No sooner have the flames of the Cheltenham Festival just started to fade than the new Flat season is underway – well, in Ireland anyway. We'll have to wait another six days for Doncaster on Saturday. It was on this day two years ago that Tommy Stack showed that his yard is often the first to reach top gear at this early stage of the campaign when sending out four winners and he also enjoyed a doubled on this card at the Curragh last year. If his first couple of runners get off to a winning start, you can be sure the others will tumble in price in sympathy.
The British action is a little less exciting, with run-of-the-mill jumps cards at Wincanton and Hexham failing to quicken the pulse too much. Gottany O's (2.10) showed much-improved form on his latest start having reportedly undergone an operation to correct a breathing problem since his previous disappointing appearance. If the wind issue has been fully resolved, he will be very tough to beat in the opener at Hexham.
Super Ally landed a nice touch for owner Ray Anderson Green under his son-in-law Timmy Murphy at Kelso on Saturday and the partnership can strike again with Rival D'Estruval (3.40).
Edlomond (2.55) acquitted himself with great credit when second at Stratford on the day before the Festival and clearly appreciates a faster surface. With conditions in his favour, he can go well at a backable price at Wincanton.
