Young Dev ran on nicely to claim second place in the Midlands National last weekend.
Today sees the return of turf flat racing in the UK and Ireland as well as the Dubai World Cup meeting in Meydan. It's a major change of pace as we switch from marathon chases to a mile handicap on the flat!
Charlie Appleby enjoyed a stellar season just passed and I’m expecting more of the same from the team in light blue this season. Modern News brings some good 3yo form into this race such as winning a class 2 handicap at this course over 7f last September. The ground was fast that day and he managed to get on top over the final half furlong looking sure to appreciate stepping up in trip to a mile. William Buick rode him to win at Doncaster off a rating of 96 and he backed that up with another win at Lingfield off a 3lb higher mark. Modern News ran 3rd at listed level in Meydan last month and is fit and well from his winter holidays in the middle east. Charlie has booked 7lb claimer Harry Davies for the ride and that could make all the difference as he is rated 105 and with his jockeys’ claim carries just 9 stone.
United Front has had a busy winter on the all-weather and could run a big race at a big price for trainer Michael Appleby. He finished third two weeks ago at Wolverhampton behind Notre Belle Bete who carries a 5lb penalty today. On the all-weather United Front is rated 104 and was beaten less than two lengths behind Notre Belle Bet giving that gelding 17lbs. If United Front can show up today on drying ground, he has the ability to run a big race. He ran a nice race at Yarmouth on turf last year over a mile behind Ropey Guest and stays a mile strongly. Theodore Ladd claims 3lbs with the draw looking decent in stall 7 with lots of fancied horses drawn low.
Doncaster – 3:35
0.5 point each way Modern News 4/1 Bet365 & Betfred, both paying 6 places.
0.5 point each way United Front 33/1 Skybet 7 places.
Compare Odds at https://www.oddschecker.com/horse-racing/doncaster/15:35/winner