Andrew Balding: Our seven runners at Doncaster and Newbury
23 Oct
Horse Racing
Jack Green
The Betway ambassador reveals how he thinks his entries at Doncaster and Newbury will fare on Saturday.

Doncaster runners

Johnny Drama 9/1 needed the run at York a little more than we thought. He’s in great form at home and, while we know he stays 1m 2f well, we just want to know if he can stay 1m 4f.

This race (13:10) will tell us all we want to learn, but he’s in good form and if he stays he should go well.

King Vega 6/1 is obviously a horse we rate very highly. He’s yet to win in two starts but he ran very well in the Betway Solario Stakes at Sandown last time. My only frustration is that I’d have loved to have run him in the Royal Lodge, but he had a slight niggle prior and couldn’t make it.

That would have given us a better steer on where we are with him, but I’ve no doubt he’s a high-class horse, so we’re looking forward to letting him take his chance in this race (14:55), which we won last year with Kameko.

Grove Ferry 17/2 is dropping a furlong in trip here (16:05) but we’re hopeful he can be as effective over 7f as he is over 1m.

He ran well at Ascot last time and looks to be on a good mark. All ground comes alike to him so, all told, he has the credentials to run a nice race.

Newbury runners

Damned Elusive 18/1 is having her first start here (13:50). She’s been going nicely but is one for next season, really. She’s going to be better over further in time but, with the season coming to a close, I thought we’d give her some experience

Roscioli 14/1 is another maiden running in a Group race (15:35) for us this weekend. I’ve been impressed with him at home and I couldn’t be happier with him going into this. He should handle the ground and has a nice squeak if all goes to plan.

Alounak 4/1 has every chance in his race (16:10) on official ratings. His performance in the Hardwicke at Royal Ascot has been the highlight of his season so far and we think there are a few legitimate reasons for some of his poorer performances since. It’s there for everyone to see  - he’s got the ability and should go very well.

Natural History 9/1 has got a bit to find on official ratings, but he absolutely loved the testing ground at Goodwood last time. He’s lightly-raced so, with the season running out, we thought we’d let him take his chance. He could end up having sporting place claims if he gets a bit of luck.

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