ITV Racing Tips on Friday: Selections From Doncaster's Day 2

The ITV Racing cameras head back to Doncaster on Friday 12 September with another card that leans into both juvenile speed and staying power. There’s depth in both the 2-year-old races and those in older horse races and Billy Grimshaw has picked out two selections he's particularly taken with two that feel ripe for the picking...

13:50 Doncaster – Betfred Flying Scotsman Stakes

This Listed 7f for juveniles often rewards a colt with Group-level form dropping in grade, and that’s why I’m with DO OR DO NOT. He’s been knocking on the door in smart company all summer, placing repeatedly in Group 2s without quite getting the breaks. Today’s set-up looks kinder: a smaller field, a flat mile-start run to the bend and a long Doncaster straight that lets a strong traveller lengthen rather than dash. He shapes like a colt who’s already learned to settle, and that composure is gold at seven — he doesn’t waste energy early and can be delivered late with one go.

I also like the way he hits the line: no flash mid-race surge, more a sustained push that keeps finding. That’s ideal here, where rhythm and balance matter as much as raw pace. Avicenna brings the buzz off a tidy C&D novice and will likely be prominent; Catullus is all substance, a colt who quickened like a good one when finally getting off the mark; and Do Bronxs has strong owners and a frame that screams improvement, but needs to prove he’s up to this level at seven. If the pace is honest, Do or do not can sit within striking distance, quicken 2f out, and let that stronger, more seasoned engine do the rest in the last 100 yards.

16:10 Doncaster – Coopers Marquees EBF Maiden Fillies’ Stakes

I know, I know, this race isn't on ITV, but I do like the favourite and will put her in as a bet. Juvenile maidens at Doncaster are always informative, and this looks a warm race. I’m backing CLASSIC CUVEE to build on her debut promise. She travelled sweetly before showing inexperience when asked for maximum effort late, keeping on in a way that screamed improvement to come. The extra furlong is a big plus, giving her more time to find her rhythm, and her pedigree suggests softish conditions won’t be an issue.

Her trainer’s juveniles tend to progress markedly second time out, and everything about her debut suggested she was learning on the job rather than maxed out. Al Qaysiyya brings a solid profile and should be thereabouts, while Amelia Earhart looked the type who’ll enjoy 7f, but both may be more exposed than Classic Cuvee who has the scope to step forward. If she breaks on terms and gets cover, I can see her travelling into the race smoothly and then finding plenty late. With improvement likely, she looks the one to side with.

What also works in her favour is the shape of this race: several rivals like to race prominently, which could set a fair gallop and help her settle before being produced. Her action suggested she’ll appreciate a bit of dig, and Doncaster’s straight 7f is an ideal place for a strong traveller to show their hand. The raw ability she flashed first time means she only needs a small step forward to be right in the mix. Her connections are adept at placing their youngsters in the right races, and that adds confidence to the bet. If she knuckles down in the final furlong as expected, this could be the run that stamps her as a filly for bigger assignments later in the season.