Moore to deliver sweet result on Clon Brulee
CLON BRULEE was bought out of David Barron’s yard last September by Godolphin for a winter campaign in Dubai.
Things never really worked out for the horse in three runs at Meydan, but he wasn’t beaten far on his last two starts there and an encouraging third at Epsom in June was built upon with a good win at Newmarket.
The five-year-old was ridden by apprentice Mikey Ennis in a competitive event at Sandown last time out and arguably went for home a little early. He was collared late on, but was beaten less than two lengths in third.
With Ryan Moore in the saddle this time, and the small field to his liking, the selection should win the Park Hill Hospital Conditions Stakes (4.10pm).
Nabucco would be a danger if reproducing some of last season’s form, but has been well-beaten on his last two starts.
Bayrir deserves respect as a former top-level winner in America, but hasn’t won in nearly two years and will do well to shoulder a 6lb penalty on his second start for Marco Botti.
The concluding five-furlong contest (5.15pm) looks an absolute puzzle, exactly how a 22-runner sprint handicap should be. Ladbrokes are paying five places on the race so there is plenty of each-way value to be had.
The main suggestion is EVEN STEVENS, a proven front-runner with pace to burn.
Drawn against the near side rail in 22, he should pop out and could be hard to pass as he bids to repeat his win in this race two years ago. The gelding has been in the winner’s enclosure off as high a mark as 98, so looks well-treated off 82 here, particularly as this is the first time he’s been down to Class Four level since last October.
COMMANCHE has never won over the minimum trip but was second in this race last year, coming well clear with the eventual winner Sir Pedro. Chris Dwyer’s five-year-old returns to Town Moor off a 2lb lower mark, goes well on this ground, and has strong place hopes at the very least.
Pointers…
CLON BRULEE 4.10pm Doncaster
EVEN STEVENS e/w 5.15pm Doncaster
COMMANCHE e/w 5.15pm Doncaster
@BillEsdaile