Doncaster racing tips (1425): Harswell Duke lines up Spring Mile defence, He’s A Gentleman could surprise

14:25 Doncaster: William Hill Epic Boost Spring Mile Handicap (1 mile)

This cavalry charge down Doncaster’s straight mile track has not been won by a favourite since Educate was the 8/1 victor back in 2013, but Harswell Duke is well-fancied to break that trend as he defends the crown he won as a 10/1 shot a year ago.

The six-year-old failed to reach such heights again through the rest of last season, and was finally given a four-month winter break last November, only reappearing 10 days ago to blow away a few cobwebs in a sixth-placed run-out at Newcastle.  

With that much-needed run behind him, Harswell Duke looks well-treated to see off the renewed challenge of 2023 close-up runner-up Titian (against whom he is six pounds better off this year), while third-placed Maysong (also worse off against last year's winner) is also back for another attempt.

Suggested best bet: Harswell Duke each-way in the 14:25 at Doncaster

• Tip advised by Saddle Up Racing on Tipstrr

Of course, in a race of this competitive nature, there are plenty who will be fancying their chances of marking their early-season territory, and with five places easily available (and up to six in places), there is an abundance of each-way value to be found.

Of those deeper in the betting, Helter Skelter, Hortzadar and Look Back Smiling all look capable of producing a perofrmance that could make a mockery of their odds, but attracting most attention among Tipstrr’s each-way pundits is the Hugo Palmer-trained grey He’s A Gentleman.

Planet Sport Bet Daily Special: Bet £20+ cash on any runner in the race and if Look Back Smiling finishes in the first 4 places, get a £5 Free Bet

A couple of back-to-back runner-up spots at Haydock and Ayr last summer gave a glimpse of this five-year-old's capabilities on turf, and he has since been kept in shape with an eye-catching winter campaign on all-weather circuits.

One trip to Southwell and five outings at Wolverhampton have yielded impressive figures of 312122 over distances ranging between seven furlongs and an extended mile, so he should have no trouble making the trip here.

Busy in those last months of 2023, his only appearance this year was his close-up second at Wolverhampton six weeks ago, and he would appear to be have been kept fresher for this first turf outing since August.

From a favourable high draw, he is just one stall inside the favourite, which should give him a helpful tow through the early stages, and assuming he copes with the ground, then Jason Hart is well-equipped to manoeuvre him into a challenging position in the closing stages.

Each-way punt: He’s A Gentleman in the 14:25 at Doncaster

• Tip advised by Big Priced Winners on Tipstrr

 

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