Jack Channon completed a rare handicap double on Saturday as he took both the Lincoln and the Spring Mile. The Spring Mile, a consolation to the Lincoln, is historically the first turf handicap of the British season and Mezcala was a comfortable winner.
George Bass positioned him well early on from his low draw to track across to the near-side. He was always travelling strongly in rear, and made notably easy headway down the outside. Mezcala hit the front a furlong out, still appearing full of running, and comfortably drew away from Far From Dandy.
Speaking to ITV Racing afterwards, via Sporting Life, Channon said: “His work all spring has been very smart. I thought he’d improved well past his handicap mark and he’s done it very well. He’s won off 85, he’s very lightly raced and we’ll look at something like the Spring Cup with him. We wont be rushing him.”
Jack Channon won the 2024 Spring Cup with Metal Merchant off 91, which may be a similar mark for Mezcala.
Urban Lion completes historic Doncaster double
The feature race on the card was the coveted Lincoln Handicap, worth £77,310 to the winner. Botanical was given a three length lead throughout, tracked in third by Urban Lion. He perhaps got to the front too early, and it looked as if Rogue Diplomat would get up. The pair sustained a good battle, with Urban Lion just landing the spoils.
“I thought I just got beat,” Edward Greatrex told ITV Racing. “But what an effort from this lad and everyone at West Ilsley who is involved with him. I’m delighted for Jack and chuffed for the horse.
“I didn’t want to be as handy as I was if I’m honest but we pinged the gates. Sam has gone a good gallop in front and always had a target on his back. He just took me there and I let him. The ground is probably sticky enough for my horse and I’m so pleased he stuck at it.
“This is why we get up everyday. I’m probably on the cold list after the last couple of weeks so this is great.”
Jack Channon added afterwards: “We joked about a month ago that we had two we fancied for both races. This is a good horse and Eddie has given him a brilliant ride. I thought we were beaten if I’m honest so I’m chuffed. He was unlucky in the Hunt Cup last year so that’s brilliant.”
Urban Lion was second in last year’s Spring Cup at Newbury, and Channon will be hoping Mezcala can go one better.