The Flat is back in earnest as Doncaster’s Lincoln Handicap tops the domestic card and Forever Young chases Dubai World Cup glory at Meydan.
3.32 Doncaster – La Botte headlines 22-strong Lincoln field
The William Hill Lincoln is the curtain-raiser on the Town Moor, with 22 runners contesting the £77,310 prize. Hary Eustace’s La Botte has impressed of late, finishing second in the Britannia last June and running well in the Lincoln Trial at Wolverhampton; he was a never-nearer fourth when heavily backed and races off the same mark with claims. Eternal Force, representing William Haggas with Cieren Fallon aboard, seeks a four-timer after the pair won last year with Godwinson. Each-way dangers include Botanical (Karl Burke) and Jack Channon’s Urban Lion, while Rogue Diplomat bids for a fifth straight win despite a 3lb rise.
4.45 Meydan – Forever Young chases Dubai World Cup glory
Japanese superstar Forever Young, fresh from the Saudi Cup, is the heavy favourite for the 2026 Dubai World Cup. Trained by Yoshito Yahagi and ridden again by Ryusei Sakai, he returns to the 10-furlong trip he used to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic. The Japanese star has amassed around £22.97m in prize money. British interest includes Charlie and Mark Johnston/Crisford-trained runners: Meydaan, who won the Al Maktoum Classic, Tumbarumba (ridden by James Doyle in Wathnan silks) and Heart Of Honor for the Osborne team, who would be a factor if recapturing form. Last year’s winner Hit Show defends his title, and Magnitude also merits attention after six straight top-three finishes.
2.57 Doncaster – Docklands and Qirat clash
A classy quintet lines up for the Listed William Hill Doncaster Mile. Queen Anne winner Docklands bypassed Dubai to run here as he prepares for Hong Kong; Harry Eustace’s charge was a solid fourth in the Hong Kong Mile in December and looks the one to beat if fit. Qirat, shock 150-1 Sussex Stakes winner at Goodwood when used as a pacemaker, has disappointed since but is dangerous fresh under Colin Keane. Volterra, who beat Qirat in the 2024 Challenge Cup, is consistent at this level. Treble Tee and Excellent Believe round out the field.
1.50 Doncaster – Spycatcher heads Cammidge Trophy field
The Listed William Hill Price Boosts Every Day Cammidge Trophy Stakes looks open, but last year’s winner Spycatcher headlines a 12-strong field. Karl Burke’s eight-year-old, a nine-time winner, ended last season with two victories and should be competitive over a favored course and distance. Montassib, the 2024 winner who subsequently landed the Group 1 Sprint Cup at Haydock, hasn’t matched that form but ran close to Spycatcher in the Wentworth Stakes. James’s Delight likes cut in the ground, and My Mate Alfie is an interesting first outing for David O’Meara.
Best of the rest
Amo Racing’s intriguing pair Blixen Force and Ocean Club run in Doncaster’s opening William Hill Bill Turner Memorial EBF Brocklesby Stakes (1.20pm). Sterling Knight, Carron and Desperate Dan contest the William Hill Epic Boosts Spring Mile Handicap (2.25pm). In the William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Maiden Stakes (4.05pm), William Haggas sends out Super Crown on debut — a 950,000gns yearling, half-brother to Ottery.
At Meydan, the Al Quoz Sprint (2.20pm) features Lazzat and Khaadem for Group 1 honours, while Ombudsman tops the Dubai Turf field (3.35pm). Later, Calandagan — the world-rated star who won the Japan Cup in November — makes his seasonal return in the Dubai Sheema Classic (4.10pm), where he meets Willie Mullins’ Breeders’ Cup hero Ethical Diamond in a mouthwatering clash.