DONCASTER last night was unrecognisable from seven days earlier there when the Premier League meeting was lost due to freezing temperatures and the accompanying crusty track conditions.

But many of the trainers who will hope to go back to Donny next Friday were out in force last night when no fewer than 33 aspirants for the final round of the BETDAQ Premier League and GOBATA Championship were put through their paces in trials.

“Unlike last Friday the track was in brilliant condition and there were some decent runs by the dogs coming back here next week,” said racing manager, Mick Smith. “I particularly liked the look of Matt Dartnall’s Ballymac Pet in a six-bender who, although she was caught close home, was impressive nevertheless and she’ll be a force to reckon with in the stayers’ race next week.”

The 661 metres trial was won by Team North East’s runner, Jimmy Wright’s Derrane Jack, who picked up Dartnall’s bitch and beat her a head in 42.03sec. on a pitch running 45 spots soft.

But much quicker was Ted Soppitt’s Skywalker Jack, who finished full of running in another two-runner test, winning by more than four lengths in 41.72sec. from Swift Julie. He has yet to race around six bends but judging on this effort he is a potential top flight stayer.

“I think Skywalker Jack will improve a lot for the trial,” Smith said. “He wasn’t stopping at the business end and looks a powerful type.” Soppitt’s Pit Yackers team are at the foot of the Championship table but his runner could bridge the gap if he gets into the team and, after this effort, how could they leave him out?