It is some time since Donnybrook last won a race, but the local chaser is fancied to put the record straight at Market Rasen tomorrow.
A blank campaign last season has meant that Bob Woodhouse's eight-year-old has slipped to a favourable handicap rating and, after a couple of below-par efforts this term, he gave notice of a return to form at Catterick recently.
Wearing blinkers for the first time, Donnybrook finished a creditable third to Fear Siull on ground which was plenty fast enough for him.
Tomorrow's softer surface will suit the Ryedale gelding much better and, on a course where he has scored in the past, Donnybrook is fancied to get back on the winning trail in the Robert Peak (Bookmakers) Handicap Chase.
Lord Pat will be hard to beat in the Health Scheme Conditional Jockeys' Selling Handicap Hurdle.
Kate Milligan's charge won at Newcastle two outings ago and was only narrowly denied at Wetherby last week. He is clearly in excellent form.
Ferdy Murphy has a high opinion of Historg, who merits attention in the John Smith's Novices' Chase.
The six-year-old, who developed into a decent performer over hurdles last term, was found to be ailing when pulled-up on his debut over fences a month ago, but he should certainly be given another chance here. Adrian Maguire has the mount.
The Holly Berry Hatcheries Handicap Chase over three-and-a-half miles will take plenty of physical effort to win, and One More may be up to the task.
Only a five-year-old, One More has stamina in abundance, as he proved when staying on strongly to win over three miles and one furlong at Kelso last month.
Chris Grant's progessive gelding is napped to double his score here with Richard McGrath again in the saddle.
At Leicester, Polar Red looks set to be another winner for Martin Pipe and Tony McCoy in the Betfair.com Novices' Hurdle.
A former useful staying handicapper on the Flat when trained by Mick Ryan, Polar Red finished a good second at Cheltenham recently on his hurdling debut for Pipe. He can go one better now.
Tomorrow's tips:
Market Rasen
12.45 Lord Pat
1.20 Historg
1.50 Khaysar
2.25 Donnybrook
2.55 One More (Nap)
3.25 Gohh.
Leicester
1.00 Hernandita
1.30 It's Beyond Belief
2.00 King For A Day
2.35 I've No Say
3.05 Polar Red
3.35 Doublet.
Updated: 11:50 Wednesday, December 05, 2001
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