The Lincoln is a date circled in every flat racing fan’s calendars. A big-field handicap, it toasts the return of the flat season to kick off a superb spring and summer of racing on the level.
Joe Napier previews this year’s Doncaster renewal, which has attracted a full field of 22 runners.
2026 Lincoln Handicap Runners
Harry Eustace has been effusive of the levels La Botte may reach this season. He was desperately unlucky to lose at Royal Ascot last season and could easily have gone closer on the all-weather on return. Group races may await. The same could be said of the four-timer chasing Eternal Force, though seeking a fifth straight win, the chances are Rogue Diplomat has now found something close to his ceiling.
Anno Domini is interesting returning from Dubai with Ryan Moore’s son Toby claiming 7lb off him for Charlie Appleby. He would need to step up, whereas Botanical has shown high-class form just below Group standard before. He is relatively lightly-raced for his age, goes well fresh, and has joined a top yard that have done well in a similar race to this in the Cambridgeshire in recent seasons with his type.
Both Galeron and Shout rounded back to form at the end of last season. Unsurprisingly, there are a host at longer prices who could have a say in this year’s Lincoln too.
Tribal Chief ran better than the bare result in the Balmoral Handicap to conclude last term. he has done nothing but progress for David Menuisier while Greek Order could yet be thrown in if refinding his best from the beginning of 2025.
The veteran ten-year-old Bopedro would be a popular winner and is on a plausible handicap rating. Mirabeau is also worthy of mention as 1m could well be his best distance. He is untried over it as yet.
2026 Lincoln Handicap Racecard
15:32 Doncaster
Good To SoftWilliam Hill Lincoln (Heritage Handicap)
- First Prize: £77310
- 1m 0f 0y
- Class 2
- 21 runners
- Win time: 1m 41s
9/1 (Won)
- Win: £11.20
- Place: £2.80
11/1
- Place: £2.50
14/1
- Place: £4.00
28/1
10/1
4/1
40/1
12/1
66/1
40/1
14/1
16/1
3/1F
33/1
50/1
14/1
100/1
40/1
50/1
28/1
Non-runners
Bopedro
+o+e Betting Returns
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £154.20 |
| Straight Forecast | £108.31 |
| Tricast | £1457.39 |
| Trifecta | £4316.40 |
Selections
Telegraph:
Eternal ForceThe Guardian:
Eternal ForceDaily Mail:
Eternal ForceThe Sun:
Eternal Force2026 Lincoln Handicap Trends
You can read Dave Young’s trends preview of the Lincoln here, with a summary of the key trends for the race below.
2026 Lincoln Handicap Tips
La Botte was an unlucky Royal Ascot loser and caught the eye on his all-weather return. However, he is opposed at longer odds with fellow top-weight Botanical. Karl Burke has made a habit of winning the Cambridgeshire with a top-weight in recent years. Botanical ran well on his seasonal return in 2025 here when third in a high-class renewal of the Listed Doncaster Mile. With it plausible he will improve for the switch of yards and the fact he goes well fresh, a delivery of something near his best previous form would see him go close. The in-form Eternal Force is feared most, though Tribal Chief, Greek Order and Mirabeau are interesting alternatives at bigger prices.
FAQs
When and where is the Lincoln Handicap run?
The Lincoln Handicap will take place at Doncaster racecourse on Saturday 28 March, 2026 at 3.32pm.
How can I watch the Lincoln Handicap on Saturday?
The Lincoln Handicap is shown live on ITV Racing at 3.32pm.
When were the Lincoln Handicap tips published?
The tips for the Lincoln Handicap were published at 3.52pm on Thursday 26 March.
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