Flat racing returns to the turf at Doncaster on Saturday and the Doncaster Mile promises to be a cracking contest.
Run over the same course and distance as the Lincoln, this Listed contest is open to four-year-olds and upwards and was won by Charyn last year, who went on to win three Group 1s.
A field of nine has been declared and we have two selections to follow.
Doncaster Mile Tips
Does Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum hold the key?
Leading owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum is set to have two runners in this race and they fill two of the first three places in the market. One is the Karl Burke-trained Liberty Lane and the other is George Boughey’s Botanical.
Roger Teal’s Dancing Gemini placed in the French 2000 Guineas last season and he is of obvious interest now in Listed company. The progressive Savvy Victory has been doing well in handicap company but faces a much tougher task now back up in grade.
Point Lynas was an impressive winner of a Listed race at Pontefract last term and he warmed up for this by finishing second in Qatar last month. Witch Hunter was narrowly denied in a Listed contest over 7f at Wolverhampton recently but this looks considerably tougher.
Liberty Lane probably should be favourite here but it’s hard to make a compelling case for Checkandchallenge, Noble Order or Chic Columbine. Karl Burke’s runner won the Cambridgeshire last season and followed that up by finishing second in Group 2 company.
Botanical can be the one in bloom
BOTANICAL won on seasonal debut last season and that offers confidence that he’ll be sharp enough to run a big race. He was an easy winner of a seemingly competitive handicap at York on seasonal debut in 2024, scooting three-lengths clear of his nearest rival.
Things didn’t go to plan in the Wolferton at Royal Ascot after but he was second in the John Smith’s Cup off a big weight after that. Clearly this horse is at least a Listed performer and he was a short head away from winning at this level at Goodwood in September.
Having had wind surgery in the autumn, you wouldn’t want to rule out further improvement and there’s always a good chance when Billy Loughnane is on board.
Doncaster Mile Tip 1: Botanical @ 10/3 with BetMGM
Gemini could be dancing to victory
Roger Teal’s DANCING GEMINI is probably the horse to beat if you consider his best form. The son of Camelot was only beaten by half-a-length when second in the French 2000 Guineas and a reproduction of that form would surely put him bang in the mix.
He also produced some excellent form as a two-year-old and his most recent effort when fourth behind Charyn in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes was also a respectable display. The sharp drop in grade could facilitate a return to winning ways here and you wouldn’t want to rule him out.
Doncaster Mile Tip 2: Dancing Gemini @ 11/4 with BetMGM
