Nick Luck’s Blog: Let’s Live In The Moment at Doncaster and Chester

Saturday, Doncaster

Although Rosallion will be very tough to beat in the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster on Saturday (1.50pm), there is no appeal in his price on softer ground than he has ever faced. As such, I am inclined towards a very small interest at big odds in SUNWAY (14/1), who went off 5/2 for Rosallion’s Ascot race before capitulating tamely. There is no way that reflected his ability, having made a really striking impact at Sandown on debut, and it is perhaps significant that he is now wearing a tongue tie. Her should love cut in the ground, and is respected.

LIVE IN THE MOMENT gets the vote in the Portland (2.25pm) at 16/1. He has run twice here – once at 5 and once at 6 – and has run massive races both times. Given that one of those was a second in Listed company, 87 is not a tricky mark for a horse of his ability. He goes well with cut, and roared back to form with authority at Goodwood. This intermediate distance should be just about perfect.

SANDRINE should run really well in the Park Stakes (3.00pm). She is not far off the best seven furlong horses and was revitalised by the visor and a return to this trip at York. This is less of a race, and she should adopt a nice stalking position behind Pogo. 9/2.

GREGORY can win the Leger (3.35pm) at 9/2. I am a little concerned about the ground, but some of his relatives have handled it well enough, and anything that turns this race into a real test will surely play in his favour. The tactical nuances of York have been well documented, and he’ll just keep rolling – I’m hoping that Chesspiece and at least one of the Ballydoyles gets stuck in up front and Gregory can get the perfect stalking trip.

Saturday, Chester

AL QAREEM might give Bluestocking something to think about in the Listed at Chester (2.05pm). He’s higher rated than the filly, is a guaranteed stayer, and is seemingly priced on his most recent form figures, neglecting to remember that those came in unsuitable races in Saudi and Dubai. This is much more like it, and the yard could hardly be in better form. 13/2.

BARYSHNIKOV can win again at his beloved Chester (2.40pm) at 5/1. This isn’t a race with too many surprises, and conditions look ideal for the old boy, who has run perfectly well of late, but who is easing his way gently down the weights.