Steve Ryder previews the flat season opener at Doncaster this weekend and picks out his best bet.
The Lincoln Handicap marks the opening of the UK turf flat season and it is a run over a mile at Doncaster. This year it will be run on Saturday 28th March.
Lincoln Handicap Winners, Trends & Stats
Both Ob (1906 & 1907) and Babur (1957 & 1958) have won this race on multiple occasions. Addeybb won this in 2018 prior to a victory in the Group 2 bet365 Mile on his next start.
- 11 of the previous 12 winners had at least 5 runs on the flat
- 10 of the previous 12 winners were aged 4 or 5
- 10 of the previous 12 winners had won over a mile
- 10 of the previous 12 winners had their last run 135 days or more ago
- 9 of the previous 12 winners were rated between 94 and 102
Lincoln Handicap Odds
| Horse | Best Odds |
|---|---|
| La Botte | 7/2 |
| Eternal Force | 5/1 |
| Rogue Diplomat | 10/1 |
| Shout | 12/1 |
| Botanical | 14/1 |
| Sea Force | 14/1 |
| Anno Domini | 16/1 |
| The Lost King | 16/1 |
| Galeron | 20/1 |
Betfair Sportsbook
- Very strong sign up offer
- Flush and fast app available on both iOS and Android
- Extensive betting content site via betting.betfair
Lincoln Handicap Runners Guide
LA BOTTE
Harry Eustace trained four-year-old who caught the eye of many when 4th at Wolverhampton in the “Lincoln Trial”. He had previously finished a neck 2nd at Royal Ascot in the Britannia Handicap in June so many will be expecting him to step forward from his first start for 261 days.
ETERNAL FORCE
Progressive William Haggas trained four-year-old who won his final three starts last season. The son of Dubawi is unbeaten since being gelded and was an impressive three length winner at Haydock in October. The handicapper has raised him 8lbs for that success but he can defy his revised rating of 96.
ROGUE DIPLOMAT
Four-year-old Calyx colt who completed a four-timer at the end of last season. Twice a winner over 7f at Doncaster, he needs to prove that this step up to a mile will suit in a more competitive race. His winning sequence started off a mark of 81 and he now needs to defy a rating of 95.
SHOUT
The Simon & Ed Crisford trained four-year-old put in a career best performance when 4th beaten 1 ¾ lengths in the Balmoral Handicap on his final start last season. He had previously won at Ascot over a mile off a mark of 91 and now races here off a 10lb higher mark.
BOTANICAL
Six-year-old who has joined Karl Burke from George Boughey since the end of last season. He finished 3rd in the listed Doncaster Mile Stakes at this meeting last season and ran well despite being a beaten favourite over 1m2f here last season off a 2lb higher mark.
BresBet
Lincoln Handicap Trainer & Jockeys To Watch
William Haggas has won this race a record five times with High Low (1992), Very Wise (2007), Penitent (2010), Addeybb (2018) and Godwinson (2018).
James Doyle (Addeybb in 2018 and Auxerre in 2019) and Benoit De La Sayette (Johan in 2022 and Migration in 2023) have won this race twice in recent years.
Lincoln Handicap Betting Tips
Recommended Bet: Eternal Force 5/1 (1pt)
ETERNAL FORCE (best priced at 5/1) hits all five of the trends highlighted above and represents a trainer who has won this race a record five times previously. The four-year-old is unbeaten since a gelding operation in the summer and returned after a short break in the Autumn winning three times at Redcar, Newbury and Haydock. He was impressive winning by three lengths on his final start and looks up to defying an 8lb rise from the handicapper.
