Battersea shaped well last time out and looks worth a wager at 6/1 to get back to winning ways in the Mallard Stakes at Doncaster today (3.05).
Roger Varian’s five-year-old is a three-time winner who has always been held in high regard ran a blinder in the race 12 months ago when staying on strongly from off the pace to be beaten 1 1/4 lengths by Curbyourenthusiasm.
Although now 10lb higher in the weights, Battersea has looked as good as ever this season and a mark of 107 looks workable on the pick of his form
After landing a competitive handicap at Meydan back in February, Battersea ran a stormer in a Group 3 contest at the same venue when staying on to finish a 4 1/2 length fourth of 14 to the now 113-rated Sheikhzayedroad who runs in today’s Doncaster Cup.
It was a fine effort given how the race panned out, and after being given a break Battersea has gradually worked his way back into form in three starts.
In the last of those he shaped far better than the bares result suggest when fourth fo 20 to Heartbreak City un the ultra-competitive Ebor handicap at York, where after being dropped in at the rear from a high draw he finished off strongly down the straight from an impossible positioon to be be nearest at the finish and beaten 5 3/4 lengths.
This isn’t as strong a race and looks a nice oppportunity for him to bag a valuable prize.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts win Battersea (6/1 generally available – use BOG firms)
