Race One: The Doncaster Groundworks And Reinforcements Nursery Handicap - Class Three - Seven Furlongs - 2-y-o's only - Runners: 6

Winner: EDGE OF BLUE (Blue Point x Davantage) (#3) - W. Buick - C. Appleby

Just six runners went to post for this valuable nursery handicap but the field had an above average quality about it. Each of the sextet had won a race at least once and some arrived with a lot of potential for the future.

The racecard was headed by the Karl Burke-trained grey Ice Max. He arrived on the back of an eleven length demolition job at Catterick on slower ground conditions and had previously dipped his toe in listed race company. The in form stable of Ralph Beckett brought Palmar Bay up North and he too arrived on an upward curve; winning at novice level and then a smart conditions race at the start of October. Godolphin were also represented, but they ran the most intriguing runner in the race, the unbeaten Edge Of Blue. The gelding had plenty of race options over the weekend but connections settled for this event and he put his two race unbeaten career on the line. On the other end of the scale, the Grant Tuer-trained filly Bellarchi had been very busy this year. Winning three times through the summer, this would be her fourteenth start since May. The Jack Channon-trained Miguel was progressing nicely before languishing in midfield in a sales race at York recently but was looking to bounce back. The field was rounded out by the Adrian Keatley-trained Bill's Baar, a race winner who has been highly tried on occasions. 
With so many potentially useful sorts in the field and plenty of winning form on display, something had to give in race worthy of kicking off such a valuable raceday. When the gates opened, the six runners got off to a relatively even break and it would be Bill's Baar to take up the early lead under Jimmy Quinn. The early pace would be no more than ordinary and Palmar Bay, Bellarchi and Ice Max all ran keenly which would be detrimental to their chances on the testing ground. The well backed Edge of Blue was held up quietly at the tail of the group and at halfway, he began to move forward. Entering the sharp end of the race, Ice Max and Bellarchi started to backpedal while Miguel, Edge Of Blue and Palmar Bay challenged the early leader Bill's Baar. The all blue silks of Edge Of Blue took up the running inside the final furlong and began to pull away under recently crowned champion jockey William Buick. The gelding would cross the line just shy of two lengths over Bill's Baar, Palmar Bay and Miguel. In the process, he kept up his unbeaten record, extending his tally to three wins. It was a smart display by the son of leading first season sire Blue Point and the gelding had won at Yarmouth on debut then on the all-weather at Wolverhampton. It was a stout staying display and his pedigree boosts the claim he will make a good three-year-old. Edge Of Blue's half brother, stablemate Tabaretta, won this year over twelve furlongs so clearly there is potential for him to rate higher next year. 

Race Two: The Kameko Futurity Trophy Stakes - Group One - One mile - 2-y-o's only - Runners: 8

For a full in-depth look at this race, head across to the Race In Focus page (see below).

Race Three: The William Hill Prospect Stakes - Listed Race - Six furlongs - 2-y-o's only - Runners: 9

Winner: BALLYMOUNT BOY (Camacho x Kasalla) (#3) - J. Doyle - A. Keatley

This often well attended race was originally planned as the second race, but due to the quality of the ground and prestige of the Futurity Trophy, the two races were swapped in the order to ensure the ground was at its best. The William Hill-sponsored listed event is a popular race and just like its counterpart at York recently, it is a good opportunity to juveniles a good quality prize after a long first season. It can also suit soft ground lovers and have an impact on future years. Twelve months ago, the ground was very similar to this year's and the experienced Legend of Xanadu caused a small shock by winning. The race has the potential to feature a smart type and in the past, Group One placed Speak In Colours, Flaming Rib and San Donato all landed this race in recent years, but none had the prestige of 2014's winner, future 2,000 Guineas winner Night of Thunder.

The class of 2023 would be looking to emulate those big names and the field included a healthy mix of experienced and promising types. The star name on the billing would be the Adrian Keatley-trained Ballymount Boy who had plied his trade at a higher level this year. Since winning his debut, Ballymount Boy was placed in the Richmond Stakes behind the brilliant Vandeek and in the Acomb Stakes at York. He would return to calmer waters here following a below form run in Group One company in France. Elsewhere, nursery handicap winner Matters Most was last seen in the historic Mill Reef Stakes. At the other end of the spectrum, a few lightly raced types had yet to reach their peak. The David O'Meara-trained Esquire finished second in the aforementioned Rockingham Stakes at York a fortnight ago and looked a nice sort for the future. The unknown quantities in this competitive looking race included Andrew Balding's Al Shabab Storm and Roger Varian's Moswaat. Both colts won last time out on slower ground, but Al Shabab Storm impressed onlookers with a wide margin victory recently. The regular at this level Boardroom, the smart Alaskan Gold and Irish maiden winner Photosynthesis were three more additions to the classy field while Global Skies was another big race runner for the Ben Brookhouse stable. 

Following the scary incident in the stalls during the previous race, fingers and toes were crossed for a trouble free loading process. Thankfully, there was no issues and the race began without hitch. Matters Most made a perfect start and found himself at the head of the field early on. It was clear there would be a decent pace as many rivals kept a close eye on the leader. Al Shabab Storm, Alaskan Gold, Esquire and Moswaat were all prominent to push the leader along while the well fancied Ballymount Boy was held up next to Global Skies. Entering the final two furlongs, the race changed complexion many times. Matters Most began to weaken quickly in front which gave the lead to Al Shabab Storm. In no time though, Moswaat was the new leader and Alaskan Gold was travelling very smoothly on the heavy ground. However, all three would be soon passed by the classy Ballymount Boy who found a gap to squeeze through and win with a degree of authority in the end. There would be some nervous moments for his supporters as James Doyle found trouble in running approaching the final furlong, but his patience paid off in style. Alaskan Gold took home second with Moswaat and Al Shabab Storm finishing third and fourth. The winner though appreciated the drop in grade and took the winning opportunity with both hands. The son of Camacho won on his second career start and was moved into Group company straight away. He would chase home leading juvenile Vandeek at Goodwood and was then purchased for a large sum by owners Wathnan Racing. He then finished second again at York in the Acomb Stakes before a trip to France for the Group One Jean-Luc Lagadere. His day out in Paris was spoilt by racing too keenly, but this was much better today. A stable flag bearer for the Malton yard of Adrian Keatley, he has the potential to join the list of Group One performers to land this race like Night Of Thunder and Flaming Rib. 

Race Four: The William Hill Farewell Flat Handicap - Class Two - Five Furlongs - Runners: 11

Winner: ABERAMA GOLD (Heeraat x Nigella) (#3) - D. Tudhope - D. O'Meara

This class two handicap was a welcome addition to the card and it signalled the time for the older horses to strut their stuff. Last year, the race was won by Fast Response who would go on to follow up in a listed race back over the same course and distance.

This year's renewal saw plenty of old faces with the majority of the field having faced each other at least once before this season. The weights were headed by Michael Wigham's gelding Intrinsic Bond who had finished a close third in the Portland Handicap over slightly further back in September. He had the likes of Call Me Ginger, Vintage Clarets and Aberama Gold behind him that day and they crossed swords once again. Richard Fahey's four year old Vintage Clarets had enjoyed a resurgence on softer ground recently, winning at York and most recently at Catterick so he was the in form horse. Stablemate and former Royal Ascot winner The Ridler took in his second handicap of the month in his battle against the handicapper while the Tim Easterby yard saddled their regulars at this level, Copper Knight, Count d'Orsay and Manila Scouse who all propped up the bottom of the weights. The grey Desperate Hero is a renowned mudlark and arrived at Doncaster on the back of a win at nearby Nottingham last time out. 

In a race run over the minimum distance, the smallest mistake would be magnified at the finish. Count d'Orsay anticipated the start too soon and stumbled out of his gate. His jockey Cam Hardie did very well to stay onboard, but his chance was all but gone. As expected for a classy handicap like this, the pace was strong as Glorious Angel, Copper Knight, Manila Scouse and Vintage Clarets were all eager to get on with things. As the eleven runners kept in one group, Aberama Gold began to make up ground on the stand's side wing of the pack. The visored gelding nosed in front at the final furlong marker and finished strongly to win with some comfort. In behind, Glorious Angel finished second for the third time in a row but reversed recent form with Vintage Clarets who held on for third. It would be the third big handicap win this year for the seven year old Aberama Gold who was returning to the winner's enclosure for the first time in a short while. A mid season switch from the retiring Keith Dalgleish stable to the yard of David O'Meara saw an instant transformation with a win at York in the Sky Bet Dash heritage handicap. Just a week later, he followed up at Goodwood on virtually unraceable ground in the historic Stewards' Cup heritage handicap to complete a rare double. He then struggled in hot races such as the Portland, Ayr Gold Cup and Constantine Handicap, but a drop to five furlongs and a smaller field yielded a much better result. It was another advertisement to the skills of the David O'Meara stable. 

Race Five: The Red Rock Partnership Recruitment Solutions Handicap - Class Three - One mile, two furlongs - Runners: 6

Winner: CERTAIN LAD (Clodovil x Chelsey Jayne) (#1) - G. Bass - J. Channon 

A good quality handicap which saw the only action on the round course. The race was won by the lightly raced three year old Israr for the Gosdens, he was a cut above his rivals that day and went on to win this year's Prince of Wales's Stakes at Newmarket. 

Just six went to post for this interesting handicap and there was a good mix of youthfulness and experience. Jack Channon's smart gelding Certain Lad made a return to the winning enclosure at York last time and was saddled with top weight. The stable legend Euchen Glen never runs a bad race and he was a popular inclusion in the race. The three year-old class was represented by the very lightly raced grey Bill Silvers broke his maiden here earlier in the season and had enjoyed a break. The beautifully bred Faylaq joined his stablemate Euchen Glen in the race while mud lover Mustazeed would enjoy conditions although had was switched up North following the loss of Newbury's meeting. The competitive event was rounded out by Bucephalus, who won here at the start of the season.

The only race on the round course would see a large portion of fresh ground for the runners to enjoy and the majority of the sextet got off to a level break. Only the slow starting Faylaq would lose ground at the start, but there was plenty of time to regain his position. Descending the slope of Rose Hill and turning all the time, the grey Bill Silvers led the field into the home straight. Certain Lad was well positioned under regular rider George Bass but raced a bit keenly early on. Bucephalus watched on in third while the veteran Euchen Glen, strong travelling Mustazeed and slow starting Faylaq were all held up. Halfway down the home straight, Certain Lad moved up to take over the lead and began to assert. He would dash into a clear lead as the pack tried chasing him down. Hayley Turner arrived on the scene with plenty of horse underneath her and it looked possible that the landmark 1000th win was close. The two leaders engaged battle in the final furlong, but it would be Certain Lad who found just enough in reserve to hold off Mustazeed in an exciting finish. Bill Silver came home alone in third while the old boy Euchen Glen produced his customary late burst to take fourth close home.  It would be a second win in a fortnight for the Jack Channon-trained Certain Lad following his win at York in a similar event. The former Group race performer was clearly still well handicapped on his old form and has been enjoying a mini resurgence. It was also a brilliantly judged ride by George Bass after making his race winning move at an early stage of the race.

Race Six: The Alan Wood Plumbing And Heating Handicap - Class Three - Seven furlongs - Runners: 10

Winner: ZIP (Kyllachy x Flycatcher) (#6) - B. Garritty - R. Fahey

This class three handicap had a good blend of quality in it with plenty of the ten runners having run at a higher level this season.

The top weight Maywake, a consistent chestnut for Richard Fahey, has won on all conditions and he would be joined by his popular grey stablemate Zip, who run admirably into his veteran stage. Racingbreaks Ryder was going the right way at the start of the season following three straight wins on soft ground. He was found out at a higher level but these conditions would suit him better. The Ayr Silver Cup winner Wobwobwob stepped up in distance following a below par run at York last time while Autumn Festival was another to have run at the final meeting on the Knavesmire a fortnight ago. The Roger Fell and Sean Murray-trained Oso Rapido had found his form recently, finishing first past the post at York then getting demoted to second but earned an outright win for himself at Catterick last time. Able Kane would be another to appreciate the ground conditions while Scottish Summit continued to have a good season at the age of ten. Previous course winner Be Proud and Danzan rounded out the lineup.

The sun finally began to emerge from the grey clouds and the race itself saw time roll back with a popular win for a veteran. The competitive nature of the race saw plenty of horses and riders keen to be up front from the outset. The David O'Meara-trained Autumn Festival held a narrow lead from the stalls and was hassled by Scottish Summit through the opening furlongs. A whole host of runners were on the tails of the leaders which included Wobwobwob, Be Proud and Danzan. Richard Fahey's pair Zip and Maywake were easy to spot as they took their place at the rear of the group. Entering the final stages, Autumn Festival was still clinging onto his lead but the grey Zip had made smooth progress past struggling rivals along with stablemate Maywake. Zip nosed in front and showed a smart turn of foot to go clear at a crucial stage. He began to tire approaching the finish line which gave Autumn Festival a second chance, but Zip had done enough to and his tenth career win for Richard Fahey. 

Zip has always been a favourite to many for his near-white coat and his affection for soft ground. The seven year old had run well in recent weeks, finishing just behind the podium places in strong handicaps. A return to Doncaster, heavy ground and a quick gallop all contributed to success which went down well to many. 

Race Seven: The Scott Dobson Memorial Handicap (Division One) - Class Four - Seven furlongs - Runners: 11

Winner: LOOK BACK SMILING (Fast Company x Portico) (#2) - B. Wilkie - G. Tutty

This class four event was split into two divisions following plenty of interest; trainers were seemingly eager to get a final run on turf for their horses before the season's end. 

In keeping with the trend of the day, the handicap featured many in form horses and a few who had been running at a higher level than this class four. The top weight Broken Spear has seen plenty of racing but often comes alive at this time of year on this kind of ground. Look Back Smiling had been unlucky recently with slow starts hindering his races, the three year old had caught the eye with strong finishes on his previous two starts. The Pam Sly stable are best known for their soft ground horses and their homebred Astral Spirit had yet to win but had conditions to suit. The Michael Dods-trained Deputy is another soft ground lover and usually returns from a summer slumber for these kind of races. Recent winners Beauty Choice and Sir Maxi represented Yorkshire stables and gave the race a competitive edge. 

The race would be delayed slightly as the grey Archduke Ferdinand dumped rider Dale Swift three times on the way to the start and ran loose briefly. Despite the horse's best efforts, the partnership was reformed and the pair took their place in the race. The field made the long trip back home from the stalls to a decent break, but the Ben Brookhouse-trained Ray Vonn produced a rodeo display following a slow start and his young rider Bradley Furniss did a great job to stay onboard. At the head of the field, Astral Spirit was in the perfect position under Hayley Turner and the pair were keen to get on with things as they went clear at the halfway point. The likes of Mister Sox, Shandy Star and Sir Maxi chased in vain as Look Back Smiling and Broken Spear were held up at the rear. 
The excursions of Astral Spirit's bold bid up front began to tell as she began to weaken and drifted to her left. Look Back Smiling had made good progress through the race and was the last to challenge. The battle hardened gelding finished best of all and despite wandering off a true line, came home clear of the eased down Astral Spirit to record a first win since August. Mister Sox held on for third in another solid run while the lightly raced Shandy Star took home fourth. It was a deserved success for the three-year-old Look Back Smiling after he had caught the eye at the finish on more than one occasion following slow starts. He wasn't the quickest from the stalls again here but was much the stronger here. In the process, it would leave Hayley Turner still on 998 winners and the pursuit of the big milestone continues to another day. 

Race Eight:  The Scott Dobson Memorial Handicap (Division Two) - Class Four - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 10

Winner: THUNDER ROAR (Night Of Thunder x Dominike) (#3) - T. Eaves - T. Coyle

Division two of the finale kept in keeping with the first as there was plenty of winning form on display and arguably classier than the first too.

 The four year old Thunder Roar travelled powerfully on soft ground at York last time and was awarded the race win by the stewards last time but he possibly would have won anyway. The near white Ugo Gregory probably wouldn't return the same colour he left the parade ring given the amount of mud, but he has had another admirable season. Roger Fell and Sean Murray's stable stalwart Muntadab was keeping competitive at the age of eleven while Bobby Shaft won this race in 2020 in similar conditions. Now with John Wainwright, he lurked on a good handicap rating. The consistently placed Ring Of Gold, Lockdown Lass and this year's dual winner Gainsbourg added class to the race while the useful juvenile Alexa's Princess had been spotted sparingly on the track this season.

The race was almost in darkness by the time the stalls opened and Muntadab appeared to be in a rush to get home after a perfect getaway. On the other end of the scale, Lockdown Lass and Gainsbourg were a touch slow to go and there would be a little bit of scrimmaging as Beylerbeyi bumped into Thunder Roar after a few strides. The evergreen Muntadab maintained the gallop throughout the race as Thunder Roar raced alongside his quarters. The grey Ugo Gregory caught the eye by racing solo on the far side of the track but the order remained largely the same throughout. Entering the final furlong, Tom Eaves decided it was time to move forward and when the button was pressed, Thunder Roar took over the lead and began to pull clear of Muntadab. The four year old crossed the line with daylight behind with Muntadab earning second for his bold run. Lockdown Lass finished well to take third while Ugo Gregory came home fourth after his rider's brave decision to race alone. 
It would be a continuation of the progress shown by Thunder Roar since joining Tony Coyle's Malton stable a few months earlier. Clearly a lover of soft ground, this would be his third win for the yard and a win in his own right following a promotion to first at York on his last start.