The Doncaster Mile is my favourite race of Sydney’s autumn carnival (now the Championships), bringing together the best middle-distance runners in the country for what is always a cracking race.
Historically, it is a tough race for the punters. Past winners have come from so many different form lines, including three-year-olds, mares, entires, geldings and fillies. This looks to be the case again this year, as all the grades are being represented by some quality runners over the 1600m distance.
Currently leading the betting is five-year-old gelding Messene, who has nine wins from 12 starts including last start’s impressive three-length win in a Group 2. This is definitely his toughest test and he currently looks a little short in the market, especially considering the track will most likely be heavy and he is untried in the wet.
On the next line of betting sits Boban, who struggled a little last start in the George Ryder and is not renowned for his wet track ability.
Two runners that do handle the wet and are also under double figures are El Roca and Weary. Both are coming off good last-start runs, with Weary winning in heavy conditions and El Roca running a good third in the George Ryder on a slow track. Weary is unproven at this level and gets a chance to show us what he is made of.
Getting down to the ‘value runners’, there is last year’s Doncaster winner in Sacred Falls who ran a solid fourth in the George Ryder, will relish the wet conditions, and looks a good chance to defend his title. Hawkspur looks to be getting out to peak fitness now. It might still be looking for more distance but handles the wet and should run a good race.
Other runners of interest include Streama, Royal Descent and Speediness, all three of whom looked good value in the early betting. Speediness ran a strong second in the George Ryder and Streama punched along well for fifth. Royal Descent finished off really well last start in the Coolmore and the heavy going will help his cause.
Let’s hope the rain doesn’t scare off too many of the runners, surely the prize money on offer will ensure a full field of 20 will be lining up come Saturday. Can’t wait!
Bondy
Guest
Just a correction Speediness didn't win the Ryder the winner was Gordon Lord Byron. Peeko I dont think the prize moneys change the field much its a solid Doncaster but just like last years really and the one prior and so on.
peeeko
Roar Guru
agree with your assessments bondy, despite the hige prizemoney i have seen much better quality Doncasters
Bondy
Guest
My spelling is shocking there it should be won not one. Lol.
Bondy
Guest
This markets crazed “Doncaster” Speediness is 20/1 and one at WFA last start and now drops in weight, Weary’s one a Grp 3 “thats right a Welter ” and is 6/1 almost eq fav , Messene’s 4/1 fav and has beaten Ecuador, Malvia and Monton last start give me a break, these bookies are smart aren't they.Hawkspur at 10′s ,El Rocca and Sacred Falls at 13′s respectively are outstanding value they'll fight the finish out.
theJudge
Guest
Royal Descent looks the one if it remains heavy. Best run in the Coolmore, against the trend. Lucia Valentina and Catkins coming out of the race as subsequent winners.
Haradasun
Guest
Sacred falls definitely has a great chance. Waller said after the Ryder he needed one more run so he should be right in it. Streama is a great miler but she hasn't seemed as sharp as she was in the spring. I thought the Doncaster prelude was pretty weak, so not that convinced by weary's claims. It's just about my favourite race too great to see different form lines match up for the 'grand final'
Mike from tari
Guest
I have always liked one that has a good 2000mtr record in both the Epsom & Doncaster. I haven't had a look at the field yet.
Bondy
Guest
It sounds like 7 -1 the field, the true form race should always be W.F.A horses going back to handicapped conditions and the Ryder should produce the winner.
peeeko
Roar Guru
lets hope the rain stays away - always a great race