October 25 / 13.30 Doncaster

13.30

Heavy

Skill Step Group Handicap

  • Prize money: £25770
  • 0m 5f 3y
  • Class 2
  • 12 runners
ITV
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Skill Step Group Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly sunny

OUR TIP

Form: 177255 D BF

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Beaten in this race in each of the last three seasons and on each occasion he'd come here after a fine run in the Catterick Dash one week earlier; only fifth in that race this time around and although he will relish conditions, others appeal more for win purposes.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(5)

13th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 15y

Class 3

16:00 Chester

Vintage Clarets

9st 9lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Gained two of his ten wins over this C&D and returns here after bouncing back to form with commendable second in last week's Epsom Dash (5f, good to soft); still well handicapped after 3lb rise; likely contender.

11/4

2nd

19

(18)

6th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Epsom

Vintage Clarets

8st 10lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Prolific winner down the years and he arrives off an 11lb lower mark than when fifth in this 12 months ago; yet to shine this year (poor draw at Chester on penultimate start) but it wouldn't be a huge shock to see him fare better today.

16/1

11th

11

(11)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:40 York

Vintage Clarets

9st 3lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Prolific winner over the years, including over C&D; no impact yet this season but he wasn't disgraced from a wide draw at Chester last time and he's tumbling in the weights; solid each-way claims.

12/1

Form: 691188 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Never a threat after a slow start in the corresponding race 12 months ago; as good as ever when winning at Sandown and Ascot (came from well back) in August/September and two subsequent defeats excusable (ground/Listed race); 3-8 on soft or worse but might be better suited by a stiffer finish.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(9)

25th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 5f 3y

Class 2

13:30 Doncaster

Woolhampton

9st 7lb

J: Oliver Searle

T: Rod Millman

Never a threat after a slow start in the corresponding race 12 months ago; as good as ever when winning at Sandown and Ascot (came from well back) in August/September and two subsequent defeats excusable (ground/Listed race); 3-8 on soft or worse but might be better suited by a stiffer finish.

16/1

8th

12

(5)

4th Oct 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

13:50 Ascot

Woolhampton

8st 12lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Rod Millman

At least as good as ever this year, winning handicaps at Sandown (5f, soft) and over C&D (good to soft) in September; found things happening too quickly at Haydock last Saturday and she's in deeper today, but she does go really well at Ascot and the more rain that falls the better.

16/1

3

(2)

27th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Haydock

Woolhampton

9st 8lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Rod Millman

Likeable mare with eight wins to her name, including at Sandown (5f, soft) and Ascot (5f, good to soft) in the last four weeks; impossible to rule out but she's gone up 13lb in total for those successes and she'll need a career best to complete the hat-trick.

100/30

Form: 19-640 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Had some useful form last year, including on soft, but he has yet to find his best in three runs in a truncated 2025 campaign; 9lb lower than when midfield in this race last year; others look safer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(1)

25th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 5f 3y

Class 2

13:30 Doncaster

Blue Storm

9st 7lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Gemma Tutty

Had some useful form last year, including on soft, but he has yet to find his best in three runs in a truncated 2025 campaign; 9lb lower than when midfield in this race last year; others look safer.

12/1

4

(2)

11th Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:15 York

Blue Storm

9st 7lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Gemma Tutty

Progressive last season when his two successes included the 3yo Dash on Derby day; missed the first half of this season and might have needed his first two runs back, never-dangerous fourth of ten at Haydock on latest; raced only at 5f but may now be ready for this step up in distance; still relatively low mileage and not ruled out.

20/1

1

(7)

27th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Haydock

Blue Storm

9st 12lb

J: Sam James

T: Gemma Tutty

Progressive for Gemma Tutty last season, winning the 3yo Dash on Derby day and posting a personal best when beating nine rivals in this contest (just 1lb higher today) 12 months ago; weak in the market and might have needed the run after over ten months off when only sixth of eight here on reappearance; big player if building on that.

7/1

Form: 005332 D BF

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Just two wins to his name but he has plenty of ability and comes here in top form, most recently coming from well back to snatch second at Ascot three weeks ago (5f, soft); slow starts are a thorn in his side but no surprise to see him arriving on the scene late; new visor replaces cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(4)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

16:45 Newmarket (July)

Rosario

9st 10lb

J: William Buick

T: Roger Teal

Of interest from a handicapping perspective, 3lb lower than when a close third in last season's Portland at Doncaster (5.6f, good); not beaten far into fifth at Windsor 18 days ago; not easy to win with but likely to give a good account.

13/2

5th

1

(6)

22nd Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 21y

Class 3

19:17 Windsor

Rosario

10st 1lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Roger Teal

Tendency to blow the start has often cost him; disappointing effort back in the cheekpieces (off again tonight) in the Goodwood handicap he'd won last season early last month, despite a better break; now 3lb lower but will need to better that somewhat.

10/1

8th

8

(11)

1st May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Goodwood

Rosario

8st 11lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Roger Teal

Captured this prize last year and largely in good form after, despite his customary slow starts; should strip sharper for his reappearance sixth in 5f Newmarket handicap 17 days ago so he's no forlorn hope in refitted cheekpieces.

8/1

Form: 071109 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Good record on heavy and he was in fine form on soft ground in midsummer, winning decisively at Chester (6f) and Yarmouth (5f); not quite so good on his last two starts but a return to his best could be forthcoming; high on the list for a yard also represented by Germanic.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

(6)

27th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 17y

Class 3

15:03 Chester

Solar Aclaim

9st 13lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Julie Camacho

Back to form to take advantage of a reduced mark at Hamilton (5f, good to soft) ten days ago; put back up 8lb and has gained all six wins on going softer than good.

11/4

1st

2

(7)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 7y

Class 4

15:25 Hamilton

Solar Aclaim

10st 1lb

J: Sam James

T: Julie Camacho

Thrown in on last season's best form and there were glimmers of a revival at Epsom on Derby Day (6f, soft); drops in class and looks likely to pop up soon but drying ground won't play to his strengths now back to 5f.

10/1

Form: 520006

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Began his time with Julie Camacho with two solid runs in the spring, notably when second of 13 at Newcastle (6f); things have gone south since, albeit in top sprints, and a wind operation didn't arrest the slide at Haydock four weeks ago; cheekpieces return (ran well over 7f here in one previous use); stable also runs Solar Aclaim.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

(6)

24th Jan 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

17:35 Newcastle (AW)

Germanic

8st 10lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Julie Camacho

Strong 6f form here until a disappointing run eight days ago, tanking through the race but finding little off the bridle; should be fine back at 5f and he remains on a dangerous mark.

7/2

9th

7

(3)

16th Jan 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:20 Newcastle (AW)

Germanic

9st 0lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Julie Camacho

Has turf form but starting to look like an AW specialist, rewarding market support when seeing off Heavenly Heather and 11 others over C&D two months ago; weighted to confirm the form with his old adversary and he is still 2lb lower than for his fine C&D second last May; strong claims.

5/1

7

(13)

25th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 5f 3y

Class 2

13:30 Doncaster

Germanic

9st 2lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Began his time with Julie Camacho with two solid runs in the spring, notably when second of 13 at Newcastle (6f); things have gone south since, albeit in top sprints, and a wind operation didn't arrest the slide at Haydock four weeks ago; cheekpieces return (ran well over 7f here in one previous use); stable also runs Solar Aclaim.

20/1

Form: 502221 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 0lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Two minor wins as a 2yo; gained compensation for a string of near misses when winning last week's Catterick Dash (5f, good) in fine style; this will be a very different test of his skillset though and a 5lb rise may find him out; unraced on slower than good to soft.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(10)

6th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Epsom

Lexington Blitz

9st 10lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Robert Cowell

Picked off late in the 3yo Dash 12 months ago; gelded prior to his seasonal return and he has run well on both starts in 2026, following his close third at Musselburgh with an impressive win at Goodwood five weeks ago (5f, good); a 9lb rise asks a stiffer question but he is progressive.

6/1

1st

10

(2)

1st May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Goodwood

Lexington Blitz

8st 7lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Robert Cowell

Gained a deserved success at Catterick (5f) in October and resumed from five months off with a good third of 14 in 5f Musselburgh handicap 27 days ago; a likely player off an unchanged mark.

4/1

Form: 031231 C

Last run: 18 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Comes here in top form and fully effective on slow ground so there are clear positives; on the downside, he's up 6lb against stronger opposition and the forecast brisk headwind might not suit his front-running style.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

6

(8)

13th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 17y

Class 3

13:35 Chester

Smart Vision

8st 11lb

J: George Wood

T: Jessica Macey

Six-time winner who went close here (5f, heavy) in September; yet to get going this term but there is the slightest suspicion he's potentially running into form; attractively handicapped and not completely dismissed at likely rewarding odds.

20/1

9th

3

(4)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 2y

Class 4

20:05 Doncaster

Smart Vision

9st 9lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Jessica Macey

Versatile regards ground; six wins include two here (7f/5f) and he was second in this race last year; yet to get going this term but there was the faintest hint he might be on the way back at Chester (5f) last time and maybe the return to this trip can help; mark fine.

20/1

8th

7

(8)

7th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 15y

Class 2

13:30 Chester

Smart Vision

9st 1lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Jessica Macey

Good spell culminated in an October double; form has dipped sharply since and he is due a 2lb drop in future; close second in sole C&D attempt but this is harder and doesn't look as if he's about to add to his tally.

16/1

Form: 805000 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Not matched 2yo form this year but he's been tackling deep races and appears to retain ability; his four best efforts have come on deep ground and if he is to revive, it is likely to be under these conditions; stable would ideally be in better form but he's an interesting outsider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(1)

9th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

19:42 Carlisle

Franciscos Piece

10st 1lb

J: Mikey Sheehy

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Two wins over 5f on soft/heavy as a juvenile, the second a Listed event at Chantilly; hasn't won since and only seventh of nine on reappearance, but on a fair mark; could go well though stall 1 a slight negative.

14/1

7th

1

(7)

8th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 212y

Class 4

17:05 Catterick

Franciscos Piece

9st 9lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Smart 2yo; struggled in good handicaps last year but he has slipped down the weights and begins this campaign in a lower grade; one to keep a close eye on this year but drying ground isn't in his favour (best on soft/heavy).

6/1

Form: 833333 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Close second in this race 12 months ago (Oisin Murphy on board) when rated 4lb higher; knocking at the door this season and the addition of cheekpieces could give him a lift; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(11)

26th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

18:45 Musselburgh

Jer Batt

9st 8lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: David & Nicola Barron

Without a win since August 2024 but well treated on last year's best efforts and he shaped when seventh of 14 over C&D three weeks ago as though he'd be sharper for that comeback run; seems to like it here; on the shortlist.

7/1

7th

12

(9)

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 1y

Class 2

15:42 Musselburgh

Jer Batt

8st 6lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: David & Nicola Barron

A losing sequence is mounting but he has a win and a third from just two attempts over C&D, and the latter was first time out last season; 7lb lower here and he's of obvious interest if cherry ripe after 161 days off (has had wind surgery); one of two very plausible candidates for the Barrons.

11/2

11

(5)

25th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 5f 3y

Class 2

13:30 Doncaster

Jer Batt

8st 13lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: David & Nicola Barron

Close second in this race 12 months ago (Oisin Murphy on board) when rated 4lb higher; knocking at the door this season and the addition of cheekpieces could give him a lift; shortlisted.

11/2

12/1

Form: 444234 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Ran well when second over C&D (soft) last month; respectable efforts twice since but this first experience of heavy going needs to prompt some further progress.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

10

(13)

13th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:25 York

Duran

9st 10lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Nigel Tinkler

In better heart than recent form-figures suggest, shaping encouragingly at Beverley on reappearance and poorly drawn at Ascot next time; usually runs at 5f but also successful at 6f; falling in weights and has each-way hopes.

16/1

5/1

Form: 068332 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 4lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Can't have the ground too testing and he comes here on the back of a fine Doncaster second, finding only a progressive rival who had the benefit of the stands' rail too strong (Jer Batt 2.75l back in third); looks sure to be in the thick of it.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(2)

9th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

19:42 Carlisle

Trilby

9st 12lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Sam England

Had his ideal conditions when gaining his fourth win at Haydock last month (5f, soft) when wearing cheekpieces for the first time; solid third of 20 off this 5lb higher mark at York last time (5f, good; fifth has won since); stall 2 perhaps not ideal but one with a chance.

3/1

3rd

19

(20)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

13:30 York

Trilby

9st 9lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Sam England

Reacted well to first-time cheekpieces when picking up nicely to collar a back-to-form rival (pair clear) at Haydock (5f, soft) on Thursday; 5lb penalty in a deeper race but a bigger factor could be that the ground is unlikely to be as testing this time (has won on good but seems most potent when the mud is flying).

10/1

1st

5

(1)

21st May 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

17:13 Haydock

Trilby

8st 13lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Sam England

Returned to form when second at Beverley (5f, good) last month; sixth of seven there since (5f, good to soft) but beaten less than 2l and he's a three-time winner here (6f/5f, good-heavy); could be bang there now back here in first-time cheekpieces.

9/4

Non-runners

Sophias Starlight

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £160.60
Straight Forecast £138.79
Tricast £1094.08
Trifecta £941.50

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Trilby

LAMBOURN:

Rosario

D Express:

Solar Aclaim

Daily Mirror:

Duran

Telegraph:

Smart Vision

TOPSPEED:

Woolhampton

The Times:

Rosario

The Guardian:

Rosario

Daily Mail:

Rosario

RP RATINGS:

Trilby

POSTDATA:

Trilby

The Sun:

Trilby

The Star:

Trilby

Daily Record:

Trilby