James Doyle in pole position as he eyes Lincoln repeat on hot favourite Auxerre

With the Flat turf season set to begin with the two-day Lincoln fixture at Doncaster this weekend, James Doyle has high hopes that Unibet Lincoln favourite Auxerre can provide him with the perfect start to what could be a big year for the jockey.

The Charlie Appleby-trained four-year-old, a general 7-2 shot for Saturday's Lincoln, thrived during a light campaign at three, winning three of his four starts after finishing second to Red Starlight on debut at Newmarket in June.

Doyle, who will be riding Auxerre competitively for the first time, said: "I flew back to England for a couple of weeks in the winter to ride out and actually had a sit on him then. He's a nice, big scopey type with a very progressive profile.

"He hasn't done a lot wrong in his career and some of his races have worked out okay. He's a very relaxed horse and has a great attitude, which is a plus point for a race like the Lincoln. He feels like a horse who has run a lot more than he has done."

Doyle delight: success for the rider aboard Addeybb in last year's LincolnCredit: Edward Whitaker

Doyle was successful in the Lincoln last year aboard Addeybb and had been eyeing a big-race double on Saturday as he was in line to ride the five-year-old in the Listed Unibet Doncaster Mile Stakes, but trainer William Haggas ruled him out of the race on Wednesday.

Haggas said: "Addeybb is not going to run at Doncaster on Saturday. He has been in good form, but not flying form.

"If it was soft I would have run him, but it doesn't look like it is going to be and we have a long season ahead."

While Addeybb is an exciting conveyance in the short term, Doyle cannot wait to get back aboard Arc runner-up Sea Of Class, who lost out to Enable in arguably the most thrilling finish of last season.

"I've seen her out on the gallops a few times and she looks like she's done well physically," Doyle said. "She's never going to be a huge horse but she's filled out and her rider seems very pleased with her. I can't wait to see her out and I'm very excited about her."

Last season was a new high for the 30-year-old with 156 winners in Britain and seven Group 1 victories worldwide, but a tilt at the Stobart Flat jockeys' championship is not high on Doyle's agenda.

Reigning champion Silvestre de Sousa on Tuesday downplayed his chances of retaining the crown now he is retained rider for King Power Racing, and Doyle is in a similar position.

He said: "My commitments to Godolphin and William Haggas make it a bit tricky and I have to be cautious with my weight. I'll do below 9st on the odd occasion – that's something that holds me back because the guys that can do lighter get a lot more rides. I've got the backing of some nice yards and hopefully that will help me get plenty of winners on the board.

"Silvestre is a real grafter and has no weight problems and I'm sure himself and Oisin [Murphy] will be out being as busy as they can."

Viewpoint: can Doyle be champion jockey?

James Doyle is a top-priced 16-1 to land the Stobart Flat Jockeys Championship behind 4-5 Silvestre de Sousa and 5-2 Oisin Murphy.

Fourth last year, 42 winners behind De Sousa, Doyle undoubtedly has the talent to win the title, and few would doubt his mental strength.

Another positive is Godolphin tend to know well in advance where their horses will run, so his new agent George Baker, who will naturally be keen to do a good job, should have a head start on many others in terms of securing outside rides.

Doyle won’t ride many under 8st 12lb, which rules him out of many handicap mounts, but if he is in touch with the leaders at the end of Glorious Goodwood you can rest assured he will give the title his best shot. A first championship rates a definite possibility, and 16-1 looks a big price.
Richard Birch

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