An interesting race to kick-start a cracking meeting at Doncaster but the pair to concentrate on for now appear to be Black Frost and L'Aventure, with slender preference given to the latter on these terms. The French-bred mare had a confidence-boosting round when scoring in convincing fashion at Ludlow earlier in the month, where she made up for her mishap when unseating Christian Williams on her British debut earlier in the season. However, she arrives here with the trip and ground expected to suit and the return to a left-handed course should help to bring the best out of her. Black Frost also has to rate as a serious rival and comes here with some decent form to his name in this sphere. Sue Smith's charge ran as well as could be expected against some useful rivals at Wetherby last time and should find another suitable opening in time. Of the rest: it is difficult to gauge what Massac achieved when chasing home Therealbandit at Cheltenham last month as the winner was in a league of his own as that race unfolded. This is more his level though and he is one to bear in mind if there is confidence for him in the betting ring. It is worth bearing in mind that his best form in France has come on faster ground and he is one to watch for now. The same has to be said of Don Fernando, who makes his chasing debut today. He had useful form over hurdles last season and looked to be crying out for a trip. He is sure to have been well schooled and is one to bear in mind for future reference. Whereas Giocomo has suffered heart problems in the past and will only take his chance here if the ground is not too testing. In contrast to the selection, L'Aventure, who will act on the going and will be very hard to overhaul with a good claimer booked; whose claim is also enhanced by her 5lb mare¿s allowance
