The Doncaster Mile is one of the great races on the Australian calendar and one of the best 1600m races in the world. Some of the best gallopers Australia has produced is on the honour roll. The race is wide open as always, so here at Justhorseracing, we have put together an extensive preview in order for you to find the winner.
What Does History Tell Us?
1. Barriers aren’t of much significance. Since 2000, 12 winners have drawn a double digit barrier, including the last three winners of the great race. So don’t be perturbed if your horse is drawn the car park.
2. Three year olds more often than not perform very well in the Doncaster. Seven winners since the turn of the century have been aged three, the latest being Sacred Falls in 2013.
3. Favourites have a good record in the race, so those cheering on Le Romain will be feeling better. Since 2000, six favs have saluted with a further three placing. Winx started favourite last year.
MARKET: CLICK HERE to view the Doncaster Mile Odds
The Lead Ups:
Australian Guineas: Saturday March 4, Flemington, 1600m, Good3 Surface.
Horse To Follow: Hey Doc (Predominately White with Orange/Blue)
Time: 1:34.01 (Last 600m in 34.11)
Other 1600m Times That Meeting: 1:35.09 (Benchmark 84)
Summary: Visually, brilliant win. But you have to keep in mind that there was a bias this day for those nearer the inside and near the pace, which Hey Doc was, behind the leader. Got the dream split at the top of the straight and it was just a matter of Luke Currie counting to ten. Dominant win on face value, but things went his way and the form subsequent out of this race hasn’t been successful.
Ajax Stakes: Saturday March 11, Rosehill, 1500m, Soft6 Surface.
Horses To Follow: It’s Somewhat (Blue), New Tipperary (Green/Black/Yellow), Testashadow (Sky Blue/White), No Doubt (Yellow/Red), Dibayani (Red/Purple), Arod (Maroon)
Time: 1:31.04 (Last 600m in 35.58)
Other 1500m Times That Meeting: 1:30.57 (Pharlap Stakes), 1:29.65 (Coolmore Classic)
Summary: Host of runners lining up in the Doncaster come through here. It’s Somewhat was first up and I think the feeling was that they were hoping for a pleasing return with an eye towards Brisbane, but he was quite impressive here, albeit I’m not sure he beat much and the time backs that up. New Tipperary is an emergency, as is No Doubt, Testashadow is outclassed, while Arod and Dibayani are yet to fire down under. It’s Somewhat is the only here that would go close to winning.
Newmarket Handicap: Saturday March 11, Flemington, 1200m, Good3 Surface.
Horse To Follow: Redkirk Warrior (White/Blue Hoops/Red Cap)
Time: 1:09.05 (Last 600m in 33)
Other 1200m Times That Meeting: None
Summary: It’s such an unusual formline, and I have no idea what to make of the win. On one hand, he has defied 100 years of history that said first up runners don’t win the Newmarket, but he dashed right away late. But on the flip side, there was a severe bias towards those near the speed and they walked in front. Form out of this hasn’t stood up, but you have to respect the stable and their process.
Newcastle Newmarket Handicap: Friday March 17, Newcastle, 1400m, Soft6 Surface
Horses To Follow: Happy Clapper (Dark Blue/Black), Sons Of John (Orange Sleeves/Green Cap)
Time: 1:23.79
Other 1400m Times That Meeting: 1:26.10 (2YO Handicap), 1:25.25 (Maiden)
Summary: Sense of timing about Happy Clapper. Excellent run against the bias fresh at Canberra, then came here where he was ridden upside down yet toyed with them and won impressively. As you can see, he smashed the clock relative for the day. He’s more effective with cover, so this was a big tick.
Blamey Stakes: Saturday March 18, Flemington, 1600m, Good3 Surface
Horses To Follow: Palentino (Red/Yellow), Tosen Stardom (Blue/Black/White)
Time: 1:35.44 (Last 600m in 33.29)
Other 1600m Times That Meeting: 1:37.01 (Benchmark 80)
Summary: All the money was for Tosen Stardom, with most seemingly forgetting about Palentino and his unbelievable record at the Flemington mile, and he kept up that reputation with an absolute spank job of his rivals here. The worry is that he is a dud away from Flemington whereas Tosen Stardom has ran well in Sydney previously. The gap will be much closer in the Doncaster.
George Ryder Stakes: Saturday March 18, Rosehill, 1500m, Heavy 10 Surface
Horses To Follow: Le Romain (Blue/Yellow Sleeves), Hauraki (Blue), McCreery (Blue/White Cap)
Time: 1:34.87 (Last 600m in 35.65)
Other 1500m Times That Meeting: None
Summary: Le Romain was outstanding here. He looked to be going sweetly near the speed and gave a good kick when asked, but the great mare just idled alongside him and dashed right away. He stuck on and held off the rest. Hauraki was okay but heavy 10 isn’t his go, and McCreery isn’t a WFA horse. My eyes are only for Le Romain here. I can’t see anything from the Ryder turning the tables here.
