Doncaster Racing Tips: Shimmering Sands hard to ignore

NAP: Shimmering Sands can defy a penalty

Shimmering Sands - 20:25 Doncaster

Shimmering Sands was unlucky not to make a winning debut at Beverley earlier this month and confirmed that promise in spades when running out an impressive winner back at that course last time.

He was well suited by a well-run race at this trip, held up early before making his move two furlongs out, and staying on strongly from there on in to score by six lengths. Shimmering Sands proved his mark a lenient one, so makes plenty of appeal turned out under a 6 lb penalty with the prospect of even more to come.

NEXT BEST: Melek Alreeh can take a big step forward

Melek Alreeh - 19:25 Doncaster

Melek Alreeh was a £85,000 purchase at the breeze-ups last year but didn't make the track, though he shaped very well on his debut in an above-average race at Redcar last month.

The two who finished in front of him that day seem sure to be plying their trade at a higher level sooner rather than later, and Melek Alreeh left the impression he may improve significantly for that initial experience, shaken up early in the straight and the penny started to drop in the closing stages. There is stamina in his pedigree, so should relish this step up in trip and he should not be underestimated.

EACH-WAY: Antagonize can run his race again

Antagonize - 18:55 Doncaster

Antagonize is a very consistent type who has been shaping well this season, hitting the frame on each of his four starts, and shaping better than the bare result on more than one occasion.

He is usually ridden by a 7 lb claimer, but he is under a different jockey today, which may make a difference, and he has been contesting deeper handicaps than this. Antagonize is still just 2 lb higher than his last winning mark and he seems sure to launch another bold bid.