A Doll In Milan and McCoy can deliver at Doncaster

A Doll In Milan disappointed last time out but can take advantage of a drop in grade to get back to winning ways under champion jockey AP McCoy in the mares’ novices hurdle at Doncaster today (2.35).

This Nigel Twiston-Davies trained five-year-old was never travelling well in desperate conditions before being pulled-up in the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las, but had previously looked a smart prospect and will find this easier now racing against her own sex.

The daughter of Milan made a winning debut under rules at Lingfield when making all to win easing down by 11 lengths, and was then far from disgraced when fourth of seven to the useful Carrigmorna Rock in a Listed novice hurdle at Newbury.

A Doll In Milan then got back to winning ways at Wetherby when making all to easily beat Two Swallows by 12 lengths under a penalty, and the third home Streets Of Promise has won since to give the form a solid look.

Judge on that run A Doll In Milan should be capable of winning plenty more races, and off an official rating of 130 she has 5lb and upwards in hand on today’s rivals.

That makes this looks a golden opportunity for A Doll In Milan to get back in the winners’ enclosure, especially with the 19-time champion jockey now in the saddle for the first time.

Princess Tara is the one closest to A Doll In Milan on official ratings, and is a progressive sort chasing the hat-trick.

The Peter Bowen trained five-year-old opened her account with a wide margin success over 2m 6f at Ffos Las and followed-up in facile fashion on handicap debut at the same venue when making all to win easing down by 12 lengths.

This does represent a big step up in class, but Princess Tara is clearly on a serious upward curve and looks capable of giving the selection plenty to think about.