Martin Dixon: "he rates a strong each-way bet"

I love delving into these sprint handicaps and Jakajaro has struck me all season like a horse that has one of these big pots in him.

He's been running consistent figures in several of the top-end sprint handicaps, and I just wonder if the addition of cheekpieces here could add that extra little that he needs to get his head in front again as he is a strong-travelling sort who sometimes hasn't delivered fully at the end of his races. Several firms offer 12-1 with extra place on offer.

I like his draw in stall nine with pace horses like Run Boy Run and Eternal Sunshine to follow through and I also think this intermediate trip on a flat, fair track like Doncaster could be tailormade for him.

There is a chance of some showers over the next 24 hours and if the ground does get a little softer by race time it certainly won't inconvenience Jakajaro as he was a soft-ground winner in his younger days in Ireland, although he's not reliant on that coming. 

I respect Shadow Of Light but he is in danger of becoming a little disappointing. I expected bigger performances from his in both the Commonwealth Cup and the Jean Prat, so whilst I concede he's the horse to beat here he is a favourite I'm happy to take on given he's taking so much out of the market at around 7/4 at the time of writing.

There are plenty of others that I don't fancy at all in this field, either because they're not good enough or would in a few cases prefer much softer ground, so Marvelman rates a strong each-way bet for me at odds of 6/1 or bigger.

He's had a quietly progressive year and his latest third in the Hungerford was a clear career-best effort that shows he's still improving. Conditions should be perfect and a well-run race over seven furlongs is his optimum which looks on the cards. 

Although Arduis Invicta was soundly held on her only nursery start so far I still believe her mark of 70 could underestimate her as several of her pieces of form this year read well, notably a clear second to Brisk Symphony (now 82-rated) at Nottingham in June and her defeat of Mossvale Diva (now 70-rated herself) at Beverley last month.

On her latest start in a valuable sales race at Newmarket I felt she excelled herself from a poor draw, faring second best of the low numbers, and the only filly that beat her in her group, Anaisa, has since won in Listed company while Guernsey Girl, who was third in that group, has since won a nursery herself.

I like prominently-ridden horses from higher draws on this 5f track at Musselburgh so stall seven of nine will hopefully give her an ideal position this time and experienced apprentice William Pyle takes off a handy 3lb as well.