7.50pm Doncaster Tips & Betting Preview 06/05/2017

This is a competitive handicap over 1m 6 1/2f, see our betting tips and the full race preview below.

IN SUMMARY: The handicapper has been a tad harsh on ROYAL FLAG raising him 7lbs for a handicap success at Doncaster last month. However, there was a lot to like about his victory that day and he should put in another bold bid at a decent price. Buthelezi is worth close attention in the betting given he’s weighted to strike at any moment and New World Power is another interesting runner making his handicap debut.

1 BE PERFECT – Ruth Carr’s hardened handicapper finally took advantage of a falling handicap mark to score by a neck at Catterick last month. He went in again off a 4lb higher mark next time out to score by 1 3/4 lengths and it’s no surprise that the handicapper has put him up another 4lbs. That leaves him on a fair rating but connections will no doubt be hopeful that he can put in another bold show given he remains in Class 4 company. He cannot be ruled out.

2 CODESHARE – Still looked a shade green when he completed a double on the All-Weather in early March and he’s found life tougher since raised into the low 80’s in the handicap. This is his first start on the turf on the flat and it’ll be interesting to see how he performs given he still looks to be improving. He’s had chances off this mark in weaker company than this though and he may be best watched here. The yard have a 16% strike rate at Doncaster.

3 NEW WORLD POWER – Full-brother to some decent sorts in Japan and David Simcock’s son of Deep Impact makes his handicap debut today. He’s been comfortably held in three average maidens to date although he did finish second to the well-regarded Ulysses back in May of last year. He steps up in trip here for his new stable and connections will be disappointed if he can’t be effective off a mark of 81. He’s not bombproof though and the market may guide best.

4 STORMIN TOM – Tim Easterby’s runner is dropped back in trip here having run over 2 miles and further on his final few starts last season. He’s 6lbs higher than his last win but he has placed off this mark although that did come over a longer trip than this. He may just need this run off a break and a few less pounds on his back so he’s best watched today for a yard that have sent out just 9 winners from 222 runners at Doncaster.

5 ROYAL FLAG – Well-supported in a Doncaster handicap on his last start when he landed the spoils by a cosy 1 3/4 lengths. He steps up in trip here and the handicapper has punished him with a hefty 7lb rise following his comfortable success. He steps up into Class 4 company today which will ask new questions of him and he’ll need a near career-best to score here. He is still lightly-raced for a 7yo and should put in a bold bid.

6 MYSTERIAL – 4lbs lower than his last winning mark having been beaten sizeable distances on two runs since his winter break. He’s capable in this grade but he’s thoroughly exposed and is vulnerable to a couple in this that may have something in hand at the weights. Declan Carroll has been struggling for form of late, without a winner from his last 11 runners, with a poor 6% strike rate at Doncaster.

7 BUTHELEZI – Classy performer who once raced in the St Leger back in 2011. He’s obviously not the horse he once was, having slipped down the weights quite rapidly in the last few years but he’s down 7lbs again and if there’s any sort of ability left in him, he must be on a winnable mark. He’s stepped back up in trip today which should suit and although versatile ground wise, looks better on this faster surface so it should come as no surprise to see him pop up today.

8 MIDTECH STAR – Much better on the All-Weather than the turf but all credit to Ian Williams’ runner who scored off a mark of 64 at Bath last month. He’s stepped up in trip and kept on a fast surface here off a 2lb higher mark which technically leaves him on a nice mark. Luke Morris is aboard and he has a good chance here, although you have to back him in the knowledge that he won’t show his best form on the grass.

9 WAITING FOR RICHIE – Tom Tate’s runner makes his first start in handicap company today having run in four maidens. He’s been beaten a long way in nearly of his starts and he races off a mark of 68 today which shouldn’t see him too poorly treated. The yard have had 1 winner from 18 runners here and he’s one to keep a close eye on in the betting given any market support would be significant.