Ratings Update: Addeybb destined for better things

It was the opening day of the Flat season at Doncaster on Saturday and Addeybb (120p from 111p) turned what was a strong renewal of the Lincoln Handicap into a procession, securing a record-equalling fourth win in the race for William Haggas and appealing as one of the best winners of this race in recent years. He won in the style of a horse destined for much better things, whilst the pair who chased him home – Lord Glitters (120 from 120p) and Mitchum Swagger (remains on 117) – look interesting in their own right as well, both capable of holding their own at a higher level. Haggas reported after the race that the Group 2 Mile at Sandown next month is a next possible target for Addeybb.

Addeybb looks a class apart and wins the Lincoln at @DoncasterRaces! Watch LIVE on @ITV4 pic.twitter.com/2NL6t8tLNI

— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 24, 2018

The listed Cammidge Trophy kicked off proceedings and was won by Perfect Pasture (up 3 lb to 118), who was gambled on with conditions in his favour and looked value for more than the one and a quarter length winning margin, eased close home. A race like the Abernant at Newmarket next month seems an obvious target for a sprinter of his calibre and, though that'll probably be a deeper race, the fact that he's proven himself fit and in top form will be a plus.

The Spring Mile threw up a surprise result with 50/1 shot High Acclaim (up 5 lb to 97) handling the conditions better than most and narrowly holding on from Humbert (105 from 102), who maintained his upward curve back on turf, likely to have won in another few strides. Kynren (remains on 104p) can be marked up for his effort having raced away from the main pack in the first half of the race, and sustained his effort really well in the final stages. He should be a fixture in all the high-value mile handicaps this season. Taqdeer (108+ from 108p) was sent off a strong favourite even after an absence of nearly two years and can be forgiven a subdued performance in testing conditions. It says plenty that leading connections are persevering with him and he is favourably handicapped on his three-year-old form.

A couple failed to fire in the Doncaster Mile, conditions presumably to blame, but Zabeel Prince (remains on 118p) still rates as an above-average winner of this listed race, readily seeing off some smart rivals. He made rapid strides through the handicap ranks last season, and barely had to improve to make a winning return, justifying strong market support with a ready success. The Lockinge is reportedly under consideration as his next target, and though he'll need to improve a chunk to feature in that contest, he's still low mileage for his age and is a nice sort physically.

Zabeel Prince takes victory in the Doncaster Mile - Watch LIVE on @ITV4 pic.twitter.com/zxIzuJJYgw

— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 24, 2018

On pedigrees the Brocklesby didn't appeal as a particularly strong renewal but it's almost always a source of winners in the early weeks of the season simply because the experience these now have can be such an advantage short term. Izzer (85) knew his job and justified strong market support for a yard that tend to have plenty of forward juveniles. Given how sharp he was it's hard to be confident about him improving on this next time but he's shown a good attitude and fairly useful level of ability straight away. Langholm (-p) was the most expensive purchase in the line-up and was sent off favourite, though looked badly in need of the experience and was spared a hard race. It would be no surprise if he were to prove a different proposition next time.

Roksana looks an exciting prospect

At Newbury there was a competitive renewal of the valuable, long-established Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle Finale which was won by the Dan Skelton-trained Roksana (132p from 124p). She progressed again after three months off to make a winning handicap debut and complete a hat-trick in some style – recording a good timefigure too –, still room for improvement in her jumping, but plenty to like about her otherwise. Roksana is useful already and should make an impact in graded mares’ races next season.

In Ireland on Friday Great Field (168p from 168+) made his eagerly-anticipated return at Navan and he didn’t disappoint, winning in trademark fashion and value for more than the winning margin. He set a sound gallop and was still around eight lengths in front approaching the last, seemingly just getting a bit tired on the run-in with Doctor Phoenix (remains on 157) finishing strongly. It is still hard to know how good he is, but a clash with some of the top two-mile chasers at Punchestown next month would be something to savour.

How about this for a return? After 330 days away, Grade 1 winner Great Field is a ready winner of the @ToalsBookmakers Webster Cup Chase at @NavanRacecourse for trainer @WillieMullinsNH and jockey @jody_mcgarvey: pic.twitter.com/V6V6fhvJh6

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) March 23, 2018

On Sunday Naas hosted the Irish Lincolnshire – one of Ireland’s most prestigious handicaps – which was won in good style by the gambled on On The Go Again (up 6 lb to 109), who was fit from the jumps and proved better than ever to make it four wins in a row on the Flat. He looked suited by the emphasis on stamina, and he's reportedly set to step up in grade now, though will continue to mix the Flat and jumps for the foreseeable future. A few further back shaped well with an eye to the future, most notably the strong-travelling Pincheck, who was one of the last to come off the bridle and is one to be interested in this season.

Making Light (up 1 lb to 107) picked up where she left off last season in the Group 3 over a mile on the same card, posting her best effort to date and reversing previous form with Elegant Pose (remains on 107p) under a well-judged ride. Making Light is a consistent and likeable performer, who should continue to give a good account, the Gladness Stakes at this course in April reportedly likely to be the next port of call.