In under six weeks, Doncaster will be preparing for the curtain-raising of the Flat season – the annual cavalry charge of the Lincoln Handicap – but today it’s jumping action on Town Moor and good prospects for Malton-born jockey Andrew Tinkler and top trainer Nicky Henderson to play a starring role.

The pair are fancied to complete a treble with Black Pond, Master Fiddle and Oscar Nominee, who looks particularly interesting in the Mirror Punters Club Novices’ Hurdle.

A runaway winner at Southwell on his first outing over hurdles, Oscar Nominee has since crossed swords with the highly-rated Cinders And Ashes at Haydock and finished last of three, beaten less than four lengths after the winner had been eased towards the finish. The ground that day was heavy and Oscar Nominee seemed ill at ease on it.

He is set to race on a much sounder surface and with no Cinders And Ashes in the line-up this time, Oscar Nominee is fancied to resume winning ways.

Tinkler will need to sit tight on Master Fiddle in the 32Red Casino Beginners’ Chase.

The Lambourn gelding unseated his rider at Newbury on his first outing this season and has since blundered a chance at Taunton. He is, though, a pretty talented horse and if he can get his jumping together, he is more than capable of making his mark.

The opening crownhotel-bawtry.com Juvenile Hurdle looks a tricky event to solve, but once again the Henderson-Tinkler combo look likely to play a hand with Black Pond, who shaped well in fourth on his first outing a month ago and looks capable of improvement.

John Quinn, who takes on Black Pond with the promising Blue Destination, has another string to his bow in the 32Red.com Handicap Hurdle with Distime.

A winner at Bangor two starts back in November, Distime was a beaten favourite on his recent comeback at Catterick. He may well have needed that outing.

The 32Red Veterans’ Handicap Chase brings together some familiar stalwarts, including Faasel, trained by David Pipe.

Winner of 11 races and a Grade 1 hurdle winner in his youth, Faasel showed he was still capable of producing decent form last season when finishing second in the bet365 Handicap Chase at Sandown in April. The 11--year-old may well have needed his recent comeback outing. Better is expected from him.

At Southwell tomorrow, North Yorkshire trainer Bryan Smart can take the opening honours with Monte Cassino (2.10), the mount of Tom Eaves. The gelding appreciated the step up to seven furlongs here last time when winning.

The nap vote goes to recent course and distance winner Caledonia Prince (5.10), the mount of promising claimer Josh Baudains.

racing selections

Doncaster (today)
1.55 Black Pond, 2.25 Master Fiddle, 3.00 Oscar Nominee, 3.30 Faasel, 4.05 Distime, 4.40 Lorikarad, 5.10 Ballyalton.

Today’s other meetings: Kempton, Lingfield and Ludlow.

Southwell (Tomorrow)
2.10 Monte Cassino, 2.40 Trans Sonic, 3.10 Absolute Princess, 3.40 Blackmore, 4.10 Colour Guard, 4.40 Scatter Dice, 5.10 Caledonia Prince (NAP).

Tomorrow’s other meetings: Huntingdon, Kempton and Lingfield.