Doncaster Mile Tips and Field Preview – 2017

The Doncaster Mile (Race 9) always attracts an exciting field and this year is no different.

This year’s edition is a very open betting race and there’s plenty of value in this capacity field.

I’ve had an in-depth look at every runner in the 1600m race to try and sort out who can and can’t win the G1 Doncaster Mile.

Here Unibet’s runner-by-runner preview for the famous race.

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1 – Hauraki – won the Epsom Handicap over this track and distance in the spring, but this race is much harder and I don’t think he has come back the same horse this time in.

He’s going to need a lot of luck from the draw and I personally believe he’s well under the odds.

 

2 – Le Romain – has always shown top class ability, but he has come back a very serious animal this time in and that’s why he’s the race favourite.

His three runs back have been very good, but I thought his most recent effort behind Winx was good enough to be very competitive on Saturday.

I expect Bowman to give him every chance from barrier eight.

 

3 – Palentino – was back to his best in the Blamey last start, but I don’t think that’s the right form for this race.

He’s a very consistent horse who has drawn well, but he doesn’t have the class to win a Doncaster.

 

4 – Tosen Stardom – was very good behind Black Heart Bart first-up, but then failed as a short-priced favourite behind Palentino.

He’s a very good horse on his day, but I think he wants further and the wide barrier is a massive hurdle.

 

5 – Happy Clapper – ran a brave second in this race last year and if he can repeat that effort, then he should be very hard to beat.

He didn’t beat much last start at Newcastle, but he won the race very easily and he’ll strip fitter now.

This gelding has drawn perfectly in barrier two, drops in weight and his record over this distance is top class. Go the Clapper!

 

6 – It’s Somewhat – returned with a nice effort first-up and has to be respected now he’s fitter and rises in trip.

He’s ultra-consistent and Zac Purton is one of the best riders in the world, so he should get the best out of him. Each way chance at good odds.

 

7 – Ecuador  – has been very consistent this prep and he does make his own luck up on the speed, but I’m a bit concerned he might have had enough this prep.

 

8 – Arod – is a former European galloper who has mixed his form since arriving in Ausralia. I expect him to get every chance this Saturday, but I won’t be holding a ticket with his name on it.

 

9 – Dibayani – is yet to win in Australia, but his form at this track/distance must be respected. If Oliver can weave some of his magic from the wide barrier, then this gelding could sneak into a place.

 

10 – Redkirk Warrior – comes into this after a highly impressive win in the Newmarket Handicap last start.

This horse is one of the most exciting gallopers in the country and I personally believe he’ll be even better over the mile.

The young man on his back, Regan Bayliss, is absolutely flying and if he can get the horse to relax throughout, then he’ll be winning his first Doncaster.

 

11 – Mccreery – returned with a nice win first-up at Randwick, but he was then outclassed last start behind Winx, so just forgive that effort.

He has nice ability and the drop in weight is a big help, but I’m happy to leave him out of my top four because he’s going to get into an awkward position from the draw.

 

12 – Endless Drama – was brilliant first-up behind Winx and then failed over this track/distance last start, but I’m happy to forgive that effort because he might have been a bit flat.

He has some very nice overseas form, his recent trial was good and the stable should have him ready to peak now, but he’s another smart horse in this field who is going to need a ton of luck from the wide barrier.

 

13 – Sense Of Occasion – won the Villiers Stakes late last year and that’s a good guide for the Doncaster, but I would be shocked if this horse won on Saturday. Not for me.

 

14 – I Am A Star – is a three-year-old filly who has come back a very good horse this time in.

Her win over this distance at Moonee Valley last start was brilliant and she should get every chance with no weight on her back this weekend. She must be included in all exotics.

 

15 – Hey Doc – has come back bigger and better this time in and if he can repeat his Australian Guineas win, then he could be a big player.

The wide barrier is a genuine concern, but Tim Clark is riding well and this horse is going to adore having no weight on his back.

 

16 – Antonio Giuseppe – drops back to the mile after finishing fourth in the Ranvet Stakes over 2000m and Waller has won some big races in the past using this training method.

The horse is loaded with ability and I always respect Chris Waller over the famous Randwick mile. This gelding has drawn perfectly in barrier six and he should be rock hard fit now.

 

17 – Sons Of John – could run a massive race if he found some of his old form. He’s fitter now after an ok effort first-up, but he’ll be better suited back in grade.

 

18 – Testashadow – is racing well, but he’ll find this race too hard.

 

19 – Spectroscope – has been awesome in both wins since arriving in Australia.

This Godolphin-trained horse is a proper animal and it’s scary to think he has only had nine career starts.

I’m happy to have something on this horse, but he’s going to need a miracle ride from the Magic Man, Joao Moreira.

 

20 – Euro Angel – would need to start now if he was going to win this Group 1.

 

Emergencies:

21 – New Tipperary (1st em) – should have won last start, but was caught wide and had to settle for a silver medal.

I have a lot of time for this animal and if he can sneak into the field, then he could run a massive race at good odds.

 

22 – No Doubt (2nd em) – is racing well this prep, but this is a massive ask for him. Keep an eye on this horse next prep.

 

23 – Top Of My List (3rd em) – is a lightly raced mare who has nice ability, but this race is out of her league.

 

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TIPS:

1st – Happy Clapper

2nd – Redkirk Warrior

3rd – Le Romain

4th – Spectroscope

5th – Antonio Guiseppe

 

Best Roughies:

New Tipperary

Endless Drama

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