BLAINE was just edged out on the line last time but compensation awaits in the Racing Post/SIS Betting Shop Manager Handicap at Doncaster.

It is something of a surprise the six-year-old has only five wins to his credit so far, but given the nature of the big-field ultra-competitive sprints he contests, it perhaps makes a little more sense.

That said, he has proved capable enough on some of the bigger days, notably winning over six furlongs at Epsom's Derby meeting back in June, while his run in the Ayr Silver Cup is better than it looks at first glance.

Indeed, he came close to notching a second win of the year at Haydock last week, defying his starting price of 33-1 when going down by just a short head after leading right up to the final stride.

The handicapper has subsequently nudged him up 2lb, but he remains some way short of his career best mark of 107 and can still prove competitive in what is a decent six-furlong heat.

Al Neksh boasts a fine record of three wins in five starts and can further enhance those statistics in the Free Spins At 188Bet Casino Handicap.

The Zoffany gelding has made great strides from his debut third back in May with victories at Haydock, Chester and most recently Yarmouth, where he atoned for a disappointing previous outing at Goodwood.

There had been excuses at Goodwood so it was no surprise to see him put that behind him with a comfortable Yarmouth verdict, looking as though he still had plenty left in the locker.

Al Neksh now races off a mark of 91 but appears more than capable of defying a 4lb rise.

Mirage Dancer can make a winning racecourse debut in the second division of the 188Bet British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes.

His dam, Heat Haze, was a dual Grade One winner in America and is a daughter of the great Hasili, while father Frankel needs no introduction, with this colt a representation of one of owner Khalid Abdullah's most celebrated stud lines.

Commander is another son of Frankel who makes his first start in Division Two of the SIA Maiden Stakes at Newbury.

He is another who has a blue-chip pedigree as a half-brother to dual Group One winner Regal Parade and has a Derby entry.

Cloudberry is three from three this term and can continues his progression for Roger Charlton, pictured, in the Tom's Pies Handicap.

After winning a Bath maiden back in June, he has since bagged handicaps at Kempton and Sandown, with the latter victory particularly meritorious as he did not enjoy the smoothest of passages.

Cheltenham makes a welcome return to the fixture list, with Tiger Roll taken to play a starring role for Ireland.

Winner of the 2014 Triumph Hurdle at the Festival, Gordon Elliott's six-year-old is now getting his act together nicely over fences and looked really sleek when successful at Limerick earlier this month - despite having been sent off at odds of 20-1.

With conditions for the Ryman Stationery Cheltenham Business Club Novices' Chase loaded in his favour, his wise trainer will be very keen to make hay in these big staying races before the ground turns too demanding for him.

Similar thoughts apply to El Bandit, who impressed in the Persian War at Chepstow and can continue his hot run of form in the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle.

SELECTIONS:

CHELTENHAM: 2.10 El Bandit, 2.45 Aristo Du Plessis, 3.20 Ballinure, 3.55 Tiger Roll, 4.30 Casper King, 5.05 Cecil Corbett, 5.40 Wishfull Dreaming.

DONCASTER: 1.30 Soldier's Girl, 2.00 Ouja, 2.35 Radjash, 3.10 Mirage Dancer, 3.45 BLAINE (NAP), 4.20 Not Never, 4.55 Al Neksh, 5.30 Hardington.

NEWBURY: 1.20 Sea Skimmer, 1.50 Black Bolt, 2.25 Commander, 3.00 Kullu, 3.35 Cloudberry, 4.10 Evening Attire, 4.45 Snowy Dawn, 5.20 Knight Of The Air.

WOLVERHAMPTON: 5.50 Lady Vellyn, 6.20 Pavela, 6.50 Andrassy Avenue, 7.20 Testimonio, 7.50 Simply Me, 8.20 Paradise Palm, 8.50 Free To Roam, 9.20 Wootton Vale.

DOUBLE: Blaine and Mirage Dancer.