Summer is approaching, which means the flat is back. And we kick off with the traditional curtain-raiser, the Lincoln at Doncaster. A big old cavalry charge over a straight mile is a great sight to behold. Who will become the first turf flat winners of the season?
All Hail Norman
1:15 – William Hill Brocklesby Stakes – Norman’s Cay @ 11/4 (General)
Possibly the best two-year-old race of the season. The Brocklesby doesn’t usually throw up any future classic winners but it can throw up an unusual winner. Norman’s Cay is bred by sprinting sire Sioux Nation out of one time winner Dear Miriam and represents the leading connections Amo Racing. Richard Hannon has also won this race with the same connections three years ago.
One who could throw up an unusual winner is Justice Twice. Both trainer and jockey, whilst having limited runners, are operating at a fantastic strike rate. Bred by Inns Of Court out of one-time winner Dubawi mare Second Life. Drawn towards the far side rail, he could be another double figure priced winner at 25/1 (General).
Delightfully Flat
2:25 – William Hill Cammidge Trophy (Listed) – James’s Delight @ 11/4 (General)
Last year, James’s Delight was a good Listed winner at Deauville last year before attempting the dizzying heights in group company. Finishing a short-neck second at the same venue in a Group Three. He then finished eighth in the British Champions Sprint Stakes at the end of the season. Now on reappearance he drops markedly in grade and does not have a penalty to contend with.
Down to Mile Lane
3:00 – William Hill Doncaster Mile (Listed) – Liberty Lane @ 3/1 (William Hill)
Doncaster is a happy hunting ground for Liberty Lane. He’s both won and finished runner-up over course and distance in three starts. Last year, he finished in the midfield of the Lincoln field but bounce right back with a win in the Suffolk Stakes at Newmarket, before scoring the lucrative Cambridgeshire Handicap at the same course and distance. He’s top rated in this race and may be aimed at more group contests this season, and can get underway with a nice Listed victory.
Lincoln Warrior
3:35 – William Hill Lincoln (Heritage H’cap) – Native Warrior @ 10/1 (General)
Native Warrior established himself into the heritage handicap company as a three-year-old last season, finishing third in the Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot and second in a Glorious Goodwood handicap before blowing out in a class two handicap over this course and distance during the St Leger meeting. He’s down to a good mark and is drawn nicely over on the near side in stall 21. He may not have solid evidence of performing on this ground but improvement is expected now as a four-year-old.
Lattam could go close again in the Lincoln after finishing a close-up second in last year’s contest behind Mr Professor. He’s got a good reappearance record with three wins and three placed efforts including finishing runner-up in the Balmoral Handicap on Champions Day in October. Surprisingly he hasn’t won in over 18 months but has put in some exemplary performances and will be up at the finish once more. 12/1 (General).
Alpha Crucis is an outsider in this field but could put in a good performance if rain arrives on Town Moor. He’s usually seen over ten furlongs including doing a double at Goodwood at the back end of last season. However, he finished fourth in last year’s Lincoln and is usually a good starting point for horses who want to travel further. Gary & Josh Moore will be hoping for a rain dance this weekend for a rare flat winner. 25/1 (General)
