Racing tips: The Betfred Park Stakes field will struggle to reel in Spycatcher

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I've had a terrible week, nothing has been landing or sticking, horses have been pipped for places/wins and yesterday was horrendous. Wonderwall didn't seem to stay on the soft ground over 2m at Chester, which was surprising considering they went a slow gallop and War Rooms just couldn't go the gallop at Doncaster, looking like a proper boat that is in need of a couple more furlongs.

Doncaster 1:50 – Sunway 16/1 (0.5pt EW)

I think it's easy to go for Rosallion in this contest, he is 2/2 and won a Listed race in emphatic style last time around. The form of the win looks very strong with many horses in behind franking the form, none other than Dancing Gemini who won at Doncaster yesterday in a Listed race, doing it very easily. However, Sunway was touted to be the best 2yo from David Menuisier's yard and was well-fancied for the race Rosallion won at Ascot, going off at 5/2 second fav. He was hanging to the right and went out like a light that day, and I think you've got to give him another chance, as he was impressive on his debut where not everything went to plan. He was slowly away at Sandown and was ridden quite early, but he picked up very nicely and when he hit top stride he went many lengths clear, doing it in the manner of a horse who has plenty of ability. Connections could've easily gone down the nursery route off a handicap mark of 93, but instead, they've gone back into the deep end and are taking on Rosallion as well as some other good juveniles. I think we didn't see the true Sunway last time around, and with a bit of a break, we will hopefully see a better performance.

Doncaster 2:25 – Tees Spirit 12/1 (0.5pt EW 6pl)

I love this Portland Sprint Handicap, it's always a cracking race even if you're not having a punt on it, but I will be having a few quid on Tees Spirit.

You can make a claim for plenty in this race, but Tees Spirit sticks out like a sore thumb off a mark of 86 when you take Mia Nicholls' 7lb off his current handicap mark of 93. That makes him ridiculously well handicapped on old pieces of form and when you see his recent run at Haydock just seven days ago, you can argue that he is peaking at the right time for this race. He ran a belter to finish 2nd last weekend behind Raasel who is a smart horse on his day, he was 3rd in a Group 2 behind Highfield Princess the time before, so to finish as close as he did to that horse is big run.

This horse won twice in August last year, winning a handicap at Doncaster off a mark of 89 (producing an RPR of 104) and then won a Listed race at Tipperary, producing an RPR of 106, so if it all goes right, he is on a very dangerous handicap mark. I think he would like faster ground, but the ground should be drying out all the time from now to the start of racing so I don't think it'll be particularly slow. I think being up with the pace will be an advantage is this race and he is drawn next to The Big Board who is an out-and-out front-runner, so Mia should have the ideal spot to track the pacesetter on her side.

Doncaster 3:00 – Spycatcher 6/4 (2pt)

If the ground does stay relatively slow then I think this can go the way of Spycatcher.

This is a Group 2 in name only, and is such a terrible renewal and it makes you wonder why trainers and owners who have suitable horses aren't taking advantage of this. If the ground was rapid then Audience would take some beating, it would also bring Jumbly into consideration, but on slow-ish ground, I think Spycatcher might be able to bag a Group 2.

He's always had ability, but for most of his career he's been better known as a high-level handicapper but he has transformed his form and is borderline Group 1 worthy. He nearly won a Group 1 in France last time out on very soft ground over 6.5f, he was nabbed on the line, and it is decent enough form. He was ahead of Sandrine by 3.25L that day, so I find it hard to see a reverse in that form, he was ahead of Art Power who is dangerous on his day and was ahead of Gold Case who has been a solid sprinter this year. We know he stays 7f, he will sit handy, probably just off Pogo and Audience who both like to set the pace and I think he is the most likeliest winner of this.

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