Certain Lad doubles up with Doncaster Success

Another trip to Yorkshire and another success for the Chris Hirst owned CERTAIN LAD, this time at Doncaster in the Class 2, mile and a quarter handicap, this time in very testing conditions.

In fact, it was virtually a copybook repeat of his win at York a fortnight ago as he and his partner George Bass were up with the pace throughout before committing to a concerted battle in the final two furlongs and staying on stoutly to record a three parts of a length victory.

Up five pounds for his York win, CERTAIN LAD has clearly found a rich seam of form with Jack considering a tilt at the November Handicap all being well.

“Certain Lad was rated 112, he's come back down to 100 (before York) and he's back to a mark he can win off, it's as simple as that really.

“He's still a very good horse, even at seven. He was a Listed winner as a two-year-old, he was third in the Railway Stakes and has won in Dubai. The handicapping system is there for a reason, he's come down and won two very nice races now.

“It has been discussed in the office a few times, whether we missed this and went straight to the November Handicap. Let's see how he comes out of this as he's had a couple of quick runs there.

“If he's bouncing, which I'm sure he will be knowing him, we might have a little look at it, if not we'll keep a mile and a half up our sleeve for next year because he loves racing and he's as good an advocate as you could have for racing, so he'll be carrying on next year as well.”