Team Racehorse Lotto has risen to the top of the Racing League ranks after racking up a handful of placed efforts during the league's second card at Doncaster on Thursday evening. Team Newmarket Red, which held the lead after last week's opening meeting of the league at Newcastle, dropped to seventh but remains joint favourite with Racehorse Lotto, which won one race at Newcastle, to take the competition at 5-1 with Betfair. Team Racehorse Lotto holds a narrow three-point lead over Team BullionVault, with Josephine Gordon riding a winner for that team on Thursday. Martin Dwyer rode a double for Team ODDSbible, and there were two victories for Team Ireland, leaving them third and eighth, respectively, of the 12 teams.
Frankie Dettori rode three horses for Newmarket Red on Thursday evening, and although a third was his best finish he was complimentary of the new concept.
“The initiative and idea for the William Hill Racing League came along two or three years ago and when they approached me to take part I thought it was a good idea,” he said. “It's something different that will hopefully attract younger audiences, especially with the team concept. It's started off well and looks to already be a success.
“It's six Thursdays, 36 races, so it's dead easy to understand, it's in the summer months, people can come out and enjoy themselves and take an interest in the Racing League teams. The prize-money is great and I think it is great idea.”
Betfair Spokesman Barry Orr said, “There was some great racing in Doncaster and the competitiveness of the League is reflected in the betting. Newmarket Red still head the market but are out to 5-1 from 9-4, with Team Racehorse Lotto the big movers, going from 12-1 to 5-1 joint-favourite with Newmarket Red. Team ODDSBible have also attracted plenty of support and are now 7-1 from 16-1.”
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