Horse racing betting tips: Mark Johnston’s Rusumaat can earn a big pay day at Donny
With a pot of £300,000 up for grabs, it’s no surprise to see plenty of decent two-year-olds take their chance in Thursday's big Sales race (3.40pm).
Before Wednesday's final declaration stage, I had expected the Aidan O’Brien-trained Intelligence Cross to stand his ground and take plenty of beating even with a penalty.
However, the son of War Front sidesteps this race, which gives the contest a far more open feel.
Global Applause will attract plenty of support following a decent run in the Gimcrack last time and can go well with Ryan Moore back in the saddle.
He has had a busy season and it remains to be seen whether a further step up in trip will fully play to his strengths.
Mubtasim finished well behind Global Applause at York last time, but I’m inclined to forgive him that run as he dropped out pretty tamely.
He looked smart at Haydock on his previous start and with the Haggas team in such great form he is very much respected.
Stormy Clouds beat RUSUMAAT in a similarly valuable contest at York last time and fans of Richard Hannon’s filly will be pleased she is 3lbs better off this afternoon.
Yet, that race was over a dead six furlongs and there is another 110 yards to contest with today.
That may not sound like a lot, but I’m pretty sure the Mark Johnston-trained Rusumaat would have caught Stormy Clouds with another 110 yards at York and he has his chance to gain revenge here.
He has shaped well on both his last two starts, suggesting a small step up in trip would help.
He was only narrowly denied at Glorious Goodwood and got going too late at York.
I’ve narrowed the 10-furlong handicap (4.15pm) down to two with both Niceofyoutotellme and BERMONDSEY catching my eye.
The former is now racing from a dangerous mark and looks sure to bounce back to form at any minute.
He is just 3lbs higher than when landing a valuable prize at Newmarket a couple of years ago, but there remains a niggling concern that he isn’t the horse he was.
For that reason, I’m siding with Bermondsey who looks to be progressing nicely.
He looked not to stay 12 furlongs at Ascot two starts back and the cards didn’t fall in his favour at Sandown last time.
Pointers
Rusumaat e/w, 3.40pm Doncaster
Bermondsey, 4.15pm Doncaster