9:00 Doncaster
A small but competitive Class 5 handicap over 2m0f109y at Doncaster on good to firm ground brings together four modest performers, three of whom are dropping in class. The KTB Fit Scores are tightly bunched at the top, with An Bradan Feasa heading the numbers on 57, followed by Tabasko on 51 and Pergamon on 48, while Pyleates brings up the rear on 36. Recent consistency separates the first two from the remainder, though the step up in trip for the younger pair and first-time headgear for Pergamon add layers of uncertainty to the puzzle.
How the race shapes up
With only four runners the pace shape is compact. An Bradan Feasa and Pergamon both tend to race prominently, while Tabasko and Pyleates are more hold-up types who will look to come from off the pace. The key question is whether the front-runners can dictate matters on this sound surface or if the race will fall into the hands of a closer as the extra distance begins to tell in the straight.
The KTB Fit ranking
- 1An Bradan Feasa KTB Selection57/100Modest performer who has been consistent of late with two seconds from his last three starts.
- 2Tabasko51/100Modest performer who has shown consistent placed form without winning in six starts.
- 3Pergamon48/100Pergamon is a modest performer who has shown little spark in three runs this year and finished a remote last on his final start.
- 4Pyleates36/100Modest performer who has shown consistent placed form without winning.
The contenders
An Bradan Feasa KTB Fit 57/100
An Bradan Feasa arrives in solid form having posted two seconds from his last three starts, underlining his reliability as a modest performer. He possesses winning form at today's trip and has already shown he handles good to firm ground when scoring on it previously, though his sole visit to Doncaster produced only a placed effort. The yard's modest 5% strike rate at the track from 22 runs is offset by Conor Whiteley’s excellent 50% strike rate and 3.45 A/E from six rides here. Dropping in class looks a positive, and the combination of recent consistency, trip suitability and the jockey’s local record makes him the one to beat.
Tabasko KTB Fit 51/100
Tabasko is another modest performer who has shown consistent placed form without managing to break his duck in six starts. He steps up markedly in trip today, having last been seen over 1m4f, so whether he will stay the extra distance is the big unknown. The yard posts an 11% strike rate at Doncaster from 196 runs while George Downing has a 9% strike rate from 57 rides at the track. Dropping in class is another plus, yet the lack of experience on good to firm ground and the absence of any course form leave him with questions to answer.
Pergamon KTB Fit 48/100
Pergamon is a modest performer who has shown little spark in three runs this year and finished a remote last on his final start. He steps up in trip having won five times over this distance in the past, yet his sole run on good to firm ground was poor and he has been beaten a long way on his only visit to Doncaster. First-time headgear is now applied in a bid to spark improvement while both trainer and jockey have modest records at the track, the yard at 7% from 150 runs and the rider at 4% from 52 rides.
The rest of the field
PyleatesKTB Fit 36/100
Pyleates is a modest performer who has shown consistent placed form without winning. He steps up in trip today for the first time having last run over 1m6f, leaving a question mark over whether the extra distance will suit, while the trainer has a 0% strike rate from 24 runs at Doncaster.
KTB verdict
An Bradan Feasa stands out as the KTB Selection. He brings the best recent form of the quartet, proven stamina at the trip, a record of handling good to firm ground and the strongest jockey booking at the track. Tabasko is the most obvious danger if the longer distance brings about further progress, while Pergamon cannot be entirely dismissed with the first-time headgear and his past success at this trip, though his recent efforts have been lacklustre. Pyleates completes the field but has the most to prove on both distance and track.
KTB Selection An Bradan Feasa
Morning odds
Best available price per runner, captured 00:00 UTC, 18 Jul. These are a morning snapshot and will have moved — see the live racecard for current prices.
| Runner | Morning price | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| An Bradan Feasa | 5/1 | Bet365 |
| Tabasko | 5/2 | Bet365 |
| Pergamon | 9/4 | 7Bet |
| Pyleates | 85/40 | CopyBet |
This is the narrative read of the 9:00 Doncaster. For the live card — runner-by-runner stats, the full Fit Score breakdown and current odds — see the Doncaster racecard. New here? How KTB works explains the Fit Score and why we publish both.
Questions about this race
Which horse has proven winning form at today's trip?
An Bradan Feasa has winning form at today's trip and Pergamon has won five times over this distance in the past.
Who is stepping up markedly in trip from 1m4f?
Tabasko is stepping up markedly in trip today having last run over 1m4f.
Which runner is fitted with first-time headgear?
Pergamon is fitted with first-time headgear.
What is the strongest jockey record at Doncaster in this race?
Conor Whiteley has a 50% strike rate at Doncaster with an A/E of 3.45 from six rides.
Which trainer has a 0% strike rate at Doncaster from 24 runs?
William Muir & Chris Grassick have a 0% strike rate at Doncaster from 24 runs.
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