Donny to deliver in Ladbrokes Handicap

Donny Marlow can come out on top in the Ladbrokes Watch Racing Online For Free Handicap at Wolverhampton tomorrow.

Adrian Keatley’s threeyear-old is bidding to double his career tally, on just his fourth start and second attempt in handicaps.

He also moves up to seven furlongs for the first time, and that has to be a sensible decision after his strong finish over six at Kempton.

Previously, Donny Marlow had produced a late rattle from off the pace to get up on the line for a debut five-furlong victory at this course last month, and then looked short of the necessary toe over the minimum trip here when attempting to give weight all round. After managing only fifth that day, albeit beaten under three lengths, he then ran with promise at Kempton in third behind a slightly unexpected winner who has nonetheless gone in again.

The dam’s side of Donny Marlow’s pedigree, especially, suggests he should improve for this extra test of stamina – and evidence on the track so far corroborates that view.

Keatley has booked Cieren Fallon, a regular ally for the Malton trainer, to take the ride this time – and plenty points to a successful association here for all concerned.

Gavi Di Gavi is also largely sticking to what he has done best of late, albeit trying a new trip in the #betyourway At Betway Handicap. The six-yearold provided his trainer’s daughter Georgia King with her first career victory in the saddle when they prevailed over a furlong shorter here at the start of the month.

Gavi Di Gavi, who had also won on his most recent previous trip to Dunstall Park last summer, was unable to follow up his latest success for his apprentice jockey when they were beaten just under a length into third at Lingfield. That was under a 5lb penalty, and they have been reassessed up another 3lb, but there has been every indication from their finishing effort in all three attempts together that the extra yardage can only help.

My Girl Maggie has hattrick prospects in the Betway Handicap. Mark Johnston’s filly has taken a liking to this course, following up her breakthrough win at this distance on Boxing Day with a second victory over two furlongs further early in the new year. A 10lb rise to offset her improvement may well not be enough to stop her at this happy hunting ground.

Thegreatshowman has demonstrated his aptitude for the Southwell Fibresand before and can put his course experience to good use in the Edingley Handicap. The five-year-old is versatile having won not only in Nottinghamshire,

but also Lingfield, Chelmsford, Brighton and Yarmouth during his 38 outings to date.