As the days become longer and the weather gets warmer, the calendar arrived at the end of March, a time of the year which is often highlighted by flat racing enthusiasts; the start of the turf season.

All eyes would be on Doncaster as the traditional curtain raiser took its usual place on the schedule with the much coveted Lincoln Handicap as its centre piece. The historic handicap over a mile is steeped in history and even today is still a race most trainers want to win. The Saturday spectacular would also include the Lincoln's consolation race, the Spring Mile, as well as listed race action with the Doncaster Mile and Cammidge Trophy. It would be the first glimpse of current and future stars on turf in 2025.

Race Two: The William Hill Top Price Guarantee Spring Mile Handicap - Class Two - One Mile - Runners: 22

The first of two tricky handicaps would take place in the form of the Spring Mile. This class two event is used as a parachute for those who held long term entries in the Lincoln, but weren't rated high enough to make the final cut of 20 runners. Despite this, the contest is still worthy of winning and in previous seasons, subsequent Group race winners have progressed from success here. They include Artistic Rifles and Ballet Concerto, within the last ten seasons. Last year, the Nick Bradley Racing outfit enjoyed a big day as the four year old Look Back Smiling relished the heavy ground to win comfortably for Gemma Tutty. 

The first cavalry charge of the season would see last year's runner up Thunder Roar carry top weight, just missing out on a spot in the main contest. Tony Coyle and Kaine Wood's five year old goes well on soft ground and often ends the season strongly. He finished down the field on both starts this year, including in the Irish Lincolnshire last time. Next up would be Myal, a four year old gelding who was rapidly progressive for Steph Hollinshead. He would be transformed to win his final four starts of last season, including here, on a variety of ground conditions. He would be looking to continue his rise this year. Empirestateofmind is a regular in these sort of races, but is an irregular winner for the John and Sean Quinn yard. The seven year old is still capable of smart form and won by the smallest of margins at York back in October. The first of two runners for Jennie Candlish would be Spirit Genie, who ran well in the Lincoln last year to finish sixth. He would then win twice last year, but has yet to be successful at this level previously. One of the most unexposed runners would be the well bred Ocean Of Dreams, who was touted as a Derby horse last year for Aidan O'Brien. The four year old has raced just three times, but made his debut for the Archie Watson stable. The six year old Tolstoy landed a rare 24 hour double win at York back in June before winning twice more for trainer Brian Ellison. He had been nursed back to his best form last season but has finished down the field in recent starts. The second runner for Jennie Candlish would be Debora's Dream, ridden by the apprentice find of the year Warren Fentiman. The four year old progressed nicely last year, winning twice and placing at this level. After joining his current stable midway through the season, he continued to run well in defeat and has now been gelded. Another newly gelded runner would be Ed Bethell's four year old Naepoint. The son of Blue Point was heading the right way when last seen, winning three of his last four starts during the summer. The dual purpose stable of Dr Richard Newland and Jamie Insole have started well in their second full season of dual license training and saddled Farasi Lane in this contest. The seven year old is at the top of his game at the moment and was narrowly denied at Wolverhampton last time in the Lincoln Trial. Richard Fahey's four year old Our Havana remains lightly raced, but has really improved over the winter on the all-weather. He would win for the second time on the surface by an impressive five lengths at Southwell to set up his bid for this race. Ed Dunlop would be doubly represented here, firstly with Arthur's Realm, the winner of this race in 2022. The seven year old won twice in Yorkshire last year and remains capable at this level, but produced only a low key reappearance at Wolverhampton a few weeks ago. Another seven year old in the line up would be the once very smart Rhythm Master. The gelding has won only once since his debut but often finished on the scene throughout last year. He would make his first start of the season for current trainer Geoff Harker. The potential improver in the field would be Tom Clover's four year old Surrey Shadow. The gelding showed smart form in maidens last summer before getting off the mark on the all-weather earlier this month. He beat a subsequent winner that day and was firmly on the up. Next up to represent a leading yard would be Cynosure for Andrew Balding. The four year old is well bred but has produced mixed form so far. This would be just his third start on grass. Another all-weather regular would be Helm Rock for the Dan and Claire Kubler yard. The seven year old has raced mainly on the artificial surface in recent times and ran well in first time blinkers last time which were kept on here. Another unexposed four year old would be the David Menuisier-trained Promethean, who held a French connection with apprentice rider Enzo Crublet having a rare ride in Britain. The gelding remains winless but comes from a top family. He would fail to stay the extra distance over ten furlongs last time out in October. The five year old One Night Thunder has raced just seven times in an interrupted career to date. Three of those starts have come for current trainer Gemma Tutty, but the gelding made his first appearance since the Lincoln Handicap a whole year ago. Yet another Newmarket raider would be Rogue Encore from the Peter Chapple-Hyam stable. The four year old has shown good form on the all-weather so far and won twice last winter at Newcastle. He would finish fourth at the North East venue dropped to seven furlongs and this would be his second full season. Darryll Holland would also send his runner Pearl Eye from the racing HQ of Newmarket. The five year old gelding won on his seasonal debut last year and connections will be hoping for more of the same this year. Last year's winner Look Back Smiling returned to defend his crown with the same jockey and trainer combination of Brandon Wilkie and Gemma Tutty. The five year old ran well just once after his success last season but had been given a real chance by the handicapper. Winners from the popular Mick and David Easterby stable are always well received and they saddled the well regarded Spirit Of Acklam. The four year old won on his first start of 2024 before setbacks held his progress back. He would be ready to go for an injury free season this year. The field would be completed by a second runner for Ed Dunlop, Pressure's On. The four year old made all the running to win at Newmarket last autumn but was then unlucky in defeat recently at Wolverhampton when finishing strongly but too late. 

Winner: PEARL EYE (Expert Eye x Treat Gently) (#19) - J. Watson - D. Holland - Result amended after a Stewards' Enquiry

After the challenge of the preceding race, the Brocklesby, where a full field on unraced two-year-olds entered the stalls in racing conditions for the first time, the stall handlers will have been looking forward to a much more experienced bunch of horses to load. Despite this, One Night Thunder began to grow impatient in his stall and kicked out at the rear. He would be swiftly withdrawn but unharmed after the incident.

It would leave a field of twenty one to hurtle down the straight mile and the remaining horses got away to a decent break. The main source of the early pace would come from the low to middle draws as Our Havana kept the keen going Spirit Of Acklam and the well fancied Myal in company at the front of the group. There would be plenty of prominent runners in the first half mile such as Naepoint, Debora's Dream and Pressure's On, but they would race into a fairly strong headwind. Therefore it would be better to be tucked up in the pack. Thunder Roar, Peal Eye and Look Back Smiling were just a few of those ridden patiently early on, but would need the gaps to open up. Approaching the two furlong pole, the excursions of the leaders began to take their toll and they would drop back through the order. It left the joint-favourite Myal in front at a crucial stage, but he had a swarm of challengers behind him. The other joint favourite Pressure's On joined the leader inside the final two furlongs and the bumping and barging began to take place. The grey Promethean and Helm Rock began to make progress on the running rail, but further wider, the chestnut Thunder Roar had squeezed through a small gap and saw daylight as he took over in front. Pearl Eye timed his challenge at the same time and the pair overtook long time leader Myal inside the final furlong. The two new leaders began to pull clear approaching the line, but Thunder Roar began to hang into Pearl Eye, taking them both across the track. They would cross the line together with just a short head between them and just over a length back to Myal in third. Fourth would go the way of Surrey Shadow, who was another to suffer interference. As the connections of Thunder Roar thought they had won, the klaxon of the stewards' enquiry sounded. After a nervous wait, the evidence was there to see that Thunder Roar had impeded Pearl Eye and the result was reversed. The win would go to the 50-1 shot Pearl Eye, for trainer Darryll Holland.

The promoted winner caused a surprise for punters, but wasn't winning out of turn. The five year old gelding won four times during 2023 and was progressive that season before making a winning return at Pontefract at the start of the 2024 campaign. On his first start of 2025 at Wolverhampton, he would shape with promise when fading in the final half furlong over an extended mile behind the reopposing winner Helm Rock. The gelding has hovered around the mid 80's in the ratings and should continue to run well either win or lose. For the "first past the post" Thunder Roar, it was a case of what might have been for connections as they suffered the misfortune of missing out on the Lincoln by one spot and losing this race in the stewards' room. They can be pleased though by the return to form of their horse, who loves it at Doncaster.

Race Three: The William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Cammidge Trophy - Listed Race - Six Furlongs - Runners: 9
The first pattern race of the 2025 season would take place with the listed Cammidge Trophy up for grabs over the straight six furlongs. The race is often a pipe opener for very smart sprinters with future targets in mind, so this race often attracts some big names. Last season, the William Haggas-trained five year old Montassib continued his progression from heritage handicaps to get up close home for the win. The chestnut would then stake his claim as a leading sprinter by winning the Group One Sprint Trophy at Haydock some five months later. 

This year's renewal would be headed by last year's runner up Marshman, who frustrated last season for Karl Burke, but has looked much stronger this season. The five year old won twice on the all-weather earlier this year before finishing second in this grade at Southwell last time. The Richard Newland and Jamie Insole stable are more accustomed to training National Hunt horses, but also housed the speedy Witness Stand who took his place in the line up. The four year old has shown plenty of class throughout his career and made his first start back in Britain having raced in Saudi Arabia last time. Another runner who had a good season last year was Marco Botti's Al Shabab Storm. The gelded four year old rose through the ranks to win a German Group Three and showed plenty of promise for the season ahead with a third at Wolverhampton earlier in the month. Another very smart contender would be Iberian for the Charlie Hills stable. The four year old was viewed as a Guineas horse for last season, but 2024 would be a write off. He made a successful return to sprinting by winning a small race at Southwell in January and was unexposed at this distance. Clive Cox does very well with sprinters and he would be represented by James's Delight, who won a handicap at York last season which often produces Group class horses. The four year old would go on to win at listed level and was last seen in a Group One on Champions Day at Ascot. The experienced Spycatcher is seven now but returned for another prosperous season. Karl Burke's gelding has placed at the highest level in the past and picked up another French Group Three win last summer. The attractive roan grey Frost At Dawn caused a shock by winning a Group Two in Dubai over a year ago, but William Knight's four year old struggled thereafter. This would be a slightly easier task for the filly. The Nick Bradley Racing syndicate would saddle two runners here, the second being Sophia's Starlight who has produced plenty of good days for her owners. The five year old mare has yet to win at this level, but has gone close on numerous occasions. The field of nine would be completed by the sole three year old in the lineup, Perfect Part. Brian Ellison's filly caused an almighty shock by winning a conditions race on debut at Beverley in May and then wasn't disgraced in stronger races. She would need to prove she has trained on this season.

Winner: SPYCATCHER (Vadamos x Damask) (#6) - J. Doyle - K. Burke

The first pattern race of the turf season would get underway with this very classy field of nine. As the stalls crashed back, Witness Stand would get a flying start and take up the early running under Kieran Shoemark. He would be joined by the keen going Sophia's Starlight but the pair would run directly into the headwind that lingered from the previous race. Towards the rear, the returning Perfect Part and Al Shabab Storm would be a stride slow at the start, but soon recovered to take up their natural positions. The well fancied James's Delight was also prominent early on, alongside Marshman as the rear was brought up by Iberian and Spycatcher. Once again, the leaders were swallowed up inside the final furlong as Iberian travelled strongly under Jason Watson but had to swerve around weakening rivals. That would in turn hamper his rivals, but Iberian quickened up smartly to take over in the lead. Spycatcher had tracked his running partner's every move and he joined Iberian inside the final furlong before edging in front overall. The pair would go head to head, neck to neck inside the final strides, but it would be Spycatcher who stuck his neck out on the line to land another win. Marshman was relegated to third in this year's renewal and Perfect Part ran very well against her elders into fourth. 

It would be a great finish between two very smart horses who have performed better over seven furlongs in the past. Now a seven year old, Spycatcher has been a great servant to his owners and trainer by winning at Group Three level and finishing a very close second in a French Group One in 2023. His fruitful trips to France would continue by landing another Group Three last August, the Prix de Mautry at Deauville. He would sign off last year with a sixth in the Champions Sprint Stakes at Ascot, where he wasn't beaten far by the winner. With the stamina for further and quick turn of pace to win over six furlongs, Spycatcher has developed into a very likeable type over the seasons and he will be aiming for yet more success in 2025. 

Race Four: The William Hill Doncaster Mile Stakes - Listed Race - One Mile - Runners: 9

The quality continued to rise as next up would be the Doncaster Mile, unsurprisingly contested over the straight mile course of Town Moor. Just like the Cammidge Trophy, this listed contest is used by connections as a springboard to bigger things later in the season, but it doesn't reduce in the amount of quality on display.  Back in 2022, the tough Chindit landed the prize for Richard Hannon before going on to perform with credit in Group One company last season,  while last season saw the emergence of Roger Varian's Charyn. The grey was a smooth winner of this race and subsequently became last season's leading miler with Group One wins in the Queen Anne, Jacques Le Marois and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.

This year's crop of talented milers would be headed by Botanical, who is now trained by George Boughey. The five year old won like a Group performer in waiting at York last May and went on to finish second in the John Smith's Cup and a listed race when last seen. The six year old Checkandchallenge is a rare winner, but has been around the block for a long time. William Knight's gelding went close in a similar race to this at Sandown last summer and is capable when on song. A second runner for the George Boughey team would be the filly Chic Columbine. The four year old is a former winner at Doncaster but was inconsistent last season. Her best effort would be second in a Group Three at the Epsom Derby Festival. Another course and distance winner would be Dancing Gemini for the Roger Teal stable. Despite not winning last year, he would contest the French Guineas, Epsom Derby and QEII Stakes and ran to a high level. Karl Burke would be represented by Liberty Lane, who bolted up in the ultra-competitive Cambridgeshire Handicap in the style of a Group horse. He would then confirm that by finishing second in a Group Three at Newmarket, setting himself up for this valuable seasonal comeback. The six year old gelding Noble Order began his career with Godolphin, but failed to live up to expectations. After a few more disappointing runs, he would now find himself with the small scale yard of Christine Dunnett, who would have a high profile name in her ranks. Ed Bethell's very smart handicapper Point Lynas can be dangerous when given a free lead, as shown at York last May and at Pontefract when he dominated a listed race. He would improve once again to finish second in a Qatari Group Two at the start of the year. The Sean Woods-trained Savvy Victory was a regular in these sort of contests last season, but finally gained a first win of the year at Newcastle in December, where he saw out the extra distance over ten furlongs. His stamina would be a good asset in this race. The field would be completed by Richard Hannon's Witch Hunter, who opted for this race over the Lincoln Handicap. The six year old is a seven furlong specialist and landed a Group Two at that trip two years ago. His best effort last year came when third in the Group One Lockinge Stakes over a mile to show his versatility. 

Winner: DANCING GEMINI (Camelot x Lady Adelaide) (#3) - K. Shoemark - R. Teal

With little to split the majority of runners, this would be a very good renewal of the Doncaster Mile. The likely pace setter Port Lynas made his customary quick getaway and took up the running from the outset. Next in the order would be the Sheikh Obaid-owned runners Botanical, who raced keenly in second, and Liberty Lane. Also on the scene would be Dancing Gemini who raced closest to the rail and ran next to Checkandchallenge and Savvy Victory in the opening stages. Chic Columbine and Witch Hunter would make slower than ideal starts, but they brought up the rear, along with the giant Noble Order. 

The pace would be no more than a sensible one considering the wind direction and the group had completed half way already. Approaching the two furlong marker, Botanical would make his move to challenge the leader Point Lynas, who quickly retreated backwards through the field. As the old boy Checkandchallenge was next to make his move, the eye was drawn to Dancing Gemini who travelled strongly under Kieran Shoemark.  The four year old cruised into the outright lead as his rivals began to struggle. Liberty Lane was one of those unable to pick up once the pace lifter and Savvy Victory would hit a flat spot during his run. Dancing Gemini turned on the style as he quickly opened a gap to the rallying Checkandchallenge, but it would be a one horse finish as Dancing Gemini crossed the line just under four lengths to the good. Botanical would hang on for third as Savvy Victory found an extra wind to take fourth.

With so much to look forward to this season, this was a statement of intent by Dancing Gemini. The son of Camelot would win for the first time since his Flying Scotsman Stakes win over course distance back in September 2023, but the colt has always been held in high regard. The four year old finished runner up in the French Guineas last May before attempting the biggest race of them all, the Epsom Derby. He wasn't disgraced by finishing sixth that day and he confirmed his ability with a season closing fourth in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. The winner of that race, Charyn, has now retired but this display from Dancing Gemini was very reminiscent and he could follow the same path as last year's star miler. A trip to the Lockinge could come next before an invitation to Royal Ascot for the Queen Anne Stakes are likely upcoming destinations. A new star of the mile division, it will be disappointing if Dancing Gemini can't go on from this very stylish win. 

Race Five: The William Hill Lincoln Premier Handicap - Class Two - One Mile - Runners: 22

The opening day highlight would commence with the Lincoln Premier Handicap over the straight mile. The historic race is one of the oldest handicaps in racing history as it first took place in 1853. Over the years, high class handicappers have picked up the trophy in this cavalry charge, but in more recent seasons, the quality of winner has improved. Back in 2010, Penitent brought in the decade as a well fancied winner before going on to win at a higher level, while in 2019, another Newmarket based runner Addeybb took home first prize before going on his globe trotting ways, winning Group Ones in Australia, France and the 2020 Champion Stakes at Ascot. The new mould of winner in this race is often a lightly raced four year old which an upwardly progressive profile, as seen with the likes of Auxerre and Haqeeqy in recent years.

Top weight in the 2025 renewal would be carried by Galeron, trained by Charlie Hills, the five year old who has returned to Britain in recent weeks. After winning a valuable juvenile contest in 2023, he then placed at Group One level last year before trying his hand in Australia, albeit without success. Jamie Osborne's eight year old Sean showed classy form in Europe and since moving to Britain last year, he has run very well in defeat on numerous occasions; including out in Dubai. A lightly raced four year old in the contest would be the beautifully bred Midnight Gun, in the colours of Wathnan Racing. The grey was another to be gelded over the winter, but won twice last season and finished off the year with a second over course and distance. Yet another strongly fancied runner would be Thunder Run, trained by Karl Burke. The four year old kept on improving during his first full season, winning at the Ebor Festival before finishing close up in a handicap on Champions Day at Ascot. The Jonathan Portman-trained Two Tempting continued to improve as a six year old last year by winning four times, three of those in class two company. The gelding seems to handle most ground and would be an interesting runner here. Richard Hannon's Talis Evolvere is more of an all-weather specialist having scored his last three wins on the surface, but he is able capable on turf as well, as shown with a third in the Spring Cup last April. The five year old was last seen warming up for the All-Weather Finals Day at Newcastle, a race he won last year. The Kevin Ryan-trained Apiarist held his form well on turf last season, but has been transformed on the all-weather, winning two valuable contests. This sort of race would be right up his street. The seven year old Dual Identity is more of an exposed type in the lineup, but retained plenty of good form last year. William Knight's gelding finished second at the Ebor Festival as well winning at Sandown for the fourth time in his career. The four year old Orne would make his handicap debut for the John and Thady Gosden yard, but brought with him plenty of high class form. His best efforts include a Group Two second, albeit over six furlongs, but he has the stamina for this mile trip as well. The Julie Camacho-trained Lattam joined the yard last year and instantly went close to winning this race last season when a close second. He showed his class once again when second in the Balmoral Handicap at Ascot on Champions Day in October. French born trainer David Menuisier won this race back in 2023 and was back once again with the smart Toimy Son. The six year old got up late to win the Golden Mile at Goodwood last summer, but continued to run well with a third in the Cambridgeshire amongst his highlights. Another runner for the Richard Hughes yard would be the four year old Whip Cracker. The lightly raced sort has just the sole win to his name, but placed in listed company last season. He would drop back in trip with the hope of improving further. The King Power Racing silks would be carried in this race by Roger Varian's Fantastic Fox. The seven year old is more of an all-weather regular of late, but has been running very well recently including two placed efforts this season. Last year's winner Mr Professor relished the heavy ground to cause a surprise win and would be hoping for similar conditions this year. Now trained by Raphael Freire, he was unplaced in all three of his subsequent starts, but sneaked in with a low weight to carry. Magnum Opus would line up for the Simon and Ed Crisford stable having been out in the Middle East earlier in the year. The four year old landed a competitive handicap at Meydan when last seen and has previous form here from last season. The five year old Oliver Show has proven to be a shrewd purchase for his owners as he has progressed over the last twelve months for trainer George Boughey. His four wins have come on the all-weather, but is capable on the turf too. He would also make a return from a trip to Bahrain earlier in the year. The Yorkshire born Newmarket trainer William Haggas has won this race in the past with high class horses and would saddle Godwinson here. The five year old looked to be a type for these sort of races last year, but often struggled to get competitive. He would remain lightly raced though. The predominantly jumps based yard of Gary and Josh Moore would be represented by Alpha Crucis in this hot handicap. The five year old is another mudlark and finished an excellent fourth in last year's Lincoln before adding two more wins later in the year. He is a strong stayer over a mile and would be hoping for more rain. Karl Burke would saddle another lightly raced four year old in the form of Native Warrior. His best effort came when third at Royal Ascot last season and he has been gelded since a low key run at the St Leger festival here in September. The handicap specialist trainer Tony Martin has landed the majority of big handicaps in Britain and aimed for the Lincoln with the seven year old Orandi. The consistent gelding had been consistent last year and looked suited to be a big field by winning the Irish Lincolnshire. This would be an audacious attempt the Irish/British Lincoln double. Alan King's Beringer is a ten year old now but has been sporadically seen on track in recent years. He was a smart sort a few years ago but has raced just four times since 2019. Another to show a liking for slower conditions would be the colt Dashing Darcey, who progressed nicely as a three year old and his only poor run came when strongly fancied at Royal Ascot. He returned to form with two placings on heavy ground in the autumn and looked a quality purchase for the Geoff Harker stable. Ed Bethell would also be represented by the four year old Old Cock, who made his debut less than a year ago, but quickly developed into a useful type. Winning three of his six career starts, he was open to plenty of improvement this year. 

Winner: GODWINSON (Saxon Warrior x Malabar) - (#16) - C. Fallon - W. Haggas

The big race of the day had finally come around and as expected, it would be a wide open betting heat with such a competitive line up. The twenty two runners were sent on their way by the starter and immediately the pack converged towards the near side running rail. This would go against the norm where big field handicaps split into two groups, but all the runners stuck to the right of the track. 
Thunder Run's chestnut coat and big white face would show up in a narrow lead as he faced the persistent headwind down the straight. He would be pressured by Orne, who raced keenly over this longer trip and just in behind would come the likes of Native Warrior, Alpha Crucis and last year's winner Mr Professor. Towards the rear and smuggled away from sight would come the Godwinson, Oliver Show, Dual Identity and Apiarist to name a few. The field thundered down the home straight and were soon approaching the two furlong pole. The Wathnan Racing team would get excited at this stage as Native Warrior took over the lead and the well bred grey Midnight Gun joined him to make it a one-two for the owners. Thunder Run and Orne were quickly dealt with as the race began to heat up. From out of the pack, Oliver Show had weaved his way through rivals and nosed into the lead inside the final furlong, as had the Irish challenger Orandi who looked good in his attempt at the famous double. Magnus Opus's green and yellow silks were also right there in the firing line as the trio battled it out towards the finish line. A little further back, Godwinson had finally found daylight and rattled home under Cieren Fallon, but it seemed to be too late. The five year up ate up the ground and with each stride got ever closer. With the line coming up fast, Godwinson and Oliver Show hit the wire together with a neck back to Orandi in third. They would pull slightly ahead of Magnus Opus who ran well in fourth. A photo finish was required and after a long and agonising wait, the result was given to Godwinson, who pulled the win out of the fire. 
It would be a brilliant finish to a prestigious race, the kind that warms up the appetite for fans of flat racing. Oliver Show had done everything right until the stride where it mattered most, on the finish line but it would be a superb ride on Godwinson by Cieren Fallon. The five year old was ridden quietly out the back for much of the race and faced a wall of horses for the most part of the race. He began to pick off tiring rivals inside the final two furlongs, but the seas would part approaching the final furlong and he took dead aim at the leaders. Flashing home inside the final stages, it would be a last gasp success for the William Haggas team, who landed this race for the record fifth time; following on from High Law, Very Wise, Penitent and Adeyybb, all of whom were top class horses. Godwinson may not have the scope to improve higher, but this was just his third career win. After finishing second in the Spring Cup at Newbury, a similar race to this, he was lightly raced in 2024. A win at Goodwood on softer ground would be the highlight before he finished down the field in the Balmoral Handicap and Cambridgeshire Handicap. He will more than likely continue to race in these strong handicaps throughout the season and his running style makes him hostage to fortune, but when it goes well like today, he is a smart sort.

Race Six: The William Hill More Top Prices Maiden Stakes - Class Five - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners:  11

After the excitement and drama of the Lincoln had taken place, the action moved to the round course for this ten furlong maiden contest. This class five event would be a first opportunity for some of the runners to experience turf for the first time having made their debuts on the all-weather. It would also be a chance for promising sorts who showed potential last season to deliver at the first time of asking. Well bred newcomers from leading stables would also join the line up to make it a fascinating race. 

Last season, the newcomer Ralph Beckett's Moon Over Miami caused a small surprise by overturning Harper's Ferry, who took part at Royal Ascot later in the season. He would join the likes of smart hurdler Proschema and Group Two winner Bangkok in the list of former winners in this race. 

The field would be headed by the first of the Godolphin-owned runners, Bedouin Prince. The Ghaiyyath colt was caught on the line on debut at Kempton in November and looked open to progress. The popular Ursa Major Racing syndicate would be represented by the well bred Believe In Success, who comes from a highly talented Cheveley Park family and made her debut for trainer Denis Quinn in this contest. She had previously finished eighth on her only start last season. Next up would be the Dominic Ffrench Davis-trained Chambers, who showed promise in a pair of novice races at Bath towards the end of the season. The gelding struggled on heavy ground but ran well to finish fourth both times and this would be his first taste of quicker ground. Jedd O'Keeffe would use this contest as more experience for his twice raced runner Jedhi Knight. The three year old comes from the family of top stayer Marmelo and has raced twice in quick succession, hinting that handicaps will be on the agenda after this race. The John and Thady Gosden stable would also be represented by Kuredu King, who didn't show as much as connections hoped for last season. The son of Churchill finished down the order in two starts last autumn and has been gelded ahead of this season. Godolphin would also be represented by Padre Bay in this contest. The gelding finished third over even further at Wolverhampton recently but looked tricky to steer. He dropped back in distance this time though. The Karl Burke stable were looking to start the season quickly and would be represented by Paratrooper. The Frankel colt is well related and has chased home Godolphin runners in two novice events at Wolverhampton this year so would be looking to finish ahead of them this time. The dual purpose yard of Ian Williams will be gearing up for Aintree as well as Doncaster and saddled the newly gelded Singing In Paris. He is related to a host of numerous winners, but would need to be above average to win on debut. Amo Racing would also be represented in this event with the debuting colt Square Necker. The son of Zarak is another to bred for the future as a relative of the high class stayer Simenon. Andrew Balding has won this race in the past with owners King Power Racing and they would combine again with The Cursor. The son of Frankel struggled to make an impact on debut last year, but better would be expected of him this year. The final runner in the lineup would be Ed Dunlop's Too Darn Seanie. The gelding is out of a smart racemare and despite looking inexperienced on recent debut, kept on into a modest fifth at Wolverhampton. 

Winner: BEDOUIN PRINCE (Ghaiyyath x Lucida) - (#1) - J. Doyle - C. Appleby

The sole non runner of the day would come in this race as the King's horse Bouquet De Paris stayed at home. The field would be reduced by one more as the newcomer Singing In Paris proved tricky to load at the gates and despite the best efforts of the stalls handlers, he refused to budge and was withdrawn. 

That would leave a field of ten good looking potential stayers to compete and they would get away to a decent start. The Cursor would go straight into the lead under Jason Watson and was allowed to dictate the pace around the ten furlong trip. In behind the leader would come the keen going Paratrooper, the outsider Believe In Success and Chambers as the pace looked an average one. The Godolphin pair of Bedouin Prince and Padre Bay would sit in midfield with Too Darn Seanie and the well supported favourite Square Necker showed greenness on debut towards the rear, sharing real estate with Kuredu King. 
Rounding the long, swooping bend into the home straight, the race began to pick up. The Cursor brought the pack down the middle of the course this time and began to go through the gears. Padre Bay would join him up front as his stablemate Bedouin Prince made eye catching headway on the inside of the group. Square Necker also showed inexperience on debut, but began to learn the job on the go and also made up ground from the rear. The Cursor refused to give in up front and battled valiantly to hold his lead. Bedouin Prince had travelled smoothly to this point but had to knuckle down to get past the leader. In a good finish between two promising sorts, it would be Bedouin Prince who eventually won the argument and stuck his neck out where it mattered most, on the line. The Cursor would lose little in defeat with a brave second while the Amo Racing-owned Square Necker finished strongly to finish just half a length behind the winner. There would be a further gap back to Kuredu King, who ran his best race to date. 

He had to fight for it, but it was pleasing first win for Bedouin Prince. Plenty would go wrong for the colt during the race as he raced keenly throughout and still looked green when hitting the front. Despite this, he would show a good attitude to eventually overhaul the leader and break his maiden tag at the second attempt. The son of Ghaiyyath was in a similar situation on his debut at Kempton in November, where he looked set to make a winning debut, but was caught on the post by a Ralph Beckett-trained newcomer in Aurel. Godolphin look to have another above average middle distance horse for this year as Bedouin Prince is a half brother to Moonglade, who won on debut in France over a mile and four furlongs. He is the third foal of the classy mare Lucida, who finished second in a 1000 Guineas, so there would be quality in the family too; a pedigree that stretches back to the brilliant American turf horse English Channel, who won six Grade Ones in his home country. It will be interesting to see which route Godolphin take with Bedouin Prince, who still looked inexperienced, but the operation are best known for their patient approach with horses of this profile. 

Race Seven: The William Hill NRNB On The Grand National Apprentice Handicap (Div I) - Class Five - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners: 19 

Day one of the flat turf season opener would end with a middle distance handicap restricted to apprentice riders. The ten furlong contest was split into two divisions last season and the first half was won by David O'Meara's Bustaam and Joe Leavy. The second division would go the way of Destinado, who won easily for the James Owen stable and Sean Dylan Bowen in the saddle.

Just like twelve months ago, the closing race of the card split into two divisions with a healthy size field to boot. The weights would be headed by Bulldog Spirit, who has been around the yards in the past but made a winning debut for Brian Ellison last time out at Southwell. This trip would be the bare minimum for the five year old. The mare Arctic Fox has been a flag bearer for the Martin Todhunter stable and the nine year old has performed well over the seasons. The dual purpose type would make her first start since July last year. Another nine year old in the line up would be Tony Carroll's Annexation, who was trained in Ireland until recently but has run well enough for new connections this year. The dual purpose gelding Monteria has run well on softer ground as shown when second at Salisbury last season, but that run would be the standout in a generally poor season for Stewart Kittow. Another hurdler-turned-flat runner would be Bashful for the Iain Jardine stable. The seven year old has a good record in all codes and won twice over obstacles in February. The theme of flat meets jumps would continue as leading trainer James Owen would saddle Destinado, who won the second division of this race last year. The seven year old won three more times since this meeting last year and has racked up the miles on the clock. Michael Wigham's Aim For The Moon is relatively lightly raced for her age and the eight year old was in decent form when last seen on the all-weather. The mare would keep on into second over a slightly longer trip at Wolverhampton last month. The Ian Williams-trained Book Of Life is a regular at this level and switched from the all-weather to the turf for this contest. The five year old bounced back to form by winning in February and was then far from disgraced under this rider last time out when fourth at Lingfield. The gelding Whatacracker has been rarely spotted in the past two seasons and Mark Walford's five year old would be looking to return to his best. He would make just a low key all-weather debut recently and was quickly back on grass. John Butler's Rock Armour only made his debut less than a year ago and his modest progression continued onto the all-weather where the four year old gained his only win to date. He would be another who has only had a few tries on turf. Another four year old in the line up would be George Boughey's Marioento, who was brought along quietly until winning for the first time at Wolverhampton on his latest start. The lightly raced gelding has the scope to improve with a first win on the board. The next dual purpose runner would be Brian Ellison's Freddy Robinson, who was in good form last year on the flat, but has shown mixed form over hurdles. This would be his first start at Doncaster. The six year old Bizarre Law comes from a high class family and started his career with Andrew Balding, but never lived up to his early promise. He has since moved to the Michael Herrington stable where he has finished down the field. Another to switch trainers recently would be Kalikapour, who lined up in the Spring Mile this time last year for Roger Fell. Now trained by Seb Spencer, the five year old failed to stay a mile and three quarters so this trip would be much appreciative for the gelding. The Dylan Cunha yard continues to establish itself as a good quality stable in Britain and would be represented here by Waistcoat. The four year old is another to come from a talented family but his best finish has only been third last year. Muhib lined up here for just his sixth start having made his debut only last September. Swapping the Gosden stable for Olly Williams's, the four year old hasn't been beaten far in two starts for the yard this year. Young rider Warren Fentiman rode in the Lincoln earlier in the day but returned to his apprentice peers in the race aboard Life On The Rocks for Richard Fahey. The seven year old won five times on turf last year and on latest start at Newcastle, he was caught in the final strides to show he is still in form. Another in form runner would take their place in the lineup, the Kevin Frost-trained Quick Away. The four year old filly has found form in recent starts, winning twice at Wolverhampton and stepped up in distance for this race. The final runner of the racecard would be the Ivan Furtado-trained Stoic Syd. The grey won twice at the start of 2024 but hasn't been in the same form this year. Despite this, the five year old ran well to finish third just forty-eight hours previously.

Winner: DESTINADO (Lope de Vega x Contribution) - (#6) - M. Paetel - J. Owen

The bumper field of nineteen runners arrived at the start under fading light as an overcast and dull sky lingered over the racecourse. All runners would be well behaved entering the stalls and the majority broke evenly without issue. The one to miss the break badly was Aim For The Moon who was sluggish to start and lost a handful of lengths on the pack. He would quickly catch up though on the crest of the hill. The early pace would be set by the keen going Book Of Life under Ryan Kavanagh, but it would only be a moderate one. Next in the order would be the consistent Freddy Robinson and Life On The Rocks who was sent off favourite by the punters. Kalikapour and Quick Away would come next as space would be at a premium throughout the contest. On the home bend, there would be a dramatic incident as Monteria clipped heels of those in front and send his rider Sam Feilden out of the saddle. Thankfully however, Feilden would escape major injuries and the horse kept on galloping, oblivious to the incident.
As the field entered the long home straight, they stuck to the quickest route and remained on the far side rail. Waistcoat had raced keenly to this point and overruled his jockey Morgan Cole to go into the lead after halfway. The excursions would soon take their toll as the pair weakened out of contention halfway down the straight. Quick Away was next to throw his hat into the ring as he moved into the lead at the two furlong pole, but he too would tamely fold before the race heated up. After a few contestants tasted the lead briefly, the race would settle down to just three. Life On The Rocks was well positioned to strike and took up the lead approaching the final furlong. Freddy Robinson would join him, but the last to challenge would be Destinado, who travelled strongly once again. The seven year old knew where the finish line was and kicked into a clear lead as Life On The Rocks kept on at the same pace. History would repeat itself as Destinado landed this race for the second year running, this time the first division instead of the second. Life On The Rocks gave his supporters a run for their money in second, finishing ahead of Freddy Robinson who kept up his good record on the flat. Back in fourth would be Annexation, who weakened out of the podium positions. 

It would be the tenth success of Destinado's career and it also underlined his versatility of distance having won over as far as a mile and three quarters. It wouldn't be the same dominant style of win as last year, but the seven year old won comfortably to give his owners Deva Racing a timely boost ahead of their runner in the Dubai World Cup, Imperial Emperor. It would also be a good start to the flat season for James Owen, who was fresh from a few near misses at the Cheltenham Festival. Finally, it would be a big day winner for young rider Mason Paetel, who won the pony riding championship in 2023, a series that has produced the likes of Billy Loughnane, Hollie Doyle and Tom Marquand. Paetel began riding on the main stage last autumn and has honed his skills on the all-weather. Provided he gains the opportunities, he could be a contender for champion apprentice this season. 

Race Eight: The William Hill NRNB On The Grand National Apprentice Handicap (Div I) - Class Five - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners: 18

Part two of this apprentice handicap contest would see an equally large field go to post and it would also see some of the riders switching trainers in this race as they potentially learn more about different horse styles. 

Top weight would be carried by Kevin Frost's four year old Phone Tag, who has done well since joining the yard midway through last year. The gelding has improved for the step up in trip and won for the second time in his career at Chelmsford. He would be too keen last time out at Newcastle however. The Brian Ellison-trained Chillhi has yet to add to the two wins he scored as a juvenile and has been largely inconsistent in recent times. Connections have experimented with varying distances, even over jumps at one stage. The Ganges is now a six year old but has raced only four times to date. Simon Whitaker's grey missed over two years of action having been promising at the start of his career. He has understandably looked rusty in two races at the end of last year. Another returnee to the flat would be the Paul Midgley-trained Right Now, who made his first start on the level in a year and a half. The five year old did win over hurdles last year, but subsequently lost his way. Warren Fentiman would retain the partnership with Richard Fahey as they teamed up with Rainwater. The four year old has just the solitary win to his name, but finished consistently in the placings through the winter on the all-weather. He has also shown a liking for this sort of trip. James Owen landed this race last year and was aiming to repeat the feat with Laser Focus. The seven year old was last successful in this discipline in September and then added two hurdle wins to his CV. More recently, he has finished last in all three starts this year. See Paris was a very classy type in the early stages of his career before losing form. Now a five year old, he has joined the Malton-based Seb Spencer yard and this would be a much easier event than what he once contested. A second runner for Brian Ellison would come in the form of Miner's Gamble, who won for the only time back in August and then ran well over course and distance in September. Since then, the four year old has been running fairly well over hurdles and reverted to the flat. Kingmont would carry the silks of Nick Bradley Racing in this contest and the four year old failed to go on from a winning seasonal reappearance in April. He remains lightly raced though and his only start here came over much further. The veteran of the field would be David O'Meara's Young Fire, who is an ideal tutor for young jockeys nowadays. The ten year old has amassed over a hundred starts and rolled back the years with a pair of wins last summer. The Geoff Harker-trained Powerful Response finished fourth in this race last year before winning on next start. The five year old showed he was still in form over the Christmas period at Newcastle and returned for another spell on turf in this contest. Sisterandbrother has been based at his fair share of trainers and now represented the Shaun Harris yard. The seven year old enjoyed a productive 2024 by winning twice and placing at Doncaster on a couple of occasions. A return to this venue could suit. The Tony Carroll-trained Night Bear rarely runs a bad race on the flat and despite placing at this trip in the past, he is a winner over longer distances. The eight year old produced another good run with a second at Wolverhampton last time and needed to transfer the form to the turf. Distinction showed his liking for unique tracks by winning twice at Beverley and once at Pontefract last summer, but his form on the all-weather hasn't been as strong. A slow start would hamper the chances of John Mackie's seven year old on his most recent run. Ursa Major Racing would also be represented here with the Katie Scott-trained Straya. The four year old has yet to finish higher than fifth during his time in the UK but his best piece of form would be a fourth in Group Three company as a juvenile. Another runner for Kevin Frost would be Corsican Caper, who also finished fourth in a division of this race last year. After landing a first career win later in the year, he would go on to add three more before the streak came to an end. The grey has been gradually finishing closer with each start on the all-weather but his best form has been on grass. A third runner for the Brian Ellison yard would be the filly Letmeseethecolts. The four year old showed improvement over longer distances on the all-weather and gained a first win at Southwell. She would need a good gallop to cope with this drop in trip. The final runner of the card would the Ed De Giles-trained Run Of Luck. The lightly raced four year old showed immediate improvement once switched to handicaps by winning two starts ago and backing it up with a good third at Bath. 

Winner: RUN OF LUCK (El Kabeir x Lucky Breeze) - (#18) - L. Wright - E. De Giles

Just like in the preceding race, the eighteen runners were led quietly into their stall without issues and the finale got underway to a decent break. Towards the rear of the pack, Chillhi and Laser Focus would start slowly and lost a couple of lengths, but had plenty of time to regain their position. At the head of the field, Run Of Luck got away to a quick start under Liam Wright and was sent straight into the lead. The pair would dictate a steady pace around Town Moor which led to his rivals racing keenly. Straya would race in second along with Distinction, Right Now and Sisterandbrother coming next. 

There would be little change in the order for most of the race as those in the pack fought for racing room. Distinction would edge into a narrow lead under Ryan Kavanagh, but Run Of Luck bravely stuck to the task. The long time leader battled back and regained the lead, keeping on well inside the final furlong and taking a clear advantage. From the rear, the filly Letmeseethecolts made late headway into second as Distinction was relegated to third. Fourth place would go the way of Corsican Caper, who also stayed on from the rear.

It would be a second win in seven starts for Run Of Luck, who is quickly turning into a useful middle distance handicapper. Making his debut last June, the son of El Kabeir would be a work in progress by finishing towards the rear in three novice races over a mile. Once he had qualified for a handicap rating, he started life at class six level at Ffos Las, where he kept on into second and then improved further to win next time out at Bath, again over the ten furlong trip. He would finish his first season with another solid effort at Bath, finishing third on heavy ground. The four year old comes from a line of home bred horses who have won over a mile and four and two miles in recent seasons, so there is plenty to come in terms of stamina. Now two from four in handicaps, it will be interesting to see how far he can improve.