Count Bezukhov emerges as the clear favourite in today’s feature contest at Doncaster, broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing.
2.45 Doncaster – Irish raider Count Bezukhov aims to keep his winning momentum
The horse impressed with a third‑place finish on his debut at Leopardstown, then followed up with a solid victory in a maiden at the Curragh. Stepping up to 12 furlongs at Doncaster, he should relish the extra distance and perform well under jockey Billy Loughane despite carrying penalty weight.
Shoof Baeed secured a winning debut at Redcar, beating the short‑priced favourite, and looks capable of another solid performance.
Andrew Balding’s Theft, rated 82, receives a weight allowance from his rivals, and his previous second‑place effort behind Point Of Law at Newbury suggests he could contend.
David Egan will partner the enigma Poker for Amo Racing, while According To Mark seeks his first win after two consecutive runner‑up finishes.
2.10 Doncaster – Charlie Appleby’s newcomers set to impress in the Champagne Trial
Ottoman Chief, a half‑brother to Grade‑2 winner Ottoman Fleet, is an intriguing debutant who cost 2.2 million guineas as a yearling. Jockey Billy Loughane takes the ride, making him a horse to watch in the betting.
Stablemate Quest For Stars, son of champion Sea The Stars, fetched €700,000 as a yearling at Deauville Arqana in August and looks a worthy contender on his debut under Connor Planas.
Amir Lehbab, third on his debut at Newbury, is expected to improve for that run, and Haggas’s Bulletsnap, a son of Minzaal, also showed promise with a third‑place finish on his first start and could progress further under Cieren Fallon.
6.17 Newbury – Macau and My Boo Boo headline a strong Juddmonte EBF Restricted Novice Stakes
My Boo Boo showed promising form when runner‑up at Windsor last month and is a serious contender stepping up to six furlongs with new jockey Jason Watson.
Macau, trained by Archie Watson, was slow to break when third on his debut at Wolverhampton, but could improve with a quicker break.
Shadwell’s Mirzimaan and Desert Legend are each‑way prospects, and Tom Dascombe’s stable is represented by debutant Webster.
Best of the rest
At Doncaster, James Fanshawe’s Room Fourteen is a strong contender for the Betfred “The Classic Bookmaker” Handicap. Classic‑winning jockey Billy Loughnane takes the ride, adding value to a gelding who has won twice in his last three starts. Carrying an extra 4 lb for his recent success, he will need to sharpen his performance.
At Newbury, the 5:13 pm Win Races With Jonathan Portman EBF Fillies’ Restricted Novice Stakes showcases several talented novices. Angel Sense, an experienced filly, aims to end a run of bad luck and secure a victory for trainer Marco Botti.
At 7:27 pm, Grizedale leads a field of 12 runners in the Pump Technology Engineered To Perform Handicap.