Racing: First step to Doncaster accomplished

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The waiting game now begins for Cambridge trainer Roger James after He's Remarkable's brilliant comeback win at Newcastle last night.

The Kiwi galloper overcame looking a touch burly in the parade ring to race clear in the final stages of the A$125,000 Newmarket Handicap, a group three event over 1400m.

He left leading rider Corey Brown ready to declare the 4-year-old his preferred ride in the rich Doncaster on April 21, while James warned there would be plenty of improvement in the stallion. But he also knows a start in the Doncaster at Randwick is not guaranteed.

He's Remarkable is one of many top-class gallopers sitting on 52kg in the Doncaster weights so would need a rehandicap to be guaranteed a start this far out from the mega mile.

"I am not sure if he will get one but after winning he will definitely move up the ratings," said James.

"So he will be one of the better 52kg chances of getting a start but of course a rehandicap would help.

"Then again, I was pretty happy with 52kg, to be honest."

That is a 6kg drop on what He's Remarkable carried yesterday and he had to be good to win at his first start back since November, with no trials under his belt.

He was perfectly ridden by Brown, sitting one-off in midfield and then moving into an attacking spot at the 500m.

He's Remarkable needed 100m to gather momentum upon straightening but was going away at the line even as he rolled in noticeably inside the last 100m.

"He is a class horse and suited to being on top of the ground," said Brown. He's Remarkable will now head to the George Ryder Stakes at Rosehill in two weeks and even allowing for the depth of the Doncaster nominations he has shortened dramatically in the markets.

He was as long as $51 with Australian bookies last week but many had him at $21 or shorter last night, with betting exchange Betfair cutting him into $12.

Those taking the shortened odds would still be concerned about Sydney's big wet but at least last night's win confirmed He's Remarkable had taken no harm from his infamous Perth trip last November, where he lost the group one Railway Handicap in the inquiry room.

And he does have the advantage of being set for the Doncaster, whereas several of those ahead of him in the market also have other autumn aims.