Doncaster 4:48 Result

City Of Poets has been in fine form, culminating in a win last time out (form 394101), and is clearly progressive at 4yo for a strong Tate/Ryan combo. OR of 97 puts him competitively weighted against a field topped by Thunder Run (104) who has an inconsistent recent record (-72072) and carries top weight of 138lbs - a big ask in a competitive 12-runner handicap. David Of Athens (102) and Pathein (102) are interesting but both are stepping up in class/trip questions remain, and Pathein hasn't run for 86 days as a lightly-raced 3yo. Bunyola Bay (100) is also useful but his best form has come at shorter/similar trips without the same claims of upward trajectory shown by City Of Poets. Rossa Ryan takes over riding duties suggesting stable confidence, and the manner of the recent win suggests more to come. The 1m2f trip suits, and with the yard clearly in form, City Of Poets looks the classiest and freshest profile in the race, capable of following up under a workable weight.