El Coto for an early strike

13 April 2012

Bryan McMahon gets up early in the morning. He also gets up early for the curtain-raising Doncaster Lincoln meeting and always seems to have his representatives at fitness pitch for the first-flourish cavalry charge.

So it is his El Coto (nap) which gets the vote for tomorrow's big handicap opener on Town Moor.

McMahon has booked Richard Quinn for the ride, and between them they boast three successes in the historic race. Quinn partnered Kuala Lipis to victory in 1997 and added to that win two years later on Right Wing, while McMahon triumphed with Roaming Minstrel in 1995.

There is not a lot of El Coto, but he is an early sort, ideal for McMahon's policy of striking while the others are cold.

The son of Forzando won at Doncaster last March and is clearly suited by the track. He acts on most types of going and has been fortunate to receive a lowish draw.

As usual, there is a host of fancied runners, but Chivalry who is fit from hurdling and has drawn the number one stall, may prove the principal threat to the selection.

Classy Fremen and Alkaadhem are others to consider.

Another early bird to note on the card is Shabernak (2.10, nb), trained by Michael Bell and ridden by Jamie Spencer.

The grey gelding, who landed the Mallard Stakes over the course in September, goes for the Doncaster Shield.

In the opening Mitsubishi Diamond Vision Condition Stakes, Spencer, first jockey to Aidan O'Brien this season, will be eager to impress on New Mexican (1.40). The chestnut is trained by Lynda Ramsden, mother of Spencer's TV presenter girlfriend, Emma.

New Mexican is a bit of a handful, having unseated his rider before winning a Pontefract Maiden in July. But, provided he behaves himself and stays this mile trip, he looks to have an excellent chance.

In the Listed Cammidge Trophy, the David Nichollstrained sprinter Fire Up The Band (3.15) can demonstrate that he he not far short of Group class. Placed in both the Stewards' Cup and Ayr Gold Cup, he can go a bit and his handler reckons he will improve with age.

The Mares' Novices' Handicap Hurdle at Kempton looks at the mercy of Miss Chinchilla (3.00). After winning a seller at Ludlow she was snapped up for what now looks a bargain 7,800 guineas by her new lady handler and then repaid the outlay by running away with a novice event at Sedgefield last week.

She trounced Beacon of Light by no less than 17 lengths on that occasion and, hopefully, has scope for improvement.

Indian Scout (1.55), a faller at the 10th in the Tripleprint Gold Cup, is doubly engaged at Newbury, but if he goes for the Stan James Chase instead of the Paul Croucher Memorial later in the afternoon, his claims must be respected.

Meanwhile, at Nad Al Sheba the Dubai World Cup once again takes centre stage.

Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin has won the prestigious trophy four times in the last five years but tomorrow's finish may be fought out between old Breeders' Cup rivals Medaglia d'Oro and Pleasantly Perfect, with the former just preferred.

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El Coto for an early strike

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