Fete Champetre (far side)
DONCASTER today with three runners, all of which head there on account of the good ground. FETE CHAMPETRE (1.30) won well at Musselburgh back in December, responding to a sounder surface to secure his first victory since going chasing. This will be his first trip to Donny but having run well at Wetherby and Ayr in the past, it’s a track which should suit his strengths.
He’s been hiked back up in the weights since last time, with the handicapper raising him by 5lbs, although he remains below a winning mark over hurdles a couple of years back. Although this is the same grade as last time, it looks a decent bit stronger on paper so he’ll have to kick on again but he’s in good form at home so we’d give him every chance today.
Get With It checking out the fences first
GET WITH IT (3.50) is another in search of good ground so conditions today will be more up his street than they have for a while. He’s been to Doncaster twice before, albeit with little success falling in a handicap hurdle then sixth over fences last spring. The underfoot conditions should help him along and with his mark dropping further - 9lbs below what he raced off winning at Kelso a couple of years back - and the trip fine, a few of the boxes are ticked if he’s up for getting back on track.
Cliffs of Dooneen and Ciaran (right)
Finally, CLIFFS OF DOONEEN (4.25) returns to action after a long layoff stretching back to the summer of 2022. He did a leg after running a couple of times on the flat so we’ve had to be patient with him since.
He’s been back in training for a while now and is ready to go, although after 18 months off he’ll likely need the run. Ciaran O’Shea rides and taking 7lbs off will help on his comeback.