It’s the first day of the new Flat turf season in Britain on Saturday and that can only mean one thing – the Lincoln at Doncaster.
Town Moor will be centre stage and the Yorkshire track seems set to run on much faster ground than might be expected at this point in the calendar, with ‘Good-good to firm in places’ the forecast.
You can watch all the action via live streaming when logged into MansionBet and our tipster has selections for all Saturday’s Doncaster racing (1.25pm-5.25pm; eight races).
1.25 – Unibet Brocklesby Conditions Stakes (5f)
A 5f sprint to get the new term underway and a field of bright and busy two-year-olds seeing the racecourse for the first time, ensuring the market will be an essential guide.
Richard Fahey saddles Vintage Clarets in his attempt to win this race for a fifth time, he’s shortlisted alongside Forca Brasil for a George Boughey yard capable of readying one. Mick Channon won this in 2018 and WONDERFUL WORLD, a colt out of Bungle Inthejungle, can have a say here with plenty going for him on paper.
Selection: Wonderful World @ 9/4
2.00 – Unibet Doncaster Mile Stakes (1m)
The likes of Top Rank and Space Traveller set the standard, though the former has a 5lb penalty to carry, and they could be vulnerable to improving younger horses.
The filly Bounce The Blues fits the billing on seasonal comeback, as does FATHER OF JAZZ for trainer Roger Varian, bidding to make it four wins in five in this race. The Kingman colt has been thriving on the all-weather lately and while he was beaten in Lingfield’s Winter Derby last month, he may still have more to give and a strongly run mile will suit.
Selection: Father Of Jazz @ 7/1
2.35 – Unibet Spring Mile Handicap (1m)
Newcastle winner Arctic Vega commands plenty of respect for trainer Andrew Balding, while it’s likely Acquitted is better than he showed on his final two runs last year. He’s been gelded since and is one to keep in mind.
POET’S LADY could be well handicapped off 79 based on her second to subsequent Listed winner Freyja at Hamilton in September. She should be making a mark as a four-year-old and could begin here if relishing the faster surface.
Selection: Poet’s Lady @ 17/2
3.10 – Unibet Lincoln (Heritage Handicap, 1m)
Market leaders have been doing well in the Lincoln in recent times and both Haqeeqy and Eastern World are greatly respected as they jostle for favouritism for the Charlie Appleby and John/Thady Gosden teams respectively. James Doyle bids for a third straight Lincoln on the Godolphin runner having steered Addeybb and Auxerre home previously.
The ground has maybe gone against impressive last-time-out winner Brentford Hope and so KING OTTOKAR gets the vote. Charlie Fellowes’ runner came up short in pattern-company early last summer but he was rather luckless in the autumn in big-field handicaps here and at Ascot. He handles any ground and could improve for the fitting of cheekpieces, while he’s proven to go well fresh. Ben Curtis has won 2-4 previous starts on him and they make solid appeal.
Selection: King Ottokar @ 12/1
3.45 – Unibet Cammidge Trophy Stakes (Listed, 6f)
Brando nearly caused a sensation on Champions Day at Ascot and the veteran isn’t overlooked too hastily here. Stewards’ Cup hero Summerghand will attempt to come with a late run while Mr Lupton is reliable and should be on the premises. EMARAATY ANA has been gelded and had a wind operation since last spotted, Kevin Ryan’s charge should have a say eased in grade and back up in distance on seasonal return.
Selection: Emaraaty Ana @ 15/2
4.20 – 32Red Casino Maiden Stakes (1m2f)
Alpine Stroll, Dhushan, Sevenal and Too Friendly all finished second last time and will bid to go one better in this maiden. Benoit De La Sayette’s 7lb claim is a help for Sevenal and he, along with fellow Sea The Stars colt Dhushan, is feared.
TOO FRIENDLY perhaps made his move sooner than ideal at Lingfield in January and he was collared in the shadows of the post. The Camelot colt should be in the mix once more. Newcomers Khaiz, Line Of Descent and Uccello need monitoring in the betting.
Selection: Too Friendly @ SP
4.55 – 32Red.com Apprentice Handicap Division 1 (1m2f)
A couple of tough puzzles to finish with two divisions of an apprentice maiden. KOOLA BUALA is the selection for trainer George Scott in the first division. The Raven’s Pass filly knocked on the door in Irish maidens last summer over 1m-1m2f on ground ranging from good-heavy and wasn’t unsupported on her stable bow at Wolverhampton last time. She never managed to get into that from the rear and could do better if sharper for it.
Selection: Koola Buala @ SP
5.25 – 32Red.com Apprentice Handicap Division 2 (1m2f)
Charlie Arthur will be popular here having romped to victory in a four-runner Southwell contest recently but this is plenty tougher. A chance is taken with O’REILLY’S PASS on first run for new trainer Ruth Carr. He was out of form on the all-weather when spotted in the autumn but his September second at Lingfield (1m3½f, good) off 1lb lower would give him claims if the Australia gelding is ready to roll now.
Selection: O’Reilly’s Pass @ SP
*All odds correct at time of writing.