Adam Williams presents his prediction for the bet365 Doncaster Mares' Hurdle (Listed Race, 3m½f, 4yo+) horse racing event.
Kateira, from Dan Skelton's stable, is certainly a standout. She has already kicked off the season: finishing third in the bet365 Hurdle (Grade 2) despite being the 8/11 favourite, and then won the Racing TV Mares' Hurdle (Listed Race) also as the punters' top pick. She has been consistent, never finishing worse than fifth in 12 career starts, half of which she has won. At 10/11 on bet365, we're willing to back her.
Another representative from Skelton's stable is West Balboa. She too has raced twice this season but finished second to last on both occasions. Last year, she only won her debut at Aintree, where she was up against a couple of geldings. Her rating is just one pound lower than Kateira's, but her form is yet to match that score.
Five-year-old Gale Mahler enjoyed a winning streak of six starts during the spring-summer period and has since raced twice at Cheltenham in a grade 2 event, finishing second and third. Although she has yet to race at Doncaster, and the distance is new for her, the warm-up at Cheltenham should aid her performance.
Take No Chances has made three appearances this season. She claimed victory in the bet365 Mares' Hurdle (Listed Race) but finished fifth in the mixed and competitive Fighting Fifth Hurdle (Grade 1). This field is relatively easier, and the distance suits her strengths, so we'd consider her as an each-way option at 6/1 on bet365.
Wyenot won a handicap at Ayr over 3m½f this season but did not finish the same distance at Haydock. Perhaps the soft going didn't suit her that time, but we'll see how she fares on Saturday. Her previous season was active, with a couple of straightforward wins, but the competition here is tougher, meaning her chances of winning are slimmer than desirable.
