The excitement is palpable as the domestic racing season comes alive, highlighted by the prestigious Lincoln Handicap. As the spotlight shines on Doncaster, Forever Young sets its sights on a grand showdown at the Dubai World Cup.
La Botto Draws Attention in Lincoln Handicap
The William Hill Lincoln Handicap will headline Saturday’s card at Townmoor, featuring 22 contenders vying for a share of the £77,310 prize. Among the standout competitors is Hayley Eustace’s La Botto, who has shown promise in recent outings, including a second-place finish at Britannia last June. Despite a less-than-stellar performance in the Lincoln Trial at Wolverhampton, La Botto has garnered enough support and presents a strong case for contention.
Five-time winner Eternal Force will return under the guidance of trainer William Haggas and jockey Shiren Fallon. This duo previously triumphed last year with Godwinson and is now aiming for a remarkable fourth title, further solidifying their status in the racing elite.
The competition will be fierce, with Carl Burke’s Botanical and Jack Shannon’s Urban Lion posing significant threats. However, Rogue Diplomat faces the challenge of carrying an extra three pounds as he pursues his fifth consecutive victory.
Forever Young Aims for Dubai World Cup Glory
Japanese champion Forever Young, fresh from winning the Saudi Cup, has emerged as a favorite for the upcoming Dubai World Cup in 2026. Renowned trainer Yoshito Yahagi, who boasts an impressive career total of £22,969,220 in prize money, will rely on Ryusei Sakai to guide the horse through the ten-furlong race, a trip reminiscent of his victory in last autumn’s Breeders’ Cup Classic.
The British contingent is keenly observing the field; Meydan, coached by Chrisford and fresh off an Al Maktoum Classic triumph, is ready to make an impact. James Doyle is set to ride Tumbarumba, while the Osborne team is looking to bounce back with Heart of Honor, though both will need their previous form to return to achieve desired results.
Returning to defend his title will be last year’s winner, Hitshaw, along with Magnitude, who has consistently placed in the top three in his last six appearances, both of whom are expected to draw significant attention as the race approaches.
Docklands and Keerut Loch Horn in Focus
During the William Hill Doncaster Mile, the field will be graced by a talented duo, Docklands and Kyrat, igniting competition at 2:57 PM. Queen Anne winner Docklands bypassed a trip to Dubai and instead prepares for a venture to Hong Kong next month. Jockey Harry Eustace’s last performance was strong, finishing fourth in the Group 1 Hong Kong Mile, suggesting that Docklands is equipped to contend for another victory, barring any physical setbacks.
Kyrat, known for his role as a pacer last summer, shocked the field with a win at 150-1 in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood but has struggled to consistently replicate that form. Nevertheless, with a fresh record and under Colin Keane’s guidance, he poses a significant threat.
Spycatcher Looks to Defend Title
Last year’s champion, Spycatcher, is set to compete among twelve horses in the open renewal of the William Hill Price Boost, kicking off at 1:50 PM. The eight-year-old, under the direction of Carl Burke, has celebrated nine career victories. Showing flashes of his previous brilliance, he secured wins in his last two outings last season and is favored on familiar courses.
Montassive, the award winner in 2024, will also run, despite dealing with a dip in form recently. However, his performance against Spycatcher in the Wentworth Stakes last November was respectable, indicating that he remains a serious contender.
Racing Highlights from Doncaster and Meydan
Amo Racing fielded a noteworthy pair in Blixen Force and Ocean Club during the opening William Hill Bill Turner Memorial EBF Brocklesby Stakes at Doncaster at 1:20 PM. Additionally, Stirling Knight, Caron, and Desperate Dan will compete in the William Hill Epic Boost Spring Mile Handicap at 2:25 PM, as jockey William Haggas gives Super Crown his debut in the William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Maiden Stakes at 4:05 PM. Notably, Super Crown was acquired as a yearling for £950,000, adding intrigue to his run.
Meanwhile, at Meydan, Razat and Khadem will chase Group 1 success in the Al Quoz Sprint at 2:20 PM, and Ombudsman has emerged victorious in a competitive field for the Dubai Turf at 3:35 PM.
Add to this the highly anticipated clash between the world’s top horse, Karandagan, and Willie Mullins’ Breeders’ Cup champion, Ethical Diamond, in the Dubai Sheema Classic at 4:10 PM, marking an exciting return since Karandagan’s success at the Japan Cup last November.
