Even though we have Cheltenham trials day, it's a very disappointing card, and nothing offers value for a Lucky 15 bet.
Country Code 8/1 – Doncaster 12.55
This Grade 2 is a very competitive race, and it wouldn't be a surprise if the winner is at quite big odds.
There are plenty of unexposed horses with different form lines, and I feel like you can find value in races like this.
Country Code is probably being overlooked more than what he should be, and that's due to being trained by Ruth Jefferson.
He won in a very taking fashion in novice company at Kelso over 2m 6f last time out. That run puts him in contention for this race, with further improvement likely from the step up in trip and a galloping track.
Newton Tornado 10/3 – Doncaster 2.38
With the ground being testing, I think that brings Newton Tornado into this with a fantastic chance.
He managed to win on his second chase start at Bangor on heavy ground, doing it in comfortable style. That was his first run over 3m over fences, and given how well he ran on soft ground over hurdles last year, chances are that he'll be a better chaser.
The second to Diva Luna at Cheltenham last January now looks very good. The winner is now rated 142 over fences and was placed at the Cheltenham Festival over hurdles.
Milan Tino 4/1 – Doncaster 3.13
I think Mighty Bandit is the correct favourite, but Milan Tino can be dangerous against him.
Tom George's chaser is 1/3 over fences, but looked like he got his act together last time out. Today's race is a big step up in class, but as we saw last year over hurdles, he can handle the higher grades.
He was third in two Grade 2 juvenile hurdle races against some solid horses, so there are plenty of reasons to believe he is better than his current handicap mark of 121.
The testing ground should not be an issue for him, as he has proven on multiple occasions that he handles soft ground.
El Jefe 7/2 – Uttoxeter 12.47
Kenzoko is the market favourite, but El Jefe definitely deserves to be at the top of the market.
El Jefe won a Class 2 at the Aintree Grand National festival in 2024, which was his fifth win of the season. Off his current handicap mark of 105, he has to be in with a solid chance against a weak field and back on ground that he seems to relish.
Last time out was a solid effort and a return to form. He was second at Haydock to a horse who has been in good form for the last twelve months.
This is a rare runner at Uttoxeter for Andrew Hamilton, who is based in Scotland, so hopefully the trip to the Midlands is worthwhile.
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