m6f, Royal Champion is bred to get much further than a mile.

He is highly regarded, but the market view he is Chindit's biggest danger is debatable as this test will likely prove too sharp. Royal Champion has yet to record anything within 7lb of a three-figure RPR, a feat the other three have achieved at least three times.

Boosala is the horse on an upward curve. He won an 18-runner handicap off 97 in November before being unlucky not to follow up in a Newcastle conditions race. With a pair of 108 RPRs on his last two starts and the promise of more to come over a mile, Boosala could emerge as Chindit's chief threat.
Race analysis by Robbie Wilders

Chindit defends unbeaten course record

Chindit, who has won first time out in the last two seasons, aims to maintain that record when he tackles the £40,000 Doncaster Mile at a track where he is unbeaten in two starts.

The winner of a 7f maiden on Town Moor in July 2020, Chindit progressed to land a Listed event at Ascot and the Group 2 Champagne Stakes at Doncaster.

He lost his unbeaten record in the Dewhurst at the end of his two-year-old campaign, but made a successful reappearance at three in the Group 3 Greenham Stakes at Newbury.

In terms of official ratings, the son of Wootton Bassett appears to hold an outstanding chance in a four-runner affair, and he'll find this a much less exacting task than when beaten in three Group 1 events, the 2,000 Guineas, St James's Palace Stakes and Prix Jacques le Marois last year.

Trainer Richard Hannon said: "He's in good form and has done plenty of work ahead of this first run of the season. I hope it stays dry for him. He likes Doncaster and this looks a good opportunity."

What they say

William Haggas, trainer of Boosala
He'll like the cut in the ground and it's his first attempt at a mile. I think he'll get it, but I'm not sure. Hopefully Tempus will go on and ensure there is some pace.

Roger Varian, trainer of Royal Champion
We really like him. He's very lightly raced. He won on his only start at two, didn't disgrace himself in the Feilden on his first start at three, and then ran poorly in the Dante. His work is very good and he looks in good shape. We're going back to a mile, which should suit. It's a small field, but very select. I think he'll run a nice race.

Simon Turner, racing manager for Hambleton Racing, owners of Tempus
He's in good order. We were delighted with his first run at Newcastle, but he was below form at Southwell. He's been working very well.
Reporting by Richard Birch

Saturday's domestic race previews:

1.15 Doncaster: trainer quotes and pedigree analysis for Doncaster's traditional season opener

1.50 Doncaster: 'The track should really suit him' – can the top-rated favourite show his class?

3.35 Doncaster: 'He looks a big player' – Appleby bullish Modern News can grab Lincoln headlines

4.16 Curragh: 'He's a nice horse and one I like' – can Johnny Murtagh strike in Irish Lincoln?

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