Doncaster Grimthorpe Chase

Calgary Bay - Has a lot in his favour today,
including booking of AP McCoy

Ruby Walsh has chosen to go to Doncaster to ride Join Together, it suggests he is fancied to go well on what will probably be his final run before this years long term target, the National. He has only ever gone left handed and stays well, however the main worry would be his form has tended to tail off in the spring, consequently 5/1 is a tad short. The main form line for many of these is the race here in December, the winner Court By Surprise capped off what was a fantastic day for Emma Lavelle, however the stable hasn't had a winner since which is a huge negative. Last years winner Ikorodu Road ran well to be 5th that day and will appreciate the better ground, but he is off a 7lb higher mark than last year and others are preferred. Course specialist Corkage was another who ran well in defeat here in the race but has been out of form since in lower grade races, he may have been trained for this but he has also found winning difficult. Night In Milan was 2nd that day, he followed that up with a good effort behind the ultra progressive Chac Du Cadran at Catterick. Solid claims and 7/1 looks fair. Mr Moonshine has been dependable over both obstacles, he will be suited by today's test and the booking of Wayne Hutchinson is intriguing, the handicapper has given him a chance and I expect him to make the frame. Calgary Bay is only 2lb higher than when winning the Skybet Chase here last year, his 3 runs at Doncaster have yielded 2 victories and a 2nd. He acts at track and back on a sound surface he holds every chance. 8/1 is attractive. Quentin Collonges will be a suited by a return to a sounder surface, he appears well handicapped (5lb lower than last win) but is becoming a frustrating horse to follow as he hasn't done the business on the track. He also run out oft the handicap which is never ideal, has a bit to prove. Billie Magern will be suited by the faster ground, in fact the quicker the better and he is just the type of who could bounce back with a good effort here. He is another who looks well handicapped on his best form, 14/1 represents some each-way value but Sam Twiston-Davies has gone to Newbury which may suggest there isn't much stable confidence. Beneficial Reform and Lord Villez are 9lb out of the handicap which would suggest they aren't good enough.

Advice - Calgary Bay 2pt Win @ 8/1 Paddy Power