I’ve picked out a 14-1 tip I’m certain can start the new Flat season with a bang at Doncaster
THE Flat’s back with the traditional Lincoln at Doncaster today . . . then it essentially disappears next week for Aintree’s Grand National meeting.
But don’t worry, it returns for the Craven at Newmarket two weeks later — before a lovely end of jumps season party at Sandown. Oh my!
Remember, someone, somewhere, thinks this is all a good idea.
The mind boggles, but that’s the kind of initiative we are dealing with, which just builds huge confidence that the answers to a new Levy system and the quest to end affordability checks are in safe hands (cry cry).
One of the questions I’m often asked is which code I enjoy the most — jumps or Flat.
Well, if I had to make a choice it would be jumps racing.
But I’m lucky that from the one day a week during university that I worked on a newspaper learning the trade, to this day, I have always loved it all.
There are pros and cons in both National Hunt and the Flat, but ultimately, they are chalk and cheese and, as such, it’s easy to enjoy each season for different reasons.
Added to all that, there is no doubt the ‘players’ in 2025 — by that I mean the jockeys, trainers, owners and breeders — are generally much more open than they were 25 years ago.
By the time the jumps season draws to a close, I think we are all ready for the Flat — especially as it means warmer weather too.
And at the heart of it all is that thrill to find the best Flat horses, the gems that get us all a bit jiggy.
Finding the diamond in the William Hill Lincoln is not impossible, but it can often be a tricky task — not least because the draw can play a crucial part.
And if you think all the clues will be in the Spring Mile — the consolation cavalry charge — then think again.
The outcome of that contest is rarely conclusive evidence of what goes on in the main event.
The Lincoln ground should be on the easy side of good but in no way bottomless.
With that in mind the one that interests me as an interesting eachway selection is TOIMY SON (3.35) for David Menuisier and classy apprentice Warren Fentiman.
Our French friend of a trainer had a terrific 2024 and knows how to land this contest, having scored with Migration in 2023.
Toimy Son really got his act together at the end of last term on juicy ground, finishing third in the Cambridgeshire and sixth in the Balmoral, both off a mark of 95.
He starts this season off 97, which clearly makes this a tough task first time out.
However, Fentiman takes off a valuable 5lb so you could argue Toimy Son goes off 92 which suddenly makes him a little sexy.
It’s fair to say Menuisier wasn’t delighted to hear from me when I messaged him this week.
He reminded me: “You tipped my horse Migration last year in the Lincoln and he didn’t even jump out the stalls so I’m not sure this is a good idea! Seriously, though, the horse is really well and his new jockey rode him work last week and we were all very pleased.
“The horse was a little bit unlucky with his stall positions last season — he was often on the outside (drawn amongst many of the leading contenders today).
“With the claim he should go well. I’d be hopeful of a good run.”
As mentioned, the hors d’oeuvres to the main Lincoln dish is the Spring Mile Handicap.
EMPIRESTATEOFMIND (1.50) is fit off the all-weather and goes with juice on grass so should give us an eachway run for our money.
A winner last season at York off 87 on soft ground over this trip, my hope comes in here on a mark of 90 so really should have place claims at least .
Sometimes one can try and be too clever, but speaking of place chances I’ve also got an idea at Kempton to share.
In the Listed Snowdrop Fillies’ Stakes, Soprano has form on artificial but not much, while Shuwari has been off 533 days.
Former Queen Mary US inmate Crimson Advocate is now with John & Thady Gosden and was terrible when last seen.
One of the above will probably win, but I’m very happy to have a few quid to place on ROSE PRICK (3.15) at a big price for Ed Walker and Saffie Osborne.
This could end in a shock, and Rose Prick has loads of all-weather form. She has cracking prospects of hitting the frame.
FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chases their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.