2.35 Doncaster, Saturday, October 24

The Betdaq.com 2% Commission Handicap (2.35) at Doncaster looks to have every chance of throwing up a ‘surprise’ winner, so we’ve cast an eye over a few less-obvious candidates for the £28,012.50 first prize money.

Course and distance winner Robot Boy looked set for another decent season when winning a  0-110 contest, off a handicap mark of 103, at Newbury back in April, but has failed to add to his winning tally in eight subsequent starts and finish stone cold last over 6 furlongs at York two weeks ago. Nevertheless, he’s undeniably well handicapped, well drawn and should appreciate dropping back to the minimum trip if anywhere near his best.

Desert Ace won three times during his 3-year-old season, but he’s another who’s paid for his success and is winless in nine subsequent starts. However, the handicap has dropped him 7lb since the start of the season, such that he’s 2lb lower in the weights than when winning at Goodwood at around this time last year. He seems versatile with regard to underfoot conditions and could provide a notable Saturday winner for Hayley Turner, who hangs up her riding boots at the end of the season.

Pearl Acclaim is another who’s dropped back close to his last winning mark, insofar as he’s just 1lb higher in the weights than when winning at Musselburgh in the summer. He probably doesn’t want any rain, but ran a little better than his finishing position suggests at Catterick a week ago and could pop up at a ‘silly’ price. Good luck!

Selections: Doncaster 2.35 Robot Boy, Desert Ace, Pearl Acclaim