The Flat racing season kicks off at Doncaster today and our horse racing tipster Paul O’Brien gives his best bets and selections from the meeting.
Holloway Boy (1:20pm, Doncaster Mile Stakes)
A four-year-old gelding out of Ulysses, Holloway Boy shocked the racing world when winning the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot on debut.
That remains his only win, however he has placed in some big races, only finding Auguste Rodin and Epictetus too good on his final two-year-old outing. Lightly-raced as a three-year-old, he came fourth last time out in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot.
He stayed on well to the line that day, not quite going the pace of the winner. Being upped back to a mile is a plus. Being gelded in the off-season will help him to run in a straight line as he has had a history of wandering slightly.
With everything in his favour, he can finally add to his wins tally.
Arthur’s Realm E/W (2:25pm, Spring Mile Handicap)
Winner of this race in 2022, Arthur’s Realm has been eased in the handicap and is now weighted 1lb higher. He has been tried over longer distances in his last three outings but the return to a mile is a plus.
Has won in soft conditions and performed well in heavy conditions, but would probably prefer if the track was to dry out slightly. Either way, now being well weighted he should be able to stay on and get himself into contention inside the final two furlongs to at least place.
Baradar (3pm, Cammidge Trophy Stakes)
Six-year-old gelding Baradar has won races in a wide array of conditions varying from good to heavy. That ability to handle all weather could well come in handy as some in this fairly short field could definitely struggle.
Wasn’t right last time out at Ascot on October 21 when coming last. Should be forgiven that run and had won on his previous two starts.
His best was at Doncaster in soft conditions on September 15, when a length ahead approaching the final furlong he kept on to assert and win by one-and-a-half lengths.
The further reduction in distance is a slight worry, but another positive ride to ensure it doesn’t come down to a sprint finish should see him win again.