Ruscombe, owned by Khaled Abdulla and trained at the five-star Newmarket establishment of Sir Michael Stoute, will be focus of my attention at soft Doncaster today, when there will be five other flat-racing fixtures, and NH action, around the fascinating frying pan of Cartmel.
As ever, far too much racing but streamlining the business plan to our DAILY PATENT is paying off and Ruscombe, one of eleven decs in the Maiden Fillies' Stakes over an extended ten furlongs, looks a solid anchor!
Twenty-five days ago this Dansili colt made an encouraging debut over a mile and a half at Leicester where, after a tardy start, Ruscombe stayed on strongly and was beaten just over two lengths by 16/1 chance, Lady Of Camelot, and our strong nap fancy, pace-making Ajman Princess. Strong form.
Stoute is enjoying a good season, he's buoyed with enthusiasm following a few somewhat fallow years and one wonders just what the long-term objective will be for Ruscombe, just the type he enjoys bringing along slowly. He'll have a plan, possibly a race on Town Moor in September!
Don't oppose Ruscombe or twice-raced Marbooh in the Maiden Stakes over seven furlongs of Newcastle Tapeta, tonight.
Marbooh has an obvious each-way chance. Once-raced Run To The Hills comes out a pound or two superior but Charlies Hills' charge improved for debut experience and worked particularly well last weekend.
Gosforth Park now boasts the only all-weather straight mile, we'll be targeting opportunities on it and reckon Marbooh justifies serious support under ex-dual champion jockey, Paul Hanagan.
Slowly but surely young thoroughbreds are beginning to recover from cold weather conditions. Like the birds and flowers they need warmth to thrive and Mailshot was a beaut at Kempton, Wednesday night. Anticipate a resurgence in our fortunes from now on and expect patience to pay off, big time.
SELECTIONS
10.10 TURANGA LEELA
12.20 RUSCOMBE
4.15 MARBOOH