Spectroscope will need all Moreira’s Magic to win 2017 Doncaster Mile

French import Spectroscope will need all of Joao Moreira’s magic to win the Group 1 $3m The Star Doncaster Mile (1600m) at Randwick on the first day of ‘The Championships’ on Saturday.

Spectroscope, above, is facing a huge rise in class in the Doncaster Mile at Randwick. Photo by Steve Hart.

Spectroscope, above, is facing a huge rise in class in the Doncaster Mile at Randwick. Photo by Steve Hart.

Moreira is dubbed ‘The Magic Man’ in Hong Kong where he is heading for another runaway victory in the jockey’s premiership and will have to be at his best on Spectroscope who is facing several daunting challengers in the Doncaster Mile.

Trainer John O’Shea has rushed the four year old straight into Group 1 company after scoring two wins at Rosehill from two starts for the stable and although he was impressive in winning a 1350m BenchMark 89 Handicap on March 11 and the Group 3 $150,000 Rydges Parramatta Doncaster Prelude (1500m) last Saturday, he is facing a gigantic rise in class in the Doncaster Mile.

“Spectroscope has come a long way in a short time since arriving from France,” O’Shea said.

“He’s in wonderful order, he’s just got to back up from his win last Saturday, and that’s an unknown element.

“It’s a challenge for him to go from restricted company to Group One company, even with no weight, at this stage of his career.”

Moreira will also have to get his compass out as Spectroscope, who drew barrier twenty-two in the original draw, looks likely to start for the outside gate when the field is reduced to the capacity field size of twenty with trainer Darren Weir not keen to start Tosen Stardom who was allocated the widest barrier.

Spectroscope will also carry 0.5kg over his allocated 51kg after Moreira was granted permission by the Racing New South Wales Stewards to carry the extra weight.

One thing in Spectrocope’s favour in the Doncaster Mike is the prospect of an another heavy track which he handled with ease in winning the Doncaster Prelude.

“He gets through the ground,” O’shea said.

Spectroscope is rated as a $13 chance at Ladbrokes.com.au and is one of three runners O’Shea will saddle up in the Doncaster Mile with the top weight Hauraki also well in the betting at $10 while It’s Somewhat is one of the outsiders of the field at $31.

James Doyle rides Hauraki who has also drawn wide at sixteen in the original draw while It’s Somewhat with Zac Purton in the saddle came up with gate nine.

The Kris Lees trained Le Romain is the ruling favourite for the Doncaster Mile at $6.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.