Royal runner and colt Frankel High Order makes his reappearance at Doncaster today – live on Sky Sports Racing…
6.15 Doncaster – High Order headlines in style
Frankel’s son of John and Thady Gosden High order showed improved form when winning a Southwell novice by 13 lengths in April and could prove difficult to beat as he enters the handicap company with an opening mark of 95 with the pace up to 14 furlongs designed to suit this 25th Anniversary Industrial Handicap Bookmark.
If successful, he could become a St Leger type later in the season for the royal family. That of Richard Hannon Sam Hawkens looks to be a big danger after scoring impressively at Salisbury last month and appears to have more to come as he makes his handicap debut under Sam Hitchcott, while Simon and Ed Crisford’s runaway Thirsk winner Phantom Knowledge is another one for the shortlist as he enters the trip.
2.20 Worcester – Highlands Legacy holds strong claims
Jonjo & AJ O’Neill saddle rated 115 Highland Legacy who should have strong claims based on his recent maiden success at Southwell and should be valued provided he handles those better conditions.
Shengai Enki stood out in hurdles at the sixth attempt during elimination Twp History at Uttoxeter and could do well with Sam Twiston-Davies back at the plate.
Emmet Mullins riders always demand a lot of respect and his charge Backmersackme is sure his supporters will have challenged the Grade One company earlier in the season. He is aiming for a first success over hurdles and will have to bounce back after a lesser effort in Tipperary last time.
7:45 Lingfield – Ziggy’s Phoenix and Usuario Amigo face off
User Amigo is a fascinating runner for James Owen’s team and having shown plenty of ability in three starts to date, he is leading the weights on this handicap debut under Kevin Stott.
The trained by Richard Hannon Ziggy’s Phoenix scored for the third time in just ten starts when winning at Newmarket last month and should be in the mix with that 3lb higher mark.
Amongst others, Whirlwind has been consistent without winning twice in the last two and could get closer in distance in this Soultownfestival.com Saturday August 31 Handicap in Lingfield.
The best of the rest
Urban soldier is a serious contender for Harry Derham at Worcester (2.55), ahead of the Group 2 bronze medalist The king’s bet returns to face the Gosden-trained Stanage to Doncaster (5h40). Island of Sark takes to the Lingfield track alongside What (6:45 a.m.), while Charlie Appleby saddles Ottoman fleet at the third-grade level, across the pond at Churchill Downs.
