Doncaster top racing tip: Conditions look ideal for Quantum Leap

 

15:35  Betfred Mallard Handicap (1 mile 6½ furlongs)  

After just four runs so far, Quantum Leap is comfortably the most lightly-raced runner in this field and he has already won twice, the first of which saw him beat Aztec Empire in a maiden at Southwell, the pair racing on level terms as three-year-olds last November.

Dropping in trip to 10 furlongs was unsuitable for Quantum Leap as he returned from a 232-day break following that success, but he was quickly back in the winners’ enclosure as he comfortably won on his first try over this 14-furlong trip, at Haydock in July.

Planet Sport Bet: Bet £20+ cash on any runner in the race and if The Goat wins by more than 1 length, get a £5 Free Bet!

Despite losing a lot of ground with a slow start, Quantum Leap came through very strongly from well off the pace down the long home straight and, having hit the front with half a furlong to go, he was going away from his rivals as he hit the line.

After an unsuccessful outing over two miles at Nottingham, Quantum Leap is back down to his optimum trip on suitably slower ground here, and is only five pounds higher than for his eye-catching Haydock win that prompted his trainer to immediately mention this race, so this has been a plan in the making since July.

Suggested bet: Quantum Leap in the 15:35 at Doncaster

• Tip advised by Steve Jones who runs CD Systems Daily Bargain on Tipstrr

Of the others, Andrew Balding’s three-year-old The Goat was beaten for speed on fast ground in the valuable Melrose Handicap at York last time but he still ran very well and returning to slower ground looks sure to see him bounce back to the sort of form that saw him win the Coral Handicap at Goodwood on his previous run.

Next best bet: The Goat in the 15:35 at Doncaster

It was a shock result as he was sent off at 25/1 but it was no fluke and his trainer said how much his colt had enjoyed the ground, and he has the potential to defy a 12lbs higher mark here.

READ MORE: Friday ITV racing tips: Best bets for day two at the Doncaster St Leger Festival