The one-mile Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster has received the highest number of entries in 30 years, after prize money for the traditional curtain-raiser to the English flat season has been raised to £150,000 from £100,000 in 2022.
A total of 115 entries have been received for the prestigious handicap from a number of the biggest yards. The previous record for number of entries in the race came in 2020 when 99 horses were entered but none of which were able to race due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Simon & Ed Crisford-trained Awaal heads most of the ante-post markets for the race, but it comes as no surprise to see William Haggas enter a potentially well-handicapped colt in the shape of the unbeaten Brewing. The Yorkshire-born trainer is bidding to secure a record fifth success in this contest, having won it with High Low (1992), Very Wise (2007), Penitent (2010) and Addeybb (2018) throughout the years. He also has Al Mubhir and Montassib entered.
Some classy types have won this contest on their way to better things in recent times such as the globetrotter Addeybb. Five out of the last six renewals have been won by four-year-olds, while 10 of the last 12 winners all carried more than 9st to victory.
The consolation race (Spring Mile) for horses which were declared to run, but were eliminated from the Lincoln, has also been raised from £45,000 in 2022 to £75,000 in 2023
Current betting for the Lincoln Handicap: Awaal 10/1f, Brewing 12/1, Okeechobee 12/1, Wanees 14/1, Al Mubhir 16/1, Atrium 16/1, Croupier 16/1, Montassib 16/1, New Kingdom 16/1, Tranquil Night 16/1, All The King’s Men 16/1, BAR 20/1 (*Prices shown are Best Odds)
