Doncaster St Leger Meeting Tips: Three to back on day two at Donny

There wouldn't be a better, and more reasoned, racing pundit on any TV channel than RUK's Steve Mellish. But if you want to see him go off on one, ask him about the wisdom of coming up the stands rail at Newbury, especially when there is a bit of ease in the ground.

And step well back.

To paraphrase (sorry Steve), he basically thinks any jockey adopting such tactics should be lined up and shot, and that is exactly what Robert Winston did - go to the rail, not the firing squad - on Twin Sails last time when he finished a below-par last of four.

Ignore that run and this horse is the one to beat on his close fourth in the Vintage Stakes at Goodwood - you can also give him a leading chance on his Salisbury win - and he is very backable at odds of 6.86/1 in the sales race at 15:40. Very backable.

Rebel Surge is worth a minimum-stakes interest at 27.026/1 in the nursery at 13:55.

Her trainer thought that she may be a listed filly earlier in the season and, while her exploits to date clearly don't match that level of expectation, she is fairly treated off a mark of 79.

That is 4lb higher than when just touched off by Unlit in the soft at Leicester last time - she is 1lb better off with the winner - but that is justified considering they pulled well clear of the third. And her effort there was all the more meritorious given that she took a very hard hold for the first two furlongs of the race.

If proving more tractable this filly, who won on good to firm at Lingfield in a fair time in July, can go close and this better ground clearly isn't an issue.

Nemoralia has to rate a massive danger as Frankie Dettori was raving about the horse after her Kempton win, hinting that she is far better than a 87-rated handicapper.

There aren't many harder puzzles to solve than a 20-runner fillies and mares Group at 14:30. My two against the field at the prices would be Dusky Queen and Muffri' Ha, but I won't be betting in the race, so a tip is completely out of the question.

I will, however, be backing Toe The Line at 10.09/1 in the Park Hill Stakes at 15:05.

Granted, this is her first step into Group 2 company. But while it is competitive, it isn't a great race for the grade and the selection comes here after a career-best last time and is joint second top-rated behind Hidden Gold.

She ran eye-catchingly well when fourth in the Ebor, at one point looking the possible winner - the 25-1 chance traded at 4.3100/30 in the run - and, with a strong pace assured with Vive Ma Fille in the line-up, I think she can pick these off late.

And John Kiely has his small string in good form, with a winner at Clonmel last week.

Nothing stands out in the ATR-only races on the end of the card, though Forgotten Hero could go well in the 16:50.


Recommended Bets
Back Rebel Surge at 27.026/1 in the 13:55 at Doncaster
Back Toe The Line at 10.09/1 in the 15:05 at Doncaster
Back Twin Sails at 6.86/1 in the 15:40 at Doncaster