Keith Melrose with his expert analysis on the Group 2 Doncaster Cup

bet365 Doncaster Cup Stakes (Group 2) | 2m2f | 3yo+ | ITV3/SSR

The staying division is normally well set by the time the Doncaster Cup rolls around, which may be a contributing factor to the recent record of favourites in the race.

Five of the last six favourites have won, and just as significantly the biggest winning SP of the last ten years has been 11-2.

The distance could be a factor, too. Those willing to try their horse as a stayer have opportunities to do so over as much as half a mile less than this two and a quarter mile trip. A division that has met several times, with a high barrier to incomers makes for a race in which identifying the relevant form should be obvious.

Running somewhat contrary to that is the record three-year-olds hold. Of the five to run in the last ten years, two have won (SPs 2-1 and 11-2), two placed (6-1 and 4-1) and the other was fourth (11-1).

That record is probably related to a selection bias. This is the St Leger meeting, after all. Those who are being overstretched, either in ability or stamina, have a ready alternative that will normally look more attractive to their connections.

Revolver is the three-year-old in this year's field and besides a deceptively speedy pedigree he could not be more typical of Sir Mark Prescott's style.

He has won all six handicap runs this season, moving up in trip as he has done so. His latest win came over 2m1f at Pontefract and again it was not a thorough test at the trip, but he is winning these races like a horse whose stamina has not yet been fully mined.

He enters the division at an opportune moment. Not only has Stradivarius moved up to take on the best middle distance horses, but the Lonsdale Cup players like Enbihaar and Nayef Road are also skipping this race.

The best form belongs to Spanish Mission and Eagles By Day, bit-part players in the division as a whole. It is not out of the question that they have better performances in them, both are only four and neither has been with their current yard for long.

Such progress is the only realistic hope of this renewal of the Doncaster Cup producing even an up-to-standard winning performance.

There is a decided lack of pace in the race, which may even suit the habitually held-up Eagles By Day. He has hinted at bigger performances in races where the ability to quicken is pushed to the top of the priority list.
Keith Melrose, betting editor

Revolver follows familiar path for Prescott

If the rapid ascent through the ranks this season by Revolver seems somewhat familiar to you, then you're right.

Countless horses have made apparently unstoppable progress for trainer Sir Mark Prescott once they have started out from lowly marks in handicaps, including a three-year-old filly named Alleluia in 2001.

Sir Mark Prescott: waiting on Doncaster run before deciding on Cesarewitch entry for RevolverCredit: Edward Whitaker

From an opening mark of 63, Alleluia won six of her eight starts that year, including the Doncaster Cup. Nineteen years on, Revolver bids to repeat those efforts having landed six handicaps in a row in 2020.

Alleluia went on to finish sixth in the Cesarewitch, suffering an injury during the race, but whether Revolver does the same with the race not closing early this year will depend on what happens on Friday.

"When Alleluia won the Doncaster Cup the Cesarewitch weights were already out, so she only had to carry 7lb extra, which I suspect the handicapper wouldn't have had in mind," Prescott said.

"It's not an early closing race this year, so the handicapper will have the Doncaster Cup form in front of him when framing the weights this year. So we'll have to see what happens at Doncaster before deciding whether we go on to run Revolver at Newmarket or not.

"So while Alleluia was always going to go to Newmarket, it is a different scenario for Revolver this year because of the weights."

What they say

Ed Dunlop, trainer of Red Verdon
The ground will suit him much better as it was too soft in France last time. He does have to carry a penalty and it's his first go at the trip, but he seems well in himself and it looks an open race, so we're looking forward to giving it a go.

David O'Meara, trainer of Eagles By Day
He’s in good form and ran a very good race in the Goodwood Cup over two miles, so we know he’ll like the trip. He’ll like the decent ground and we’re looking forward to running him.

James Fanshawe, trainer of Selino
He’s stepping up in class but I think he’ll enjoy the trip and the track. He ran really well at Chester last time in the Listed race but it was a bit sharp for him around there. He’s got a bit to find but we’re pleased with him.

William Butler, assistant to Sir Mark Prescott, trainer of Revolver
He's done consistently well and seems to be improving all the time. It's a big step up in class but he gets a three-year-old weight allowance. He's done everything we've asked of him.

Place a bet of £1 or more on any UK or Irish race on racingpost.com to watch it live. Click the 'Watch Live' icon at the top of the racecard when it's due to start to watch the full race