Flat racing kicks off in customary fashion at Doncaster on Saturday with the SBK Lincoln Handicap.
The £100,000 contest takes centre stage on an eight-race card, with a maximum field heading to post for an event that regularly produces a Group horse. William Haggas won the competitive mile race with Addeybb in 2018, a horse that has since gone on to win four Group 1 races – and the trainer could win the race for a fifth time as he saddles ante-post favourite Mujtaba.
Unbeaten in three career starts so far, the son of Dubawi took a good handicap at Redcar in October in fine style. Backers will hope he could be well ahead of his official rating of 98.
As well as the big race market leader, there are horses of major potential throughout the card and we've picked out five to keep a close eye on.
Persian Force - Brocklesby Stakes (1.15)
There were 32 two-year-old winners in the colours of Amo Racing in 2021 and this big-spending outfit will be hoping that Persian Force can start their 2022 campaign in style. A son of the speedball that was Mehmas, Persian Force's value increased from 75,000 Euros as a foal, to 225,000 Euros as a yearling.
The Richard Hannon-trained colt has been the subject of positive gallops reports. His stable hasn't had many runners in this race in recent years, despite housing a stack of smart juveniles. Impressive homework is often the sign of a sharp early sort that is needed for this opening two-year-old dash.
Diligent Harry -Cammidge Trophy (1.50)
Diligent Harry has only been racing for just over a year but he was a most progressive sprinter until disappointing on unsuitably soft ground at Ascot in October. Most of his racing has been on an artificial surface, but he was only beaten a neck in a Group 3 sprint at Newbury last summer and it looks like he's going to get his favoured sound surface at Doncaster.
Already rated 109, he has the potential to fly higher in 2022 and this Listed contest looks a stepping stone to bigger and better things.
Mustarrid - Spring Mile Handicap (2.25pm)
An open-looking heat on paper, however it might be worth taking a chance that shrewd trainer Ian Williams has sweetened up Mustarrid since his disappointing run in the November Handicap. Mustarrid has become very well handicapped - rated 20lb lower than he was at this time last year – and the stable have been among the winners of late.
One of the selection's best ever runs came over this course and distance. He won't mind which way the ground goes and the booking of David Egan catches the eye. He has a profitable association with Ian Williams' runners in the last five years. The market may well provide an important clue ahead of race time.
Rogue Bear - Lincoln Handicap (3.35pm)
Four-year-olds have won the last five editions of the Lincoln and the one from that age group appealing most at a price is Tom Clover's charge. The son of Kodiac has crept into the race towards the bottom of the weights.
Most impressive last year, he posted an improved rating on every outing and he's already won three races from just five starts - albeit the last of which was a dead-heat at Nottingham. Rogue Bear scored on debut, so we know he goes well fresh. That win was also on Doncaster's straight course, so he is fully effective here and there could be a lot more to come from this gelding in just his second season.
Almuhit - Maiden Stakes (4.10pm)
The wraps are off Almuhit, a full-brother to John Gosden's 2014 Oaks and King George VI Stakes winner Taghrooda. This colt has the potential to be a bit special – a wonderfully-bred son of Sea The Stars who has reportedly been impressing Newmarket work-watchers ahead of his racecourse debut. Connections clearly feel that he's robust enough to handle ten furlongs and he could turn out to be well above average.
Lincoln Handicap odds from Betfred
- Mujtaba - 7-2
- Modern News - 4-1
- Saleumm - 5-1
- Notre Belle Bete - 8-1
- Ametist - 12-1
- Darkness - 12-1
- Brunch - 14-1
- Rogue Bear - 14-1
- Irish Admiral - 22-1
- What's The Story - 25-1
33-1 bar
Get £60 in bonuses from Betfred when you sign up and bet £10 on horse racing
18+ | UK only | Gamble responsibly | begambleaware.org | T&Cs apply | Odds subject to change
Please Gamble Responsibly
Everyone at Reach is committed to promoting safer gambling. All of our content and recommended bets are advised to those aged 18 or over.
We strongly encourage our readers to only ever bet what they can afford to lose. For more information, please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit begambleaware.org.
