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LiveScore Racing Preview: Doncaster, March 5, 2022
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Horses in action at Doncaster racecourse
Horses in action at Doncaster racecourse

It is day two of the Virgin Bet Grimthorpe Chase Meeting at Doncaster on Saturday. 

The feature race comes at 3.30pm, where a field of eight runners are set to tackle the 3m2f contest.

The seven-race card also includes the Virgin Bet Mares' Novices' Hurdle at 2.20pm. Here are our five horses to follow.

1.45pm - Virgin Bet Handicap Hurdle (2m½f)

BYZANTINE EMPIRE scored over this C&D on his penultimate outing. 

That was his first run since having wind surgery, and it was a clear sign that the procedure had helped him.

Fergal O'Brien's runner was unable to defy a 7lb rise in the ratings in a class two contest at Cheltenham on Trials Day. 

He is now down 2lb, and with Liam Harrison claiming 3lb, he can add more success from this latest weight.

LiveScore selection: Byzantine Empire

2.20pm - Virgin Bet Mares' Novices' Hurdle (3m½f, Listed)

Trainer Dan Skelton will hope Get A Tonic can win a competitive contest at Doncaster
Trainer Dan Skelton will hope Get A Tonic can win a competitive contest at Doncaster

Dan Skelton will be hoping GET A TONIC shines on her final appearances before the Mares' Novices' Hurdle at the Festival later this month. 

She has been successful twice this season and has performed well in Listed company on her latest two starts.

The Lodge Hill runner is stepping up in trip here, and as long as she stays the trip, she is likely to have too much class for her own sex.

LiveScore selection: Get A Tonic

2.55pm - Virgin Bet Handicap Chase (2m½f)

CEDAR HILL picked up his second success of the season when he won over the 2m trip at Musselburgh last month. 

Sandy Thomson's runner acts on all types of ground, so if conditions do become testing at Town Moor, he will have no problems.

The handicapper has reacted to his latest success by putting the gelding up 4lb to a career-high mark. 

He seemed to have plenty in hand at the finish at Musselburgh on his latest success, so this new rating may still be workable.

LiveScore selection: Cedar Hill

3.30pm - Virgin Bet Grimthorpe Handicap Chase (3m2f)

CLOTH CAP was fancied to run a big race in the Grand National last season, but it did not quite work out for Jonjo O'Neill's runner in the world's most famous steeplechase. 

He is set to return to Aintree next month, and connections will be hoping to see a big run in Grimthorpe prior to that outing.

This latest mark is 1lb lower than when he won the Premier Chase at Kelso 12 months ago on this day. 

The 10-year-old remains a very talented staying chaser, so if he steps up on what he has shown so far this season, he is more than good enough to carry top weight to success here.

LiveScore selection: Cloth Cap

4.05pm - Virgin Bet Free Bets For Winners Handicap Hurdle (3m½f)

SULTANS PRIDE really enjoys it around this racecourse, picking up his third success over this C&D when he prevailed here in February. 

As ever, he was held up in the opening stages of the race before producing a strong finish to score by over a length.

Apprentice Theo Gillard has formed a great partnership with the horse. The 3lb claimer remains on board as the gelding looks to complete his hat-trick.

LiveScore selection: Sultans Pride

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