The going looks likely to be good for Saturday’s Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster, the traditional curtain-raiser to the new turf flat season.
Our ante-post selections Zarwaan (12-1) and Gabrial’s Kaka (14-1) have both received favourable draws in 18 and 22 respectively. If you backed Buckstay, he missed the cut and runs in the Spring Mile instead but stakes will be returned.
Bookmakers are finding it hard to split Mange All, Zarwaan and Gm Hopkins and will be delighted if anything outside of these three passes the post in front. The Spring Mile may show whether or not the favoured high draw theory is correct and I am passing over Buckstay from stall 1 in that contest. The money has all been for Certificate here but this is a stiff test for such an inexperienced horse and it may be worth taking a chance with Donny Rover.
He ended last season with victories at Newmarket and Nottingham, both over ten furlongs. That may not seem the best preparation for a straight mile but he did win first time out over this trip. He is also racing off the same mark as his last start in October and will be staying on at the finish.
Tullius looks difficult to oppose in the Doncaster Mile but could still represent value if you can get close to even money. He was runner-up in the Lincoln last year but ended the season holding his own in Group 1 company. He was a fine second to Olympic Glory and fourth to Charm Spirit, both at Ascot. He probably prefers a bit of cut in the ground but there certainly won’t be any danger of fast ground at Town Moor.
Glory Awaits is something of an enigma having chased home Dawn Approach at 150-1 in the 2000 Guineas a couple of years ago. He hasn’t produced anything like that since and Baltic Knight will probably pose the biggest threat for Richard Hannon.
The Cammidge Trophy looks wide open and I’m siding with Naadirr who was tough and consistent last season for Marco Botti. He looks the type of horse to improve from three to four and can kick of the new campaign with a victory.
Aetna, Astaire and Heaven’s Guest are all capable of winning this on their best form but Naadirr looks good each-way value.
Tullius 2.00 @4-6 888Sport
Naadirr 2.35 @7-1 Boylesports
Donny Rover 3.10 @16-1 Stan James
Zarwaan @12-1 Ante-post
Gabrial’s Kaka @14-1 Ante-post
