The stage is set for the opening of the 2026 flat season as Doncaster holds its historic Lincoln meeting. A full field of 22 have been declared for its flagship contest, headed by Wolverhampton eye-catcher La Botte.
The son of Too Darn Hot remains unexposed after just five runs, and was a neck second in the Brittania Handicap at Royal Ascot last season. La Botte caught the eye in the Lincoln Trial last time out, staying on late for fourth under Jamie Spencer. It could be a memorable forty minutes for Eustace and Spencer, who team up on Docklands prior to the Lincoln.
William Haggas won this last season with Godwinson, and bids to repeat it with the progressive Eternal Force. The son of Dubawi is three from three since being gelded, posting a smart effort at Haydock when last seen.
Another arriving on the back of a sequence is Rogue Diplomat, seeking a quintet of victories for James Owen. The Calyx colt brings valuable course form, and he’s bred to improve for this step up in trip.
Charlie Appleby has won this twice since 2016 and Ryan Moore’s son, Toby, gets the leg up on Anno Domini. The son of New Bay is winless since his two-year-old days, but has ran creditably at Meydan of late.
Karl Burke made a habit of landing some valuable handicaps with top-weights last season, and Botanical makes his stable debut. He failed to land a blow for George Boughey in five starts after moving from Roger Varian. However, he’s 6lbs lower when third in the Listed Mile Stakes here last season.
Another who caught the eye here last season was Galeron, who was beaten two lengths in this contest. He’s 7lbs lower now, and was second over course and distance when last seen.
Group 1 winners face off in Doncaster Mile
Elsewhere on the card, the Listed Mile Stakes has attracted two Group 1 winners from last season. The Queen Anne winner Docklands has largely held his form since, finishing a close fourth in the Hong Kong Mile when last seen. It’s a minor concern that his form figures when fresh read 22327524 (0-8), and Qirat could take advantage. The shock Sussex winner led them a merry dance at Goodwood, though hasn’t been able to back that up.
Volterra could prove the dark horse, who beat Qirat at Ascot two seasons ago.