TV TIPS (SATURDAY)

The flat is back with Doncaster's Lincoln meeting kicking off the UK flat season. ITV broadcasts eight races this Saturday with five from Yorkshire and three from Kempton. Rory Paddock previews every live contest. 13:20 DONCASTER

Amo Racing boasts an excellent recent record in this contest and they saddle a pair for this year’s UK Flat season opener.

The apparent first string and current market leader Blixen Force makes plenty of appeal, but in a race of this nature, taking short odds can be risky and value may lie elsewhere. It’s not uncommon for owners to land these races with a supposed second string, so preference is for the other Amo Racing debutant. Ocean Club’s dam is by a French sire who handled softer conditions well, and if those traits have been inherited, he could hold an edge over his rivals.

Others to consider include the Richard Hannon-trained A Bear Affair, while Boutblummintime could outrun bigger odds.

OCEAN CLUB (E/W)

13:50 DONCASTER

Course-and-distance winners Spycatcher and Montassib are major players and both warrant respect, but as with the opener, seeking value could prove worthwhile.

Aramram is another with C&D success and may go better than expected, though this represents a rise in class and minor honours may be his best hope.

Despite a 419-day absence, Mitbaahy represents a yard with a solid Doncaster record and, with proven form on softer ground, ticks plenty of boxes—fitness being the key question.

MITBAAHY (E/W)

14:08 KEMPTON

Anniversary is something of an unknown but has attracted market support. Ralph Beckett handles stayers well and further improvement is likely, though this is a stiffer test and he may find more experienced rivals too strong.

Last year’s Northumberland Plate winner Spirit Mixer has strong form at this level and brings valuable experience, though his weight is a slight concern.

Sheradann, currently the outsider, looks overpriced. The six-year-old is the only previous course-and-distance winner in the field and has finished outside the top three just once in four attempts over this track and trip. Back on his last winning mark and race-fit, he looks a solid each-way proposition.

SHERADANN (E/W)

14:25 DONCASTER

Top weights Sterling Knight and Far From Dandy are the pair of most interest in this competitive handicap.

Both arrive match-fit and should hold a fitness advantage over some rivals.

Sterling Knight has an excellent record at Doncaster, finishing in the first three on his last three visits, and course form is often crucial here.

Far From Dandy ran well when fourth in a 25-runner race at the Curragh recently, and a repeat effort should see him go close again.

Vincent Rocks remains open to improvement, while Lir Speciale, a dual winner of his most recent contests, also commands respect despite stamina concerns.

STERLING KNIGHT (E/W)

FAR FROM DANDY (E/W)

14:42 KEMPTON

A competitive race where several can be given a chance, so caution is advised.

Respond impressed with a dominant win at Chelmsford last time and that performance should stand him in good stead. With solid all-weather form and race fitness on his side, he is taken to follow up.

El Burhan, Gamrai and Triple Double A look the main dangers.

RESPOND (WIN)

14:57 DONCASTER

Docklands, a Group 1 winner, has been competing at the highest level and a drop back into Listed company should suit.

While Excellent Believe and Volterra are open to improvement, they may need to take a significant step forward to trouble the selection. If ready for his seasonal return, Docklands sets a clear standard.

DOCKLANDS (WIN)

15:13 KEMPTON

Another open Kempton contest where caution is advised, as several hold realistic claims.

Survie heads the market but may be worth opposing in a race of this depth.

Never Let Go is a consistent performer and her Sandringham Stakes success at Royal Ascot represents strong form. Though not the most prolific, she is reliable at this level and can be involved again.

Pina Sonata contested a Group 1 last season and this looks more suitable. Unbeaten on the all-weather, she should be well suited by conditions.

At bigger prices, Sweet Princess and All Moonshine could also outperform expectations having done very little wrong in their careers to date.

NEVER LET GO (E/W)

PINA SONATA (E/W)

15:32 DONCASTER

The Lincoln Handicap, the first heritage handicap of the season, is as competitive as ever. However, the lightly raced La Botte makes considerable appeal. The four-year-old has just one win from five starts but has shown plenty of promise, notably when second in the Britannia at Royal Ascot. A recent run at Wolverhampton should have him primed for this.

Galeron has yet to win in nine starts since returning to Charles Hills but ran well to finish fifth in this race last year. Now 7lb lower and coming here after a solid second at Doncaster, he looks poised to go well again.

Rogue Diplomat is chasing a fifth consecutive win, while Mirabeau could improve following a gelding operation.

LA BOTTE (WIN)

GALERON (E/W)

written by Rory Paddock

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