Tanya Stevenson's Racing UK Blog
	Saturday 8th November 2014

Tropics can turn up the heat at Doncaster

Dissenting voices ensued regarding the appointment of Nick Rust as BHA Chief Executive. They were not about who the person was, rather they concentrated on his current role within the betting industry. He works for Ladbrokes.  

But here is a thought. Who would be better equipped to deal with the pressing and tricky matters coming over the horizon?  Field sizes, funding, in part, via the Levy or, should I say, it's modernisation or replacement, point of consumption tax, a means to galvanise interest in the sport, particularly betting, and then general maintenance and awareness of the sport's health and how racing might be effected by other sports. He has an awareness of all the subject matter.

Better Rust than plucking someone from obscurity, who may have an impeccable CV but if they were not aware of how the sport is navigating through choppy waters in turbulent times it would be a sharp learning curve which, if not conquered, would leave the sport in disarray. That is some subjective thinking o my part, but all I say is come this time next year judge Nick Rust the man.

As the Jumps Season gets in to full swing I thought it a good idea to pass on the horses I will be looking forward to watching progress. Get your NagMe accounts ready.  

The Tullow Tank looked really impressive on Tuesday, and there is surely plenty of big-race prizes heading to his trophy cabinet.  

Noel Meade has plenty of equine talent within his stables this season, Very Wood, Road To Riches, an obvious pair, but I really like Apache Stronghold and his garish pink colours should be brightening many an Irish racecourse this term.

I thought Boston Bob ran well at Down Royal on Saturday. He appeared to need it badly, but in hindsight he is a horse who thrives in March and April.

One horse who went into everyone's NagMe account on Saturday was Sign Of Victory. The manner of his triumph at Ascot gave you the feel he'd defy any penalty on his next start, which may well be the Ladbroke Hurdle back at Ascot. Roll on December.

Roserrow was priced up in Thursday's morning papers as a very warm 2-1 favourite at Musselburgh. As post time crept nearer his price walked in the market to an SP of 5-1. He made all for a very easy win and looks set to pick up many more races of that nature.

As I sit at Doncaster racecourse readying myself for the last day of the Flat turf season it's raining heavily outside, no doubt easing the ground even further than the soft it stood at on Friday morning.  

The November Handicap is going to be an almighty test of stamina so form over further, or on heavy ground, is a requirement.  

I'd originally plumped for Aramist and at the same time thought the price of Treasure The Ridge was an insult to the horse; he's each-way value.

Tropics is sure to go well in the Wentworth Stakes and will love the ground, while at Wincanton with Harry Fry in such rich form I'm going to side with Rock On Ruby in the Elite Hurdle at 3.15.

Tanya Stevenson's Saturday tips:

2.25 Doncaster: Tropics at 7-2 with Betfair Sportsbook, Paddy Power and SkyBet

3.15 Wincanton: Rock On Ruby at 5-1 with BetVictor

Tanya Stevenson's big-race pointers: 

3.35 Doncaster - Betfred November Handicap:

The last favourite to win the November Handicap was Snow Princess in 1995 and only one has been placed in the last ten years.

Since 1980 only three winners have been aged over five and seven of the last ten have been aged three or four.

Sixteen of the last 20 winners finished in the first four last time out.

Nine of the last ten winners of the November Handicap (run at Doncaster) were drawn in stall nine or higher.

Yavana’s Pace is the only horse to carry top weight to victory in the last 20 years.

The race was run at Windsor in 2006 and Thirsk in 1989.

2.25 Doncaster - Betfred 'Goals Galore' Wentworth Stakes:

Both Jack Dexter and Dungannon have won three of their six races at Doncaster. 

The last eight winners of the Wentworth Stakes finished no worse than third on their most recent run.

As for favourites only Fullandby in 2009 and Jack Dexter last year have won in the last ten years.

Five of the last seven winners had previously won at Doncaster.

2.25 Wincanton - Badger Ales Trophy: 

Paul Nicholls has won the race seven times since 1999.

David Pipe has won three of the last seven runnings.

Only 2004 Royal Auclair, 2005 Iris Bleu, 2006 Parsons Legacy & 2012 The Package had run at the Cheltenham Festival earlier in the year before coming on to win the Badger Ales Trophy.

Standing Ovation is unbeaten in three races at Wincanton, including this race last year.

3.15 Wincanton - StanJames.com Elite Hurdle:

Paul Nicholls has won the race six times.

No horse has won the Elite Hurdle and gone on to win the Champion Hurdle.

Mister Morose is the oldest winner of the race at 10 back in 2000.

In the last ten years no horse older than seven has won the race.

Azertyuiop 2001, Santenay 2002 and Well Chief 2003 all won the race aged four.