Stormy Antarctic sets sail on Town Moor for Walker

3.00 Doncaster
Betway Doncaster Mile (Listed) l 1m l 4yo+ | ITV4/ATR

Ed Walker is out to register his biggest success since relocating his operation to Lambourn last December with Stormy Antarctic, who this time last year was a live candidate for the 2,000 Guineas.

Although he missed out in the Newmarket Classic, the four-year-old did not fare too badly later in the season at Group 1 level, including when chasing home the classy Zelzal in the Prix Jean Prat.

Walker has recently left no stone unturned by sending Stormy Antarctic to Kempton for a racecourse gallop ahead of this reappearance, and his Kingsdown team do not expect him to fail through fitness on Town Moor.

Walker said: "I feel sorry for George Baker as he would have ridden him this year but we've booked Jamie Spencer and are hopeful of a good run. He takes a good tug early on so going around a bend should suit him."

Of the opposition, Castle Harbour and Crazy Horse would both appreciate any ease in the ground, as would Tullius.

Gosden turning back the clock

John Gosden, who fields Castle Harbour and Crazy Horse, has not won this since 1997, when Canyon Creek obliged under Frankie Dettori. The jockey is on Crazy Horse here.

Tullius twice

Tullius, who won this two years ago, is back for anther crack but the last horse to win this twice was Dandoun (2002 and 2003).

What They Say

William Muir, trainer of Big Baz
We're disappointed by the draw, as he's drawn wider than anything in the race, and ideally he likes to be up there in his races. We'll have to drop him in this time and he'll probably improve for the run.

John Gosden, trainer of Castle Harbour and Crazy Horse
There's nothing else for this type of horse until Sandown at the end of April and this is very much a starting point for both. They both will appreciate any ease in the ground and go there in good shape.

Charlie Appleby, trainer of Cymric
It was nice to get him back to winning ways at the Dubai Carnival and he backed that up with a solid effort in the Zabeel Mile. The cheekpieces that have helped him concentrate are back on and he should have a good each-way chance.

Brendan Powell, trainer of Dark Emerald
He's not long back from Dubai, where he ran well first time out but not so well after that. He's probably not the horse he was two years ago but feels in good order and the round mile should suit him.

Richard Hannon, trainer of Kool Kompany
He'll need the race. He's been quite fresh at home so this will bring him on.

Ed Walker, trainer of Stormy Antarctic
He's the highest rated, has the best form and I think he's done very well from three to four. I'm hoping he can get his head back in front having not won since the Craven. He was pretty highly tried last year when all he did was compete in top-quality Group 1s over a mile.

Richard Fahey, trainer of Toscanini
He's been sent as a lead horse for Ribchester but there isn’t another race for him before the Lockinge. We’re giving him a run over a mile to see if he stays and I have to say he does work extremely well, he makes Ribchester go at home. If he gets home he could go close.

Andrew Balding, trainer of Tulius
He likes this race as he won it a couple of years ago, but he's not getting any younger and it looks competitive. He's ready to go and he'll like the ground.

Roger Varian, trainer of Dawn Of Hope
She was a Listed winner at Deauville last year, for which she carries a 3lb penalty, and has plenty to find with all of the field on official ratings as she takes on the colts for the first time. However, she looks to have improved again over the winter.