Ottizzini

Ottizzini kept on well to finish second in the three-mile listed mares' novices' hurdle at Doncaster on Saturday, beaten just a half a length by Pinot Rouge.  She was prominent from early, but she jumped continually to her right.  Even so, she travelled well into the home straight, and she kept on well on the near side even after she was headed.  She got back up to get the better of Baby Shally and Mellificent, but she just gave best to Pinot Rouge who, only fourth jumping the final flight, finished best of all.

It was a fine performance by Stuart Crawford's mare on her first run over obstacles at a left-handed track.  She stays well, she has put up the best performances of her career over two miles and six furlongs and over three miles.  She won well at Musselburgh over three miles on her previous run, and she remains unexposed as a staying hurdler.  Her handicap rating of 121 is fair too, should connections go down the handicap route now.  Whatever route they choose, she will be of interest now when she goes back right-handed again.

Doncaster, 2^nd March 2024