Doncaster Preview: It all adds up to Ergo Sum

Trainer Ben Pauling has his team in good nick, and Ergo Sum looks weighted to take all the beating on his first start for the Gloucestershire handler in the 2m 3f handicap hurdle at Doncaster today (3.05).

This gelding has only had six starts over the obstacle, and showed improved form on his handicap debut at this venue when second of 13 to Easydoesit off an opening mark of 94.

Ergo Sum attempted to make all the running and, although no match for the easy winner, stuck to the task well once headed to be beaten five lengths.

Third home that day Spanish Fleet, who finished 1 1/4 lengths behind Ergo Sum, has since won twice and is now rated 117 and the form of the race looks strong in the context of this contest.

Although Ergo Sum failed to build on that effort in two further starts for Robin Matthew, he looks the type who could have more to offer and the switch to Pauling looks a positive one.

Off a mark of 95 the son of Fair Mix should be capable of winning a race of this nature judged on his run behind Easydoesit, and this is a weak looking class 5 contest which lacks any real strength in depth.

Primo Capitano has the scope to do well over fences and can make a winning debut over the larger obstacles in the 3m novices’ handicap chase that opens proceedings (12.15).

This gelding won a point in Ireland before joining trainer Martin Keighley and has since shaped with bags of promise in two runs over hurdles.

The six-year-old finished a fine 2 1/2 lengths runner-up to the now 138-rated Parish Business over 2m 4f at Chepstow, and backed that up with a solid backed third to An Poc Ar Buile over 3m at the same venue.

Those races represent strong form and make Primo Capitano’s opening mark of 116 look on the lenient side.

In the 3m handicap hurdle (1.55), the lightly-raced Orby’s Man looks the one to beat now he stepped up in trip.

The gelding won his sole start in an Irish point over 3m, and the second, third and fifth have all since won under rules – including the now 145-rated Blaklion.

Orby’s Man joined the Charlie Longsdon yard after that success, and after showing promise in two bumper runs had little difficulty landing the odds on his hurdles debut when scoring by 4 1/2 lengths at Worcester.

The five-year-old backed that up with a solid fourth to Fort Worth in a decent 2m 4f novice hurdle at Wetherby, before shaping well handicap debut at Towcester over 2m 5f when staying on to finish a 3 1/4 length third.

This step up to 3m this afternoon looks sure to suit, and a mark of 117 could well underestimate Orby’s Man given his unexposed profile.

Selections:
12.15: Primo Capitano
12.45: Relic Rock
1.20: Un Ace
1.55: Orby’s Man (NB)
2.30: Big Water
3.05: Ergo Sum (NAP)
3.35: Magnimity