Doncaster preview: November Handicap (15.30)
Published:
David Metcalf | November 6, 2015
Esteaming caught the eye last time out, and looks decent each-way value in a typically wide-open and competitive renewal of the 1m 4f November Handicap at Doncaster (15.30).
The David Barron trained gelding is on a long losing run, having not scored since landing a 1m 2f contest on soft ground at Newcastle back in April 2014 off a mark of 85.
However, Esteaming has run a number of solid races to make the frame off higher marks – including when runner-up at Haydock off 91.
The five-year-old also posted a cracking effort when third of 15 to Wadi At Hattawi at York back in July off 92 and is now able to race off a reduced mark of 88.
That is just 3lb higher than when last victorious and gives the son of Sir Percy every chance from a handicapping perspective.
Esteaming should be held in high esteem
Esteaming also comes into the contest on the back of three decent efforts, and ran much better than the final finishing position suggests when seventh of 11 to Argus over course and distance last time out.
After being held-up at the rear, Esteaming was making good headway when denied a clear run a furlong from home and after being forced to switch stayed on well to be nearest at the finish and beaten just 2 1/2 lengths.
To me he finished with plenty of petrol left in the tank, and it was an effort which suggested Esteaming had a big performance in him.
With underfoot conditions holding no fears, and promising 3lb claimer Joe Doyle in the saddle, everything looks in place for a big run.
Punters must beware Seamour
There are plenty of dangers, and Seamour could well prove the biggest.
The Brian Ellison trained gelding has shown progressive form throughout the season, winning two competitive 2m handicaps and finishing a fine sixth of 19 to Quest For More in the Northumberland Plate.
Seamour was also far from disgraced last time out when a 9 1/2 length sixth of 11 in the Group 2 Doncaster Cup and will appreciate the return to handicap company.
The four-year-old now takes a marked drop in trip, but has won and been placed over it in the earlier part of his career and it is unlikely to be a problem.
Another plus is that Seamour also has proven winning form on soft ground, and the son of Azamour hails from a yard whose runners in this type of contest always command the utmost respect.
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Coral’s top tip: Esteaming has dropped to a handy mark, and looks well worth an each-way wager. Seamour is another that looks sure to go well in a wide-open contest.
