Trainer quotes and pedigree analysis for Doncaster's traditional season opener

SBK Brocklesby Conditions Stakes | 5f | 2yo | ITV/Sky

The Brocklesby is not only the traditional opener for the Flat season, it also gives pedigree enthusiasts a chance to gauge some of the first-season sires with runners on show too.

Those first-season sires with runners here are Expert Eye (I Still Have Faith), Havana Grey (Knowwhatimeanharry and Rocking Ends) and Massaat (Evolicatt and Mascapone).

Current favourite Persian Force has to be given due consideration given he is by outstanding speed sire Mehmas and a brother to Gubbass, who won on his debut in April of his two-year-old season before being placed in the Richmond Stakes. It is also the family of five-furlong Stakes winner and Cammidge Trophy favourite Garrus.

There are, however, other notables in the 13-strong field from a pedigree perspective.

The Charlie and Mark Johnston-trained Beach Breeze is by Footstepsinthesand and is a half-brother to Dream Shot, a Group 2-placed son of Dream Ahead who won in the May of his two-year-old season, while Jiffy Boy – although by Mondialiste, a Group or Grade 1-winning son of Galileo from a mile to a mile and a quarter – is out of a Dutch Art mare who won over six furlongs at two and who is a half-sister to Ripon Champion Two Yrs Old Trophy scorer Alicante Dawn.

Another to note is Confederation, a son of Australian Group 1-winning sprinter Brazen Beau and out of a three-parts sister to a six-furlong juvenile winner in the Listed-placed Lethal Steps.

Brisland two-year-old gambled into 9-2 from 40-1 in 'lottery' Brocklesby

What they say

Charlie Johnston, joint-trainer of Beach Breeze
He's a half-brother to a good two-year-old who won first time out over five furlongs. He's always been straightforward and professional in his work, so he's been an obvious type for this for a few weeks.

Eve Johnson Houghton, trainer of Blatant
He's a nice horse who goes well but he's not been well drilled at home. He's ready to go but there'll be improvement to come after this race as well.

Robyn Brisland, trainer of Jiffy Boy
He's what I call a sharp, early two-year-old. It's the first year we've ever had any number of two-year-olds, we've got 32 in at the moment. He's not the best but he's a good starting point. He's been very straightforward and we make all of ours like that. He's been sharp enough and he won't disgrace himself.

Adrian Nicholls, trainer of Mascapone
He's come to hand quickly and he's ready to run. He's pleased us in every piece of work he's done, but we know we're taking on horses who cost a lot of money. It's not all about this race with him and he's a lovely, big horse for the year ahead.

Richard Hannon Snr, father of Richard Hannon, trainer of Persian Force
He's a brother to Gubbass and goes nicely. He's very professional and hits the gate well.

Brett Johnson, trainer of Rocking Ends
He'll learn a lot from the race and hopefully he can run midfield, but I do think he's a nice horse. I don't really have any sprinters that can work with him at home. He's honest and he tries.

Saturday's domestic race previews:

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

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

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?

For all our exclusive free bet offers and must-have daily promotions click the free bets button or go to racingpost.com/freebets