The opening day of the British Flat turf season sees the William Hill Lincoln, one of the most competitive handicaps of the year, take centre stage at Doncaster on Saturday.
Galeron
One-time Classic contender Galeron has returned from Australia for a tilt at the Lincoln. Likely to be fully tuned up.
Sean
Jet-setting Sean has clocked up more airmiles than the rest of the field combined, but is winless now since a victory over one mile in Italy in 2023. Needs luck.
Midnight Gun
Midnight Gun is trained by Hamad Al Jehani and is the chosen mount of retained rider James Doyle. More success for Wathnan Racing?
Thunder Run
Won three of his six starts last term and was last seen finishing fourth as favourite for the Balmoral. Leading chance in the betting.
Two Tempting
Winner of 7 of his 32 career starts thus far but most of his victories have come on slow surfaces. Probably needs rain.
Apiarist
Has been running well over winter and was a good fourth in last season’s Sky Bet Mile at York. Potential to go well.
Dual Identity
Runner up to stablemate Sir Busker in a decent handicap at the Ebor meeting and knows the time of day. No forlorn hope.
Orne
Runner-up in last term’s Sandy Lane at Haydock but needs to bounce back after a poor show at Newcastle. Risky proposition.
Lattam
Second in this 12 months ago and rounded off his season with a fine runner-up berth in the Balmoral. Likely winner.
Toimy Son
Toimy Son won the Golden Mile at Goodwood before going on to be placed in the Cambridgeshire and run well in the Balmoral. Major contender.
Whip Cracker
Finished ahead of Derby runner-up Ambiente Friendly at Newmarket last season and has had a prep run at Wolverhampton. Each-way player.
Fantastic Fox
Decent effort in the Royal Hunt Cup last June and has been running with credit on the all-weather. Leading stable.
Mr Professor
Landed this race 12 months ago but hasn’t looked like the same horse since. Look elsewhere.
Magnum Opus
The four-year-old has been going well in the Middle East over the winter and he ran a solid race at this venue last term. Live is life contender.
Oliver Show
This winter Bahrain raider should be much more at home back on the turf and Billy Loughnane is a positive booking. In the mix.
Godwinson
Ran a cracker on his seasonal return in the Spring Cup at Newbury last season and is Haggas’ only runner on the card. Proven stable.
Alpha Crucsis
Finished fourth in this last term and has run consistently since. Shrewd yard.
Native Warrior
This Wootton Bassett-gelding from the powerful Wathnan operation won’t be without his supporters. Favourably treated at the weights.
Orandi
Goes for the Irish and English Lincoln double after landing the first leg at The Curragh a fortnight ago. It’s 41 years since the last Irish-trained winner.
Beringer
Veteran Sea The Stars-gelding who actually finished third in this race in 2019. Would be a shock winner.
Dashing Darcey
Formerly trained by Roger Varian and performed well at both Haydock and Goodwood last season. Looks overpriced.
Old Cock
Consistently in the frame last term but this is a marked step up in grade. Longshot vibes.
SELECTION: Lattam E/W (12/1) in our William Hill horse racing betting market.
