Tougher test for Monarch but Fradgley charge can still reign

BOUNCING MONARCH may find things a little tougher than when romping to victory over the course and distance seven days ago but David Fradgley's dog is still expected to take the beating in Doncaster's 8.52 finale over 483m.

Haggard Badger is an obvious threat and Droopys Trigger respected even if held on last month's Newcastle form, but the selection has a real touch of class and should again score with something to spare.

Soapy Suds saw her unbeaten British record ended when finding all sorts of trouble in Oxford's English Puppy Oaks final but the fact she was sent off odds-on for that Category One decider is testament to the ability she had shown.

Debbie Calvert's charge now sports a middle tag when returning to the scene of her first victory for a 483m bitches' contest at 8.34 and, while trap five is likely wider than connections would have wished, the evidence of Oxford suggests the seed switch will be a wise one in the long-term and can reap an immediate reward this evening.

Kirsty Grayson's Slaneyside Swade can make it five wins in seven by landing a 275m sprint at 7.42 but kennelmate Look Smart may again have to give best, as last week, to Fradgley's Stonepark Wes over 450m at 7.58.

First of the Donny opens is a 661m maiden which begins evening proceedings at 6.11 and is a fine opportunity for Jimmy Gaskin's Kelseys Chancer to make a winning staying debut judged by the way she has powered to a couple of recent four-bend successes.

The other maiden on the card is over 450m at 6.29 where Calvert's Sole Focus should be tough to beat after back-to-back recent B1 victories.

Youghal holds the afternoon fort with the chief suggestion being Vincent O’Keeffe’s improving youngster Hold The Door (3.41).

The scheduled morning meeting at Doncaster fell victim to a frozen track but the evening fixture was set to go ahead, although Oxford was cancelled and rescheduled for Monday evening.

Kelseys Chancer (nap)
T1 Doncaster 6.11