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This Thursday marks the start of the Doncaster St Leger Festival, a major event in the British horse racing calendar. Our correspondent, Jonathan Doidge, has selected four horses with strong betting odds for the day’s races, offering tips for those interested in placing each-way bets. Each-way betting allows punters to win if their chosen horse finishes in the top positions, even if not first, and offers a way to spread risk across multiple runners.
Leucothea is the first pick for the 13:15 race at Doncaster. She is a filly trained by Richard Hannon, who has shown promise in her six races so far, with four top finishes. Her recent performance at Nottingham, where she ran strongly late in the race, suggests she could handle the slightly longer distance of this race. Although she has not yet won, her form on soft ground and experience in nursery races make her an appealing each-way bet at 25/1 with Ladbrokes.
In the 13:50 race, Seven Nation Army is highlighted as a strong contender. Trained by Joseph O’Brien, this colt has shown consistent improvement, including a win at Galway and a good performance at Roscommon. He has adapted well to different track conditions and is priced at 7/1 with William Hill. His recent gelding and the use of cheekpieces, a type of equipment that can help with focus and performance, may give him an edge in this race.
For the 14:25 race, Besieged is the selection. This is his first appearance in a handicap race, and he comes from a strong bloodline with a successful sire, Dubawi, and a dam who won the Falmouth Stakes. He showed promise at Salisbury with a strong performance on soft ground, and his trainer, Harry Charlton, has been cautious in building his form. At 11/2 with Bet365, Besieged offers good value for an each-way bet.
The final recommendation is for Sea Rain in the 15:35 Group 2 race. Trained by Jim Bolger, she has a strong pedigree and has beaten other notable horses in recent races. Her performance against Ballyskeagh, who is also a contender, shows her class. At 13/2 with Betfred, Sea Rain is a solid each-way bet with potential to finish in the top positions.
Responsible gambling is a key consideration for all bettors. Online platforms offer various tools to help manage betting, such as deposit limits and self-exclusion options. If gambling becomes a concern, support is available from organizations like GambleAware and Gamcare. Always bet responsibly and only with money you can afford to lose.
Racing Tips and Selections for Doncaster's St Leger Festival
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