A RUNNER AT DONCASTER, AND A RUNNER AT SOUTHWELL ON FRIDAY.

We have one on the flat at Southwell, and one over the jumps at Doncaster.

The Retriever drops in to selling company at 12.05.pm for the first time, but in reality it is no easier, or no more difficult than many of his recent starts. He is now a 19 race maiden, but has been second on four occasions, including three times at Southwell, from five starts, over seven furlongs, and a mile.The cheek pieces he wore for the first time on his last run are retained, on what was a under par run when he finished seventh of 13, beaten just under 10 lengths.A repeat of his placed efforts at the track would see him in the mix, but he has been unlucky with the draw on this occasion, being placed in stall 12, Jack Garritty who was forth on him at Newcastle two runs ago, will be on board.

Over at Doncaster the very classy Royal Village makes his debut for us at 1.25.pm, in the two miles and three furlongs 0-140 handicap chase. The trip appears to be just about right based on past efforts when he was trained by Philip Hobbs, and then Ian Williams, and good ground which he should get appears essential.Royal Village is the winner of seven of his 25 starts under rules, his latest coming in Class 2 company at Southwell 15 months ago.He is now 2lb below that last winning mark, because in five runs since, his form has not reached that level again, including his last two runs both in September. He is probably still handicapped up to near his best, but if revitalised with the change of scenery he would go very close, Billy Garrity takes the ride.

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Good luck to the connections, RM&T Holdings Limited & Partners, and Cheltenham Trail & Cleeve Racing Club.