Donald McCain: The verdict on my Sunday runners

Donald looks to have a couple of live contenders at Market Rasen on Sunday.

Donald has a few runners in action at Market Rasen on Sunday and is expecting a big run from Salto Chisco in the bumper.

Market Rasen

14.00 2m5f Novice Hurdle

Darlington County

He's slowly getting the hang of things but he's unlikely to come unto his own until there is more emphasis on stamina. He's eligible for handicaps after this and he might find his level there.

Bit Of A Jig

He absolutely hated the ground at Newcastle last time and that run can be safely ignored. This looks a decent race but the ground should be more suitable and he's ready for a run and he did look a good prospect on his debut. I would be hopeful that he would give a good account but, as I say, there are a few interesting horses in there.

14.30 2m1f Handicap Hurdle

It's Oscar

He's caught a bit between the devil and the deep blue sea as he struggles in novice hurdles and I am not convinced that he is all that well handicapped. Paul O'Brien is good value for his 10lb claim and that will help but it is something of a shot in the dark - that said, he's had fewer chances than most of these and it wouldn't be a huge surprise to see him run well. 

15.30 2m3f Handicap Hurdle

Tara Royal

I am desperate to get a run into him and that is why he is back over hurdles. The ground has been no good to him of late so we've had to hang fire and this looked a good place to get him back in action. He'll be back over fences on better ground in the spring though.

17.00 2m1f Bumper

Salto Chisco

He's a lovely young horse and I was pleased with his run at Uttoxeter first time - I think the winner is probably a very useful horse and the third, who was beaten out of sight, has run well since. You never quite know what you might come up against in these races but he'd have to have an obvious chance and I do think he's pretty useful.