Our focus this afternoon is on two races. Firstly an interesting handicap chase at Doncaster and then the big race of the day, the Hennessy.

1.55 Doncaster betdaq.com 50% Commission Refund Novices´ Limited Handicap Chase (CLASS 3)

Tight handicap with the JP McManus owned Jack Steel heading the market at a general 5/2.
The 5yo fulfilled earlier promise when winning on chasing debut at Ayr.
He basically jumped well, although to his right, but hopefully this will improve with experience.
Although taking on stronger opposition, he is expected to continue his progression.
I have him in at 4/1 on my provisional tissue.

3.00 Newbury Hennessy Gold Cup Chase (Handicap) (Grade 3)

Whilst many races have seen their name change as sponsors come and go, the Hennessy has had no such changes of identity since the first running in 1957.

My prices are shown in brackets.
Saphir Du Rheu [9/2] impressed on latest start when beating The Young Master[10/1].On today’s terms there should be little between them.

Bobs Worth[8/1] is “thrown in” if retaining a fraction of his old ability, although I’m not sure his hurdle success at Aintree confirms that he does.

Smad Place[7/1] had a wind operation over the summer and impressed me on his reappearance at Kempton where he stayed on strongly to win unchallenged.
Conditions are fine for him and he is expected to run a big race. The 8yo grey has had three career runs at Newbury, winning twice.
Smad Place would be my pick. Currently best priced 8/1.