The 2025 flat turf season kicked off at Doncaster less than a month ago and now it is in full swing as racing returned to Town Moor for a two day meeting. Friday's action would see low grade but competitive looking action with plenty of tricky races to solve. There would be last minute changes to the card as an infestation of leatherjackets had made parts of the round course unraceable. Therefore, all races over the two days took place on the straight mile course. 

Race One: The Download The At The Races App Handicap - Class Five - One Mile - Runners: 12
The meeting would kick off with a modest handicap which started from the furthest point of the track, the mile marker. Despite being only a class five event, the race was filled with in form three year olds and others with the potential to improve at this level. 

The weights would be headed by the Amo Racing-owned City Landscape. The Darryll Holland-trained gelding only made his debut in January but has already placed twice. This would be his first start on turf however. Master Of Zest would travel from Pat Owen's base in Newmarket for this contest, but has yet to build on his early promise. He has suffered two heavy defeats lately and has now been gelded for his return to turf. Another to make the journey from Newmarket is the Dylan Cunha-trained Zarathos. The gelding had finished closer with each start and was narrowly denied in a similar race at Nottingham at the start of the month. He would be denied on that day by Antiquity and the pair renewed rivalries. The Jamie Osborne-trained chestnut has been in good form recently, winning three times in 2025 on both the all-weather and on turf. The Andrew Balding stable has been in red hot form recently and would be represented by Captain Harry here. The gelding has appeared to be a slow learner but wasn't disgraced on recent comeback and stepped up to a mile for this contest. Any horse trained by Sir Mark Prescott improves by bucket loads in handicap company and his Private Island has won twice already since switching to this grade. The filly has shown a good attitude to win by narrow margins in similar races recently. Adrian Nicholls' filly Maywedance produced a best finish of second last season and was quickly dropped back to a mile having failed to stay ten furlongs on her latest run here last month. Groundsman would lined up here for the leading northern stable of Richard Fahey and had potential to improve as a three year old. The gelding finished a good third on his latest start in September at Chester. Harswell Ruby was narrowly denied at Beverley last week and Roger Fell's filly lined up here in good form. The nicely bred sort has shown potential to win races already and this could be her compensation. The gelding Seed Investor finished fourth behind the two previously named runners at Beverley and has improved with each start. Now trained by Ivan Furtado, the aim will be to get his head in front at some point. Space Raider would be a reliable second runner for Ivan Furado. The sizeable gelding began to improve towards the end of the year and should make a decent three-year-old. The Lost Canvas was very unlucky not to win on second start for David O'Meara last year before struggling on soft ground on his latest run in October. He would move into handicap company from a potentially dangerous rating. 

Winner: HARSWELL RUBY (Far Above x Spinola) (#10) - J. Hart - R. Fell

There would be drama just moments before the race got underway as the contest saw two withdrawals in the form of Groundsman and The Lost Canvas. The first named Groundsman suddenly reared in his gate with his front legs hanging over the closed door. Protocol meant that he was an automatic non-runner while The Lost Canvas repeated refused to enter his stall despite the best efforts of the stalls handlers.

Despite a far from ideal long wait in the gate, the remaining ten runners got away to a decent break. The early pace would come from initial leader Space Raider, who showed up in front on his return to action. Just behind him came some of the more fancied runners such as Harswell Ruby, Captain Harry and Private Island, alongside Maywedance and Master Of Zest. The well backed Zarathos and Antiquity would race further back in the order as the pace looked only a steady one.

The race began to unfold approaching the final two furlongs. Push became shove for most of the runners and Space Raider was quickly disposed of as leader by Master Of Zest. Harswell Ruby began to warm up through the gears and the eye was also drawn to Zarathos who started to weave his way through beaten rivals. Four became three as a small group of runners had a battle between themselves for the win. Harswell Ruby had gained first run on Seed Investor, but all the while, Zarathos was flashing home with every stride. In a thrilling climax, Harswell Ruby and Seed Investor went head to head in the final stages as the line quickly approached. Zarathos's late surge brought him into contention as well and a three-way photo for the win was called. After a short pause, the verdict was given to Harswell Ruby, providing her with a first career win. Seed Investor continued his improvement with a second while Zarathos was arguably unsuited by the tactics by finishing third, just a neck behind the winner. There would be a long gap back to the fourth placed Master Of Zest.

It would be deserved compensation for the Roger Fell-trained Harswell Ruby, who got off the mark at the eighth attempt. The daughter of Far Above had shown promise on occasions last season but a step up in trip has seen her improve further. She would be beaten by the smallest of margins a week ago at Beverley and this time the luck was on her side. Showing plenty of will and professionalism, it won't be a surprise to see Roger Fell's filly record more success; especially as a half sister to three horses that won at a good level over a mile and a half. 

Race Two: The Weekend Winners On Sky Sports Racing Novice Stakes - Class Four - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 12

The first two fascinating novice races for older horses would take place here, with the first one taking place over seven furlongs. Races of this nature at Doncaster at the start and end of each season can often produce above average horses so the notebooks will be open and ready to make observations on this year's running. Last year, the race was won by Eve Johnson Houghton's Balmacara, who made it two wins in novice company at Doncaster before going on to place in a Listed race. 

The eldest horse in the race would be the six year old Armathia, who also made his debut for the predominantly National Hunt stable of Keiran Burke. The mare is bred to be decent on the flat and placed in two bumpers three seasons ago. Her last appearance came over hurdles eighteen months ago so this would be a tough task on her flat debut. The first of the previous winners would be the three year old colt Elements Of Fire, trained by John and Thady Gosden. He would defy inexperience to finish strongly and get up on the line at Chelmsford on debut last November and put his 100% record on the line. Godolphin's runners usually need the run on their comeback, but would be represented by Music Of Time here. The son of Dubawi won over course and distance in October in a race that is usually won by talented sorts. The first of the maidens would be the Sam England-trained Aye Up Tom, an already gelded runner who has been beaten by large margins in both starts so far. A second debutant from the Karl Burke yard would be Flame Of Forest, who has also been gelded. He is a half brother to the useful handicapper Flaccianello from the Richard Fahey stable. The Ed Walker stable would send up Moutai for this race. Another to be recently gelded, the son of Hello Youmzain showed minor promise in decent contests toward the end of last season but handicaps would be on the agenda next. Charlie Hills would be another leading yard with a runner here in the form of newcomer Moyowasi. He is bred to be useful as a half brother to stablemate Cicero's Gift, a smart handicapper. Another newcomer with powerful connections would be the colt Remmooz, trained by Owen Burrows. He would be the first foal of a classy Italian racemare. River King took his place in the line up for the Richard Hannon yard and caught the eye in a big way on his debut in August when fourth at Kempton. He also comes from a talented family. The gelded Roaring Twenties lined up for the Simon and Ed Crisford stable and is another to show promise on debut by finishing third recently at Kempton. He would chase home a very exciting horse that day and there wouldn't be anything of that calibre in this race. The nicely bred Sea Force lined up for William Haggas for his seasonal return. The colt finished fourth at Newmarket, but was beaten a long way on soft ground. This could be more to his liking. The field would be completed by Ruth Carr's four year old Sogannie, who showed encouragement when third on debut at Newcastle, but failed to back it up next time when returning to that venue. 

Winner: REMMOOZ (Blue Point x Lady Ramon) (#9) - C. Rodriguez - O. Burrows

All twelve runners arrived quietly at the start and behaved impeccably in the preliminaries. As so often is the case in races of this nature, the betting can provide clues for the pecking order. There would be plenty of support for the once raced Sea Force, who would be sent off favourite, just ahead of River King who was a few points bigger in the market. The previous winners in the field, Elements of Fire and Music Of Time would have their supporters, but proved easy to back at around 5-1. The remainder were largely unfancied.

The race would get underway to a relatively even break. Elements Of Fire would go forward into a narrow lead in the early stages, but raced a touch too keen under Benoit de la Sayette. He would be flanked by Sea Force and the newcomer Remmooz, with Music Of Time, Moutai, Roaring Twenties and River King all racing handily. The longer priced runners such as Sogannie and Armathia would race towards the rear, already feeling the pressure. The general pace set by Elements of Fire would be just an average one which led to a tightly bunched field. The race would begin to heat up at the two furlong pole as Music Of Time was briefly outpaced at this crucial stage. Sea Force was the first to move into a challenging position alongside Elements Of Fire and took over narrowly in the lead. Remmooz had travelled well up until this point but showed signs of greenness when asked to quicken. River King was another to keep up with the change of pace but had given his rivals a half length head start. Inside the final furlong, Sea Force was joined by Remmooz, but it would be the newcomer who finished best of all and make a winning debut under Callum Rodriguez. Sea Force stepped up from her debut effort by finishing second while River King wasn't disgraced either in third. The two former winners in the field could only settle for fourth and fifth respectively.

This looked like a useful race on paper beforehand and it could have thrown up some nice sorts for the future. The winner Remmooz wasn't unbacked in the early morning markets, given his leading connections of Owen Burrows and owner Sheikh Ahmed al Maktoum. It paid to race prominently here, but the son of top class sprinter Blue Point defied some signs of inexperience before quickening nicely once the penny dropped. The colt is also the first foal of a listed race winning mare in Italy, Lady Ramon, who in turn comes from the smart family of winning sprinter Step Up. With stamina and speed in his pedigree, there should be plenty of options for the good looking Remmooz. 

Race Three: The Watch Unbridled on attheraces.com Handicap (Div One) - Class Six - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 11
The action would remain at the seven furlong starting point, but this time it would be a basement level handicap for older horses. Despite the lack of quality, the race attracted a large number of runners as well as some well known faces who have been keeping busy on the all-weather over the winter. Last year, the race split into two divisions and saw John O'Shea's Bantry and the Charlie McBride-trained Oncemorenomore return successful.

Just like last year, the race would split in two at the declaration stage following a large number of early entries at the start of the week. Division one would see the Ismail Mohammed-trained Marmoga aim to back up her recent success. The filly had previously looked limited on the all-weather, but showed plenty of improvement to win on her first try on grass. It has been a while since Clipsham La Habana won a race and the Alice Haynes-trained five year old is more of a regular on the all-weather. Despite this, he ran well at times on the turf last year. Gamblers Kitty would make his seasonal reappearance for the Chris Dwyer stable and remains a maiden. The four year old went close to breaking his duck at Yarmouth last October, his highest finish so far. The veteran Danzart has shown he still retains the fun of racing and travels strongly through his races. The Stella Barclay-trained seven year old ran well on a handful of occasions last season on turf and has threatened to win again lately. The four year old Travis won for the first time last year before joining his current trainer Geoff Harker midway through the season. His form has gone backwards lately and made a rare start over further than six furlongs. Any winner from the Mick and David Easterby is a popular one, so their Carlton And Co will have plenty of support. She was largely consistent last year and has a likeable profile. Another seven year old in the line up would be Michael Herrington's Ratafia, who snapped a losing run at Yarmouth last summer, but had excuses on his final three starts. A return to quicker ground will be expected to suit. Spanish Mane is a prolific winner at Yarmouth for the Shelley and Julia Birkett stable, but made the journey north for this conest. The ten year old mare went close at her favourite venue on recent comeback. On the other end of the experience scale would be the four year old Diligent Henry. Trained locally by Jess Macey, he has been in good form of late on the all-weather, winning at Wolverhampton at the start of this month. A pair of lowly rated runners would complete the field. Tough At The Top would represent the Tim Easterby stable and remains lightly raced, but with a best finish of fifth so far. He would be joined by Scott Dixon's mare Create, who won a similar event last year over course and distance and snuck into the race with a light weight.

Winner: DANZART (Dandy Man x Surava) (#4) - J. Hart - S. Barclay

The group of experienced geldings and mares would walk into their stall without too much hassle, but the giant Ratafia would be a stride slower than the rest once the gates opened. In contrast, Clipsham La Habana timed his start to perfection, getting a flying start and taking up the early lead. He would be joined up front by Gamblers Kitty, with the keen going Carlton And Co, Diligent Henry and Travis all in close proximity. The slow starting Ratafia and Marmoga would both bring up the rear through the early stages of the race.

There would be little change in the order as the pack made their way back home. The pace was only a gentle one which led to a number of horses running with more enthusiasm than ideal. Approaching the final furlong, Clipsham La Habana still held onto the narrow lead he had held since the start, but challengers emerged on either side. Danzart and Create had raced in centre pack throughout the race, but they moved forward together into the lead. Diligent Henry would also throw his hat into the ring as Clipsham La Habana was quickly swallowed up. Danzart would kick into the overall lead as Create made a good go of it just behind him. The leader had done just enough at the finish to cross the line in front, a comfortably three-quarters of a length clear of Create; Diligent Henry ran respectably once again in third while long time leader Clipsham La Habana was rewarded with fourth.

It would be the first win for a while for Danzart, who has been threatening to win a race in recent times. Stella Barclay's seven year was winning for the first time since completing a hat trick in the summer of 2023, but he ran well on turf last year, finishing in the placings on all sorts of ground conditions and distances. His return to action just over a month ago came with plenty of encouragement as he travelled smoothly through the race but was unable to find daylight at Newcastle. On this occasion, he was allowed plenty of time to make his challenge and had enough left in the tank despite racing slightly keenly. He was dropped to a dangerously low rating, so he may still be able to gain another win or two in the near future. 

Race Four: The Watch Unbridled on attheraces.com Handicap (Div Two) - Class Six - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 11

Division two of the low grade class six race would appear to be the stronger of the two with plenty of in form horses and others dropping in grade taking their place at the start.

Top weight for this contest would be carried by the Charlie Hills-trained Jersey Rocs. The five year old's last start on turf came at this venue last summer, but he went on to win twice on the all-weather over a mile. He would revert to seven furlongs here following a short break. Another all-weather regular in the lineup would be Matt Crawley's Prefer The Sister. She would win for the first time in her career last December, but has ran only averagely since then on the artificial surface. Next up came Scott Dixon's King Of York, who has been in good form recently ahead of his fiftieth career start. He won twice in Februrary and March and would be aiming to carry that form over to the turf. The lightly raced Penriath won for the only time at Leicester on heavy ground last year, but Pam Sly's filly struggled in all runs afterwards. She would face a question mark over the going conditions too. The grey Berkshire Phantom began 2024 brightly with three wins for the Fionn McSharry yard before his form plateaued of late. He continues to run well in defeat, never beaten a long way. The Ursa Major Racing silks would also be present here with the Mark Walford-trained Beltane. The seven year old is on a lengthy winless streak, but finished consistently in the placings at the end of last season. He looked in need of the run on recent comeback. One of the most in form runners in the line up would be the Stella Barclay-trained Cloch Nua. The six year old has won four times already on the all-weather this year, but his record on turf isn't as strong. Connections would be hoping that his confidence will help in this contest. Mick and David Easterby's My Honey B won three times in a row during 2023 but hasn't won since and has seen her rating fall to a dangerous mark. The mare is capable of bouncing back, as shown when second last June. Another from the Easterby clan would be Amayretto, trained by Tim Easterby. The four year old has just the sole win to her name, but showed she is capable of more with a couple of second placings during an inconsistent season last year. The legend of Ruth Carr's stable Bobby Joe Leg has won sixteen times on the all-weather and showed he wasn't slowing down with his latest two coming in March this year. The eleven year old would make a start on turf for the first time in exactly two years. The field would be completed by Simon Whitaker's Brazen Rascal. The five year old has yet to place in all nine starts to date and despite offering hope when fourth two seasons ago, he failed to back it up.

Winner: AMAYRETTO (Mayson x Tawaasul) (#9) - D. Allan - T. Easterby 

Just like in the first division of the contest, the stall handlers were given an easy time of things as all runners quietly walked into their stall and just seconds later, the gates would crash back to signify the start of the race. Cloch Nua would miss the break narrowly as Berkshire Phantom and Brazen Rascal were held back by design early on.

The lead during the early stages would be taken by Beltane, who didn't set a breakneck gallop, but was given a free lead under Rhys Elliott. The keen going Perianth would chase the early leader along with Amayretto and Jersey Rocs with the remainder racing closely grouped together. By the halfway stage, Beltane injected some pace into the race and went into a clear lead. The chasing pack refused to panic however and they were right to do so as Beltane's advantage was reduced approaching the final furlong pole. Amayretto was well positioned to strike under David Allan and once she was asked to quicken, the filly did so; overtaking Beltane and going clear at the finish. She would score by a cosy length and a half ahead of Beltane, who ran a pleasing race for connections. King Of York finished best of those held up early by staying on into third while Penriath completed the top four.

It would just a second career win for the four year old, but she has been unlucky not to win more in the past. The daughter of Mayson landed her first success in September 2023 in a low grade nursery handicap at Redcar, but last year was a story of near misses. She would finish runner up twice during 2024, including on her most recent start at Musselburgh in November, beaten by a neck. Relatively lightly raced for her age, Amayretto could progress a little further in the coming months, but always runs with credit on each start.

Race Five: The Play At The Races Stableduel Novice Stakes - Class Five - Six Furlongs - Runners: 13

The second of the highly intriguing novice events would take place, this time over the sprint trip of six furlongs. With plenty of high class races over this trip in the coming months, connections will be looking to the future with their horses.

The Clive Cox-trained Addison Grey would be the first of a number of previous winners in the line up. The son of Havana Grey put in a stylish display to win by three lengths at Southwell last November. Next up would be Alpha Magic for the Mick and David Easterby yard. The gelding comes from a family well known to the yard and his big priced debut success at Thirsk didn't look to be a fluke. The James Tate-trained Blue RC would be another to make a winning debut on the all-weather, but he finished strongly to tie for the win at Chelmsford. He would come from a speedy family however. Godolphin would also be represented here with the debut winner Corolla Point. Charlie Appleby's gelding got up in the closing stages to deny a useful yardstick at Yarmouth in October. Another leading yard with a runner in this race would be Roger Varian with the smart prospect Fondo Blanco. The sprint-bred colt built on a highly promising debut to win comfortably at York last October and looks set for a good year. Yet another previous winner in the field would be Tom Clover's Sixtygeesbaby, who ran well on debut before winning very easily at Newmarket to put his marker down as an exciting prospect. The first of the maidens would be Big Apple Jack from the Mick and David Easterby yard. The gelding was held in fourth at Pontefract on debut, but finished behind three smart prospects on that occasion. The first newcomer in the field would represent Karl Burke. Already gelded ahead of his debut, he is the first foal of a Lowther winner, so is expected to be talented. The Tony Coyle and Kaine Wood-trained Passchendaele made his debut in the same race as Big Apple Jack, but finished further down the order in seventh. He would be a longer term project for his trainer. David O'Meara would be the latest trainer to saddle a newcomer in this race with Storm Passage. He would also need to be smart to feature in this contest, but it wouldn't surprise considering his stable. In the silks of Sheikh Ahmed al Maktoum, the Owen Burrows-trained colt Tasalla also made his debut. A half brother to Group race winners, he had strong credentials on paper. The John and Sean Quinn-trained Pink Azalea has struggled for form in both starts to date, the latest coming at Thirsk when no better than midfield. Completing the lineup would be the Tim Easterby-trained Tanjen. She would be speedily bred as a half sister to a five furlong winner.

Winner: SIXTYGEESBABY (Starspangledbanner x Field Of Stars) (#5) - N. Callan - T. Clover

The most intriguing race of the afternoon would take place with six of the thirteen runners already winning a race in the past. All of the runners behaved calmly at the stalls, which sometimes isn't the case, and the race was quickly underway to a decent break.

There would plenty of competition for the early lead with a handful of horses that like to race prominently, but it would be the outsider Tanjen who raced keenly under previous race winning jockey David Allan. They would be shadowed by Fondo Blanco, Sixtygeesbaby, Alpha Magic and the newcomer Close Envoy as Addison Grey quickly recovered from a hesitant getaway. Further back came another former winner Blue RC with Godolphin's Corolla Point held up in the early stages. The race began to heat up approaching the final furlong. Tanjen would get swamped by his nearest pursuers and was slightly crowded out as Sixtygeesbaby quickened up to lead. On the outside of the group, Fondo Blanco was also right there and the pair would fight out the finish between them. Alpha Magic was also in the process of running a big race as he briefly held the lead entering the final stages. It would be another close and exciting finish as Fondo Blanco and Sixtygeesbaby went eye to eye. With a bob of the head, the verdict would narrowly go to Tom Clover's Sixtygeesbaby by a short head over Fondo Blanco and Alpha Magic not far away in third. From the rear, Corolla Point made up plenty of late ground into fourth, a place ahead of Close Envoy; who was briefly outpaced.

With plenty of potential on display in this contest, it should produce a whole host of horses to follow for the remainder of the season. None more so than the winner Sixtygeesbaby, who looks a classy sprinting prospect. The son of Starspangledbanner made his debut at Windsor in August where he was held up early on but made good headway at the finish into fourth. He was then gelded ahead of his next start and looked a totally different proposition as he routed the opposition at Newmarket by four lengths, travelling like a good horse in the process. With his record now standing at two wins from three starts, Tom Clover's three year old could be aimed at high profile races over the summer and he has the pedigree to match as a half brother to listed race winner and very speedy Rogue Lightning.

Of those behind, there was little to complain about with Fondo Blanco's defeat as Roger Varian's colt was denied by the smallest of margins while Alpha Magic proved he can be a smart type this year for the Mick and David Easterby stable. Corolla Point still looked inexperienced, but did best of those racing at the back. Close Envoy's debut can be rated as encouraging as he plugged on into a close up fifth, while Blue RC and Addison Grey weakened away into sixth and seventh placings.

Race Five: The Sky Sports Racing 415 Handicap - Class Four - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 5

The meeting would finish with a pair of class four handicaps which added a bit of quality to the card. The first of them came over seven furlongs and was limited to three year olds. Just like in the opener, there would be a host of potential improvers in the lineup.

Topping the weights would be one of the more unexposed runners, Singoura from the Gemma Tutty stable. The filly showed promise when second on debut and natural improvement saw her win nicely at Newcastle last winter.The Ralph Beckett-trained Honved has raced at this trip in all three starts, including here on his second start. He finished his race much better last time when fifth to the exciting Cosmic Year. Bryan Smart's Jamaican Storm has a good pedigree for turf, but has raced on the all-weather to date. The gelding has placed in three of his four starts and held reasonable claims here. Frankies Dream has been busy since the turn of the year on the all-weather, but still managed four wins for the Jennie Candlish yard. The gelding ran well back on turf last time but stepped up to seven furlongs for the first time.  The Jack Channon-trained Last Shamardal is another with scope for further progress and won twice on the all-weather. He then finished a very close second on turf debut at Ripon to show his talent. Florida Dawn dictated the pace when winning on her second start at Newcastle, but the Charlie Johnston-trained filly was disappointing on her latest start and tried turf for the first time. The field would be completed by the Michael Dods-trained Mecca's Symphony. She showed ability on occasions last season and wasn't beaten far in her first handicap start last summer.

Winner: FRANKIES DREAM (Belardo x Opal Heart) (#5) - P. Mulrennan - J. Candlish

The only non-runners of the meeting came in this race as both Jamaican Storm and Last Shamardal were withdrawn on the morning of the race which left a field of five. Despite the lack of runners, it would still be a tightly grouped contest.

The quintet of runners got away from the stalls without issue, with the small exception of Frankies Dream, who was slightly awkward from his stall. As expected from the Charlie Johnston-trained runners, Florida Dawn would move into the early lead under Callum Shepherd and dictated the pace with Mecca's Symphony and Singoura just behind her. Next up came Frankies Dream as Honved brought up the rear down the straight course.

The order would remain mostly the same for most of the race, until Singoura moved into a slender lead two furlongs out. Florida Dawn's time in the lead came to an abrupt end as she quickly weakened through the field. Mecca's Symphony would be the only one to challenge Singoura in front. The pair would take each other on approaching the final furlong, but just behind them, Frankies Dream was under pressure to improve. With each stride, he would get closer and closer until he overhauled Singoura and Mecca's Symphony before pulling clear under a well judged ride. Singoura would post a promising second with this season in mind, just ahead of Mecca's Symphony back in third. They finished clear of Honved, who was never higher than fourth throughout and slightly disappointing.

It would be yet another win for one of the most consistent horses in training, Frankies Dream. The Jennie Candlish-trained three year old has been a revelation since a gelding operation as he has now won five times since the start of January this year. All of his previous wins came on the all-weather, but he has held his form remarkably well with just one run from eleven this year has seen him finish out of the top three. Last time out on his return to turf, he would finish strongly to take a share of third place. This would also be his first attempt at seven furlongs, so this success opens up even more options later in the year. It would take a brave person to say that this purple patch will end any time soon.

Race Six: The Free Tips Daily On attheraces.com Handicap - Class Four - Five Furlongs - Runners: 8

The final race of the afternoon would be a similarly competitive race to the one previously and was also limited to three year olds, but this time it took place over the flying five furlongs.

The weights would be headed by Point Neuf, who started last year with a flyer by winning his first two starts before Eve Johnson Houghton's gelding was found out in hotter company. He would try six furlongs last time but weakened in the final stages so returns to the minimum distance. Invincible Crown was consistent during his first season last year when trained by Richard Hannon, but he then switched stables over the winter to Ruth Carr. He has since finished just out of the placings in both starts for the Yorkshire outfit this year. First of the fillies in the lineup would be the Fiorella Princess, making her first start since Lemos de Souza took over the reigns of the Newmarket yard. She has progressed with each run on the all-weather and even her worst finish of fifth saw her get going too late. Another leading Northern stable to be represented is Ed Bethell with their gelding Dothan. He would show promise in his three starts so far, but this would be his first taste of quicker ground. Kevin Ryan's Blue Lakota had a good time of it on the all-weather through the winter by winning four times at a lower level, but his winning streak came to an end last time at Southwell at this level. Mick and David Easterby's Acrisius placed twice last summer before travelling all the way down to Brighton to open his account. He is bred to be speedy, but this flat course is different to what he has run well on previously. Charlie Hills would saddle the filly Alondra in this contest and she showed initial promise before running below form at Goodwood twice. She regained her progression by winning at Southwell at the start of the month by a narrow margin. Michael Dods would also show interest in this race with Brazilian Belle, a daughter of Coulsty. She would look smart when winning easily on her second start, but struggled in stronger company and in handicaps later in the year. 

Winner: DOTHAN (Territories x Heartstring) - (#4) - C. Rodriguez - E. Bethell

Yet another competitive handicap would close out proceedings and this race should produce more winners throughout the season. 
The eight strong line up got away to a decent start and Acrisius would go forward into a narrow lead early on. Next up in the order came Blue Lakota, who kept the leader occupied despite running keenly. Invincible Crown and Fiorella Princess would race close to the early pace, with Brazilian Belle in close proximity. Dothan and Alondra would watch from the rear as the race began to warm up.

Approaching the final two furlongs, Acrisius still travelled nicely under Billy Garritty and quickened away from his nearest rivals. With a two length lead, he looked likely to collect the prize, but the challengers would come hard and fast. Dothan had made smooth headway towards the far side of the group, but had clear air to aim at. That couldn't be said for Alondra, who faced a wall of horses and needed to wait for her challenge. There would be another three-way finish to round out proceedings as Acrisius, Dothan and Alonda all crossed the line at the same time, but the judge determined that the win would go to Dothan. Acrisius would take a very unlucky second, beaten just on the line with the filly Alonda another head back in third. The trio pulled clear of Brazilian Belle taking a well held fourth. 

It would be the first career win for Ed Bethell's Dothan, but likely not his last. The son of Territories started his career over six furlongs where he weakened in the final furlong on both starts. On his third and most recent start back in November, he was dropped back to the minimal trip for the first time where he stayed on into second at Southwell. Starting life in handicaps with a low rating, there would be plenty of appeal at this level. As a distant relative to listed race winner Dutch Masterpiece and multiple handicap winner Dutch Decoy, there should be a lot more to come from Dothan this season.