Elkaayed can cap a fine day for in-form Varian team
ROGER Varian had a testing time in August due to the bacterial infection that swept through his yard, but he has bounced back in style and there is no trainer in better form at the moment.
He will be hoping for another good day on Town Moor, the venue where he trained his first ever winner, as in addition to Justineo he has very solid claims of taking the Park Hill Hospital Conditions Stakes (4.10pm) with ELKAAYED.
The three-year-old didn’t look to stay in the Gordon Stakes last time and the drop back to 10 furlongs will definitely suit. Paul Hanagan’s mount was a decent fifth in the Group Three Tercentenary Stakes at Royal Ascot behind Remote and that form should be good enough to take this.
Gatewood has returned to John Gosden after a spell in Australia and on his best form he would have a serious chance. However, he hasn’t run since April and may just need this.
Ocean War ran as if something was amiss last time, while the other Godolphin representative Out Of Bounds has his first start on these shores having raced solely in America and Dubai up to now.
Boonga Roogeta and Whipper’s Boy both look like they have plenty to find so Elkaayed really should take all the beating.
Betting on charity races isn’t really my bag, but the Leger Legends Stakes (3.35pm), now in its fourth year, has been kind to punters so far with all three favourites obliging.
The one I’m most interested in is Charlie Hills’ CALLMEAKHAB who was really unlucky at Thirsk last time. She broke her maiden at Chester’s May meeting and although she hasn’t added to that success, she has always been well regarded by her trainer.
Charlie’s brother Michael takes the ride and with him only having retired last year he could well have an edge over some of the other jockeys. Callmeakhab is one of the most unexposed contenders in the line-up and she should go well at around the 7/1 mark.
Winslow Arizona, another three-year-old, is feared most, but my selection looks to hold a really strong each-way chance.
Pointers…
ELKAAYED 4.10pm Doncaster
CALLMEAKHAB e/w 3.35pm Doncaster