Merry Minstrel, who turned in a much-improved display after a long break last time, is taken to go one better in the Gordon Blackwell Lifetime In Racing Showcase Handicap at Doncaster today.

On his first run for 440 days the ten-year-old looked an unlucky loser at Cheltenham following a bad blunder.

But in the end the gelding did really well to get as close as he did to previous winner Tom Costalot and, with a clear round and the likelihood of a strong pace this time, he looks sure to go well.

Decent ground is considered important to his prospects but, as Doncaster is one of the best draining courses in the country, he should find conditions ideal.

Charlie Mann, the gelding's trainer, can also be on the mark with ex-Flat racer Demi Beau in division one of the Cusworth Novices Hurdle over two miles.

The five-year-old developed into a useful performer on the level last year and turned in his best effort to date on soft ground at Newbury in October in a 0-100 handicap and he is unlikely to have any problems with this trip.

Division two of the same event could go to Archie Babe, who showed enough on his hurdles debut before coming to grief at the final flight to suggest he should give a good account in this company.

At Wolverhampton Fulvio, who won in good style at the same course on Monday, can follow up in the Bet Direct On 0800 329393 Claimer over six furlongs.

Although looking to have a bit to find strictly on official ratings, this strong-travelling sort has a good draw, is at the top of his game and is one of the few in this field open to any improvement.

Prideway, who should be suited by the return to this course, could be the one to beat in division one of the Bet Direct On Superbowl XXXVII Amateur Riders Handicap over the extended nine furlongs.

Although she couldn't reproduce her impressive course and distance win under a penalty at Southwell this week, she still looks well treated and is taken to beat Most-Saucy.

In division two a chance is taken with Western Command, whose stable broke a very lean spell at Southwell yesterday.

Norma Macauley's runner is on a very favourable mark compared to the pick of his efforts from last winter and, in a race that will take little winning, is taken to go well at decent odds.

Appleacre has her first run for a new yard but still looks on a fair mark and could prove hard to peg back in the Bet Direct On Superbowls Handicap over a mile and a half.

My selection won with plenty in hand on her only previous outing at this course and, although up 6lb for that win, she could get her own way in front again and has a useful apprentice up to remove half of that weight increase.

* Bobby Grant, who heads the weights for the £50,000-added skybet.com Great Yorkshire Chase at Doncaster on Saturday, will miss the race, his trainer Peter Beaumont has confirmed.

The gelding, runner-up to Sackville in the Tommy Whittle Chase at Haydock before Christmas, will be aimed instead at the Singer and Friedlander National Trial Handicap Chase over 3 miles at Uttoxeter on February 1.

''The ground will be too much on the quick side at Doncaster,'' said Beaumont. ''He would have run if the ground had been soft, but the Singer and Friedlander is the plan as we are much more likely to get suitable ground at Uttoxeter."

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