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Ascot and Doncaster Racing Highlights: Key Performances and Upcoming Contenders

Sky Sports Champions League •
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Sky Sports Racing presents a packed day of action from Ascot and Doncaster on Sunday. At Ascot, the Sodexo Live! Juvenile Handicap Hurdle sees Munsif top a competitive 13-runner field, though the horse failed to score in four previous hurdle attempts. Charles Byrnes' charge, however, showed promise and could challenge handicaps if conditions remain dry. Meanwhile, Senator secured a maiden hurdle victory at Market Rasen, both horses making their handicap debuts off fair marks. Innamorato and Cayman Dancer appear strong contenders in the same race.

Doncaster's card features the William Hill Each Way Extra Handicap with 20 runners over six furlongs. Dark Thirty, returning for the Quinn team after a win last year, carries a 4lb penalty but may have each-way claims. Korker, top-weighted for Karl Burke and Pierre-Louis Jamin, boasts past ratings and often runs well in defeat. The Hamad Al Jehani-trained Fine Interview, a dual course and distance winner, could be dangerous if the ground softens.

Also at Doncaster, Port Of London, a progressive four-year-old gelded in December, is fancied to go well in the William Hill NRMB On The Grand National Handicap. John and Thady Gosden's horse, with two wins from four all-weather starts including a Lingfield victory, rates as a turf contender. Atherstone Warrior, Gary and Josh Moore's horse with a fine third in the November Handicap, also has obvious claims as he drops back to a mile and a quarter.

Best of the rest includes Copperhead in the Veterans Chase at Ascot and Hot race featuring Brave Knight and Afadil at Ascot. Ben Pauling's 33% success rate at Ascot this season is noteworthy. The Firewalker race at Doncaster, featuring Naval Light and Amo, could produce future winners. Siam Ruby and Morbeh at Doncaster and Estivale and Ilithyie at Saint-Cloud are also highlighted.