Turf Talk: Hyperfocus could be a '˜cut above' at Doncaster

Hyperfocus seems to relish cut in the ground so the autumnal conditions in the Racing Post/SIS Betting Shop Manager Handicap at Doncaster should be right up his street.
By The Newsroom
Published 25th Oct 2017, 15:03 BST
Updated 12th Dec 2017, 09:30 BST
Trainer John Gosden and Frankie Dettori will be looking for a double at Newbury. PIC: Julian Herbert/PA WireTrainer John Gosden and Frankie Dettori will be looking for a double at Newbury. PIC: Julian Herbert/PA Wire
Trainer John Gosden and Frankie Dettori will be looking for a double at Newbury. PIC: Julian Herbert/PA Wire

Hugo Palmer thought enough of his charge to pitch him into Group Two company as a juvenile last year, but he disappointed in the Superlative Stakes and that run signalled a premature end to his campaign. It looked as though the son of Intense Focus would struggle to get his head in front after three starts this term, but a mid-season gelding operation seems to have worked the oracle, Hyperfocus scoring twice since his return.

Hyperfocus first scored at Haydock at the beginning of September before defying a 5lb rise to claim another win on heavy ground at the Merseyside venue at the end of the month.

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The handicapper took a dim view of that verdict and hiked him 8lb in the ratings and while conditions on Town Moor will be nowhere near as deep as at Haydock, Hyperfocus has proved perfectly adept on good to soft ground in the past.

Hyperfocus trainer, Hugo Palmer.Hyperfocus trainer, Hugo Palmer.
Hyperfocus trainer, Hugo Palmer.

Harry Fry does not race many runners on the Flat, but Golden Birthday has been flying the flag in fine style and can continue to do so in the Free Bets At 188Bet Casino Handicap.

A four-times hurdle winner, Golden Birthday has made a successful transition to the level with victories at Leicester and Kempton, although it could be argued the runner-up slightly gifted him a winning opportunity on the latter occasion.

That said, Golden Birthday still won in decent style and while a 5lb hike is not ideal, a further step up in distance should play into his hands.

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John Gosden and Frankie Dettori can make it a double at Newbury with Royal Line and First Eleven.

Hyperfocus trainer, Hugo Palmer.Hyperfocus trainer, Hugo Palmer.
Hyperfocus trainer, Hugo Palmer.

Royal Line steps up a notch in class for the British Stallion Studs EBF Conditions Stakes having absolutely hosed up at Haydock on his most recent start.

TURF TALK TIPS

CHELTENHAM: 2.00 Follow The Bear, 2.35 Sceau Royal, 3.10 Buckle Street, 3.45 Beat That, 4.20 Kap Jazz, 4.55 Point Of Principle, 5.30 Capeland.

DONCASTER: 1.20 Dubhe, 1.50 Lunar Corona, 2.25 Mukhaater, 3.00 Amplification, 3.35 HYPERFOCUS (NAP), 4.10 Golden Birthday (treble), 4.45 Ajman King, 5.20 Maraakib.

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NEWBURY: 1.10 Blue Mist, 1.40 No More Thrills, 2.15 First Eleven, 2.50 Harmonise, 3.25 Royal Line (next best), 4.00 Trading Point, 4.35 Dark Magic, 5.10 The New Pharaoh.

WOLVERHAMPTON: 5.45 Treagus, 6.15 Costa Percy, 6.45 Smugglers Top, 7.15 Great Court, 7.45 Sassie, 8.15 Passing Star, 8.45 Viola Park, 9.15 Danot.

Related topics:Doncaster