DONCASTER 2010 ST LEGER FESTIVAL FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 10 BETTING TIPS

We've got a few quality races set to run today and it's a solid card to whet our appetites for tomorrow's massive St Leger. At the time of this writing the going is rated as good and I expect this to hold up well into the days action. 
The first race is a Group 2 clash, the Polypipe Flying Childers Stakes, where we've got a solid selection of two year-olds set to contest a 5f dash. ZEBEDEE (Majestic Missile) is expected to take a fair chunk of the betting volume on this one and he's taking his second shot at a Group 2 encounter, the first being the only blemish on his 115111 record in his debut season. This grey colt went on to win a Group 3 encounter at Goodwood in fine style and I think there's plenty of tactical speed for the final 100y. Meow (Storm Cat) boasts a solid record and has Johnny Murtagh aboard for the trip. It's interesting to see a filly stepping up against males at this point so that's an interesting wildcard. 
The 2:05 at Doncaster is a 1m6f contest that looks set to be a dramatic handicap. Maxim Gorky (Montjeu) and Fortuni (Montjeu) are looking like the early betting favourites here at 8.0 and 7.0 with Ladbrokes. Both are capable contenders here and have shown acumen at the distance. My selection is the progressive-looking TACTICIAN (Motivator) who has a pair of place finishes after breaking the maiden at Newbury back in April. Lightly-raced and low-key for a horse that's owned by the Queen, he looks a great shout at 11/1 in a race without any true standouts. 
The 2:40 is the Group 2 Doncaster Cup and we have Askar Tau (Montjeu) bringing a course and distance score to the table here, despite trading at a lengthy 10.0. Opinion Poll (Halling) is currently the betting favourite at 5.5 but Sir Mark Prescott's filly Motrice (Motivator) is looking competitive as well with a 6.0 listing. Godolphin's DARLEY SUN (Tiger Hill) is looking a solid shout here with the stretch out to 2m2f looking right up his alley. He will be able to set a solid pace over a long distance if he can get to the front early, so the 12.0 price looks good value.  
The Group 2 Mayhill Stakes has just 7 two year-old fillies going 1m and the ultra-talented WHITE MOONSTONE (Dynaformer) looks set to complete a Godolphin double here. A maiden break at Ascot was followed by a comfortable Group 3 victory at Newmarket in early August. She is rested and will retain Dettori for the mount here. She looks head and shoulders above the field at this point. Midnight Caller (Dansili) looks like the biggest threat. 
The 3:50 at Doncaster is a massive handicap that looks to be nearly anybody's guess. The result here depends on traffic scenarios with 18 contenders going a mere 6f. The early pace could be key and that's why MEDICEAN MAN (Medicean) looks the biggest threat in a wide-open field. He does well if gets to the front first and will be a serious contender without traffic problems. 
The 4:25 is a 7f contest with only five contenders- one of whom is debuting and two are having their second starts. Godolphin's FARHH (Pivotal) is the main selection here, having showed plenty of acumen capturing a maiden score on the first attempt at the 7f distance. Rainbow Springs (Selkirk) is the debutante and just might be in a bit too deep here. Frankel (Galileo) looks a great bet on the bottom end of the forecast. 
The 4:55 at Doncaster is another tricky one but jumping on Pendragon (Rahy) is a solid bet for those looking to back a form horse. WILLING FOE (Dynaformer) is a great contender and is the main selection here, set to cap off what looks to be a very excellent day for the blue team. A course and distance victory, combined with plenty of ability to progress as he's only 3, only adds further confidence.