5:10 Doncaster Tips

You can make a fair case for the favourite Raft Up, who raced on the wrong side of the track last time out, but I’m siding with Captain Vallo, a real model of consistency who deserves to get his head in front. Never out of the frame since April, he caught the eye on his latest start at Thirsk, where he was badly outpaced early due to a strong gallop but finished strongly, just touched off by the narrowest of margins. The front two pulled well clear, marking it out as solid form. He’ll likely be ridden from off the pace again, and in this bigger field, you’d hope they go hard up front, setting things up for his late charge. Kevin Stott, who landed a double at the last Doncaster meeting, takes the ride. With extra places on offer, Captain Vallo appeals as a solid each-way player at 5/1.

This looks like a great chance for Raft Up to get another victory on a course he won at two runs back. He had the misfortune to come up against a rejuvenated course specialist at Ripon last time. However, he had the rest comfortably beaten. The trainer is in terrific form, and I would be very hopeful of a very bold show.

Sugar Baby looks like a nice each way play. Form from the last few races is shaping very nicely. Third time lucky, I think, here at this distance. Top weight isn't a worry for me as this horse is pretty consistent with a good jockey. Four places on offer as well.

Won over course and distance on penultimate start. This is tougher up in grade and a 5lb higher mark, but has conditions to suit and didn't pull as hard as usual last time. EW chance.

SOUTH SHORE can make it look hard work and his win at Wetherby last month had to be earned. The hood appeared to help that day at least and although well beaten at Ripon since; I think Ruth Carr's charge ran a little better than it looked. Doesn't have much in hand of the handicapper but certainly capable of being in the money on this fast ground. The 3-y-o Rift Valley may yet improve and her previous attempts against older horses came too early in the season.

Veteran horse who showed some good ability LTO when a credible 4th of 12 at Ripon last month. Also helps that he's a C&D winner but going through a barren run as last win was back in 2023. Current mark provides an opportunity.

RIFT VALLEY nowhere near fully exposed as a turf sprint handicapper is a three year old filly taking on her elders. She looks up to yhis company racing now from her career-low mark with plenty more to offer and apparently suited by quick ground she appeals.