Doncaster Races Abandoned Due to Frozen Track - 6th February 2025

Hobbyist Trixie Strategy
Bankroll Status
Starting Bankroll £30
Top Ups to Bankroll £00.00
19th to 25th January 2025
Wk 1 - £35 - Wk 2 - £32.01

Week 3 - £26.28
Sun - £03.56
Mon - -£0.64
Tue - -£7.00
Wed - -£2.22
Thrs - -£0.00
Fri - -£0.00
Sat - -£0.00

Note from Coldjack: Yesterday's stake wasn’t fully recovered, with winnings falling short again. We were close in some finishes but didn’t get the rub of the green. Battered, but not beaten—we go again.


Stakes £0.00 Winning £0.00 losing £0.00

modest returns for the 'Trickey Trixie'
patent punting for the 'zsar bomba' of booms!

❄️ Doncaster Races Abandoned Due to Frozen Track ❄️

Icy Blow for Doncaster as Freezing Conditions Force Abandonment

Racing fans have been left disappointed as today’s Doncaster meeting has been abandoned due to a frozen track.

The seven-race card was set to feature Adam Nicol’s stable star Wise Eagle in the Virgin Bet Daily Price Boosts Handicap Hurdle, but the severe overnight frost left officials with no choice but to inspect the track early this morning.

An initial 7:30am inspection deemed the surface unraceable, with a 9:30am recheck showing only slight improvement. Hopes were briefly raised for a final 10:45am inspection, but conditions remained unsafe, forcing a late cancellation.

A frustrating outcome for connections and punters alike, but safety must come first. The focus now shifts to the next big fixture—fingers crossed for better weather!

Predictions IF the Meeting Had Gone Ahead
Based on the race card for Doncaster on Thursday, 6th February 2025, here are two bet strategies focusing on consistent performers and higher-risk selections with potential upside.

Trixie Bet #1: The Consistency Play

Objective: Focus on consistent performers with proven track records, strong recent form, and effective jockey-trainer partnerships.

Selections:

1. Beau Quali – 14:10 Doncaster (2m Maiden Hurdle)

   • Trainer: Dan Skelton

   • Jockey: Tristan Durrell

   • Key Factors: Beau Quali was runner-up in a juvenile hurdle in France and has been consistent since joining the Skelton yard. He looked to be travelling strongly when falling three out at Newcastle last time.

   • Recent Form: Consistent performances with a notable effort at Newcastle before the fall.

   • Confidence Rating: ★★★★☆

2. Rockola Vogue – 15:55 Doncaster (2m3f Handicap Hurdle)

   • Trainer: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson

   • Jockey: Kielan Woods

   • Key Factors: Rockola Vogue is a progressive mare who won at Hexham over 2m4f and ran a strong second in a Wetherby novice over 2m. She steps back up in trip for her handicap debut.

   • Recent Form: A win and a second-place finish in her last two outings.

   • Confidence Rating: ★★★★☆

3. De Tellers Fortune – 15:20 Doncaster (3m Novices' Handicap Chase)

   • Trainer: Nicky Henderson

   • Jockey: James Bowen

   • Key Factors: De Tellers Fortune is a progressive chaser who won on handicap debut at Taunton over 23f. The form was boosted when the runner-up won next time.

   • Recent Form: Impressive win at Taunton, indicating upward trajectory.

   • Confidence Rating: ★★★★☆

Bet Type: Trixie (4 bets: 3 doubles + 1 treble)

Focus: Aim for at least two winners for a strong return.

Trixie Bet #2: The All-Ways Patent (Higher-Risk Play)

Objective: Target higher odds selections with strong potential but slight question marks.

Selections:

1. Shanagh Bob – 14:45 Doncaster (2m3f Handicap Hurdle)

   • Trainer: Nicky Henderson

   • Jockey: Freddie Gordon

   • Reasoning: Shanagh Bob won a Grade 2 novice hurdle last season but hasn’t looked as convincing over fences. He finished second over 3m at Huntingdon last time.

   • Recent Form: Second-place finish at Huntingdon; potential to improve back over hurdles.

   • Confidence Rating: ★★★☆☆

2. Getaway Drumlee – 16:30 Doncaster (2m4f Handicap Chase)

   • Trainer: Ben Pauling

   • Jockey: Callum Pritchard

   • Reasoning: Getaway Drumlee is a progressive chaser who was a strong second at Fontwell over 2m3.5f, travelling well but collared late. Remains on the same mark.

   • Recent Form: Consistent performances with potential to capitalize on current mark.

   • Confidence Rating: ★★★☆☆

3. Smart Decision – 13:35 Doncaster (2m Hurdle)

   • Trainer: Tim Easterby

   • Jockey: Mr William Easterby

   • Reasoning: Smart Decision won on debut over course and distance in December, beating Wallquatari. Was running a big race at Haydock when unseating at the last.

   • Recent Form: Impressive debut win; unfortunate unseat at Haydock when in contention.

   • Confidence Rating: ★★★☆☆

Bet Type: Patent (7 bets: 3 singles, 3 doubles, 1 treble)

Focus: Even one winner covers much of the stake, two winners bring profit, and all three winners yield an excellent return.

Summary:

• Trixie #1: Lower-risk, high-probability selections focusing on consistent performers.

• Trixie #2: Higher-risk plays with good upside potential, targeting selections with strong potential but slight uncertainties.

Please remember to gamble responsibly. While these selections are based on analysis of recent form and conditions, horse racing outcomes can be unpredictable.

Selections:

Notes from AJ the Hobbyist: I'm waiting until much closer to off time to see which 'obby Picks (dropping Hs since the dog chewed my denture) are drifters or steamers, based on Betfair odds at the time of publishing and updated Timeform data.
Key Reminders:
Parading: Look for calm, focused horses with a good walk—avoid those sweating excessively or agitated.
Going Down: Smooth, controlled canter = positive. Overly keen or reluctant = caution.
At the Post: Composed behaviour signals readiness; restlessness, rearing, or sweating could be negatives.
Odds Market Sentiment:
Steamers (shortening odds): Positive market confidence, but watch for overbet favourites.
Drifters (lengthening odds): Could signal trainer/jockey concerns—or just market overreaction, offering value.
Keep emotions out—trust the data, the visuals, and the odds shifts. 🎯

Full Card

🏇 Race 1 - 13:00 Doncaster (3m Novices' Handicap Hurdle)

1️⃣ Star Vantage
Trainer: Rebecca Menzies | Jockey: Aaron Anderson
Key Form: Remains a maiden but has shown real promise since moving to Rebecca Menzies, particularly when finishing second at Southwell earlier this week. Clearly suited by this trip.
Why: If handling the quick turnaround, Star Vantage looks the one to beat. His latest effort was strong, pulling clear of the rest behind a stablemate, and he appears to be improving over 3m. With conditions to suit, he holds leading claims.

2️⃣ Skin Full
Trainer: David Pipe | Jockey: Ben Bromley
Key Form: Showed promise when fourth on chase debut at Taunton but disappointed next time. Steps up significantly in trip, which could bring improvement back over hurdles.
Why: Although yet to fully fire, this step up in trip looks a logical move. Pipe's runners often improve with time, and if Skin Full sees out the 3m well, he should be a major player in this field.

3️⃣ Deep Strato
Trainer: Donald McCain | Jockey: Charlie Maggs
Key Form: Lightly raced under Rules but showed promise when fourth at Carlisle in December on handicap debut. Up in trip today.
Why: Could be open to improvement now tackling 3m for the first time. His connections know how to place a staying hurdler, and his previous effort hinted that a step up in distance could unlock more.

🎯 Wildcard Pick: Farmer Jimmy
Trainer: Mark Walford | Jockey: Tom Midgley
Key Form: Well held in three qualifying runs but moves into handicaps for the first time over a much longer trip. Market support would be telling.
Why: This is an intriguing runner. The jump up in trip and switch to handicaps could see a completely different performance. Given the unexposed profile, he could be a big-price surprise if attracting support.

🏇 Race 2 - 13:35 Doncaster (2m Hurdle)

1️⃣ Smart Decision
Trainer: Tim Easterby | Jockey: Mr William Easterby
Key Form: Won on debut over C&D in December, beating Wallquatari. Was running a big race at Haydock when unseating at the last.
Why: Proven over the course and looked to be improving at Haydock before his unfortunate unseat. With a clear round, he should confirm his superiority over Wallquatari and looks the one to beat.

2️⃣ Wallquatari
Trainer: Donald McCain | Jockey: Brian Hughes
Key Form: Fell on debut but showed ability when second to Smart Decision over C&D last time, finishing well clear of the third.
Why: A solid performer who is entitled to improve again. The McCain-Hughes combination is always strong, and if Smart Decision falters, Wallquatari is best placed to capitalise.

3️⃣ Mad Maxios
Trainer: Harry Derham | Jockey: Harry Reed
Key Form: Unraced Maxios gelding from a good yard. Half-brother to a smart hurdler.
Why: The market will be key, but given his connections, he could go well on debut. If attracting support, he may outrun his odds and challenge for a place.

🎯 Wildcard Pick: The Resdev Tyke
Trainer: Michael & David Easterby | Jockey: Jamie Hamilton
Key Form: Strongly backed on debut at Haydock but was given too much to do, finishing third. Should improve.
Why: He shaped well despite a tough race position on debut and could progress significantly. If ridden more prominently, he has the potential to spring a surprise.

🏇 Race 3 - 14:10 Doncaster (2m Maiden Hurdle)

1️⃣ Beau Quali
Trainer: Dan Skelton | Jockey: Tristan Durrell
Key Form: Runner-up in a juvenile hurdle in France and has been consistent since joining the Skelton yard. Looked to be travelling strongly when falling three out at Newcastle last time.
Why: He was in total control at Newcastle before falling, and if jumping cleanly here, he looks the class act in the race. His prior efforts suggest he’s well capable of winning this.

2️⃣ Stressfree
Trainer: David O'Meara | Jockey: Henry Brooke
Key Form: A former useful Flat performer who shaped well on his hurdles debut at Catterick, looking the likely winner before fading late into third.
Why: He showed enough ability at Catterick to suggest a hurdles win is not far away. With the benefit of that experience and his strong Flat background, he should go well.

3️⃣ Timetoshine
Trainer: Nicky Henderson | Jockey: James Bowen
Key Form: A dual winner on the all-weather in France and now makes his hurdles debut for top connections.
Why: Henderson has a strong record with ex-Flat horses making the switch to hurdles. If taking to the obstacles well, she could run into the places at decent odds.

🎯 Wildcard Pick: Wotter Trotter
Trainer: Dan Skelton | Jockey: Kielan Woods
Key Form: Showed some promise on debut at Huntingdon but struggled next time in stronger company at Newbury.
Why: Clearly second choice from the Skelton yard behind Beau Quali, but if he can recapture his debut promise, he could outrun his odds and sneak a place.

🏇 Race 4 - 14:45 Doncaster (2m3f Handicap Hurdle)

1️⃣ Wise Eagle
Trainer: Adam Nicol | Jockey: Craig Nichol
Key Form: Classy stayer on the Flat who has taken well to hurdling, winning two novice hurdles with ease. Looked sharp when second in a recent Flat run, suggesting fitness is no issue.
Why: A strong traveller with proven stamina, Wise Eagle is unexposed in handicaps and open to further progress over hurdles. This step up in class shouldn’t be a problem, and he could be very well treated off this mark.

2️⃣ American Sniper
Trainer: David Pipe | Jockey: Jack Tudor
Key Form: Bounced back to form with a gutsy Newbury win in November and has since run two solid races in competitive handicaps.
Why: He’s tough and consistent, and while not the most progressive, he stays well and should appreciate this intermediate trip. Expect another solid run with each-way claims.

3️⃣ Bold Reaction
Trainer: Charles & Adam Pogson | Jockey: C J Todd
Key Form: Bumper winner who ran a much-improved race when third over C&D last time, suggesting he may be back to form.
Why: Back hurdling after an unsuccessful chase campaign, he’s been steadily improving. The recent C&D effort showed promise, and off a reduced mark, he could go well at a decent price.

🎯 Wildcard Pick: Shanagh Bob
Trainer: Nicky Henderson | Jockey: Freddie Gordon
Key Form: Won a Grade 2 novice hurdle last season but hasn’t looked as convincing over fences. Finished second over 3m at Huntingdon last time.
Why: He’s got plenty of class but may find this trip on the sharp side. However, if he can sit prominently, his quality could see him go close in this company.

🏇 Race 5 - 15:20 Doncaster (3m Novices' Handicap Chase)

1️⃣ De Tellers Fortune
Trainer: Nicky Henderson | Jockey: James Bowen
Key Form: Progressive chaser who won on handicap debut at Taunton (23f, good) in December. That form was boosted when the runner-up won next time.
Why: Strong claims as a lightly raced improver who took well to fences. With further progress likely, he’s the one to beat. Henderson’s runners thrive in these conditions, and market support suggests confidence in another bold show.

2️⃣ Kelce
Trainer: Neil Mulholland | Jockey: Conor O'Farrell
Key Form: Much improved since switching to fences with cheekpieces. Easily won at Market Rasen (24f, soft) in December and was booked for second when falling at the last over 27.6f next time.
Why: A proven stayer with progressive form. If over his last-fence fall, he can push the favourite close. The race could turn tactical late on, which suits his prominent style.

3️⃣ Saladins Son
Trainer: Anthony Honeyball | Jockey: Rex Dingle
Key Form: Strong seasonal debut winner over hurdles at Huntingdon (3m1f, soft) before pulling up on chasing bow at Ffos Las (21.5f, heavy). Capable of better.
Why: Stable does well with stayers, and his hurdling ability suggests there’s more to come over fences. If putting his last run behind him, he’s an interesting each-way contender.

🎯 Wildcard Pick: Moon Hunter
Trainer: Henry Daly | Jockey: David Bass
Key Form: Former course winner who showed promise over fences last season but has looked laboured in recent starts. Cheekpieces applied again.
Why: A step up in trip could help him find more. If he recaptures his better form, he’s got the ability to outrun his odds. A lively outsider if bouncing back.

🏇 Race 6 - 15:55 Doncaster (2m3f Handicap Hurdle)

1️⃣ Rockola Vogue
Trainer: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson | Jockey: Kielan Woods
Key Form: Progressive mare who won at Hexham (2m4f, soft) in October and ran a strong second in a Wetherby novice (2m, soft) next time. Steps back up in trip for her handicap debut.
Why: She’s improving with every run, and the extra distance is a major plus. Given her strong novice hurdle form and potential for further progress, she rates as the one to beat.

2️⃣ Crystal Glance
Trainer: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero | Jockey: Henry Brooke
Key Form: Won her first two hurdle starts before finishing second at Doncaster (2m, good) in November. A disappointing fifth at Aintree last time, but that wasn’t her true running.
Why: She remains unexposed and is worth forgiving her last effort. Doncaster suits her well, and if bouncing back, she should be right in the mix.

3️⃣ Eileens Orders
Trainer: Henrietta Knight | Jockey: Brian Hughes
Key Form: Yet to win but has been consistent, placing third in her last three hurdle starts, including at Southwell (2m4f, heavy) last month. Drops 1lb in the weights.
Why: Lightly raced and steadily improving. The softer ground should be in her favour, and with a strong pace likely, she could stay on for a place.

🎯 Wildcard Pick: Could Be Trouble
Trainer: Donald McCain | Jockey: Theo Gillard
Key Form: Back to winning ways at Hexham (2m4f, good) in October and ran a solid third at Musselburgh (2m3f, good to soft) last time.
Why: A tough and experienced mare who handles these conditions well. If she gets the right tactical race, she could surprise at decent odds.

🏇 Race 3 - 16:30 Doncaster (2m4f Handicap Chase)

1️⃣ Getaway Drumlee
Trainer: Ben Pauling | Jockey: Callum Pritchard
Key Form: Progressive chaser who was a strong second at Fontwell (2m3.5f, soft) last time, travelling well but collared late. Remains on the same mark.
Why: He’s taken well to chasing, with two solid efforts in this sphere. Looks well treated off an unchanged mark, and with his stamina assured, he can go one better today.

2️⃣ Wild Side Of Life
Trainer: L J Morgan | Jockey: Harry Reed
Key Form: Showed promise over hurdles and was well backed on his chase debut at Musselburgh (2m7f, good to soft) before falling early.
Why: There’s still untapped potential here, and the drop in trip should suit. If his jumping holds up, he could make a big impact in a competitive field.

3️⃣ New Order
Trainer: Charlie Longsdon | Jockey: David Bass
Key Form: Won over 3m at Warwick (soft) in December before disappointing at Newbury (2m7f, good to soft).
Why: He’s lightly raced and still improving. Back down in trip, he could bounce back with a strong effort.

🎯 Wildcard Pick: Kaituna River
Trainer: Alex Hales | Jockey: Kielan Woods
Key Form: Promising chasing debut at Southwell (2m4f, soft) when second but disappointed at Huntingdon (2m7f) last time.
Why: This trip might suit better than last time, and he could be a lively outsider if finding his best form again.