'He looks a big player' - Appleby bullish Modern News can grab Lincoln headlines

Saturday: 3.35 Doncaster
SBK Lincoln (Heritage Handicap) | 1m | 4yo+ | ITV/Sky

Rising apprentice star Harry Davies finds himself in the big-race Doncaster spotlight when he partners the well-fancied Godolphin runner Modern News in the SBK Lincoln.

The 17-year-old, who is attached to Andrew Balding’s stable and hopes to be champion apprentice this season, is thrilled to have been given the opportunity by trainer Charlie Appleby.

“I went to sit on Modern News on Wednesday and he’s in great order,” Davies said. “Mr Appleby has done a great job with the horse. We only cantered, but he seems in real good order and he had a buck and a squeal on the way home, which is always a good sign.”

Davies, a dual pony-racing champion, rode his first winner under rules in January, and has since added five more to his name, including Appleby’s Tranquil Night at Kempton last month.

He added: “The ground at Doncaster looks ideal for Modern News, and the draw is okay. It’s a big thrill to have a ride in the Lincoln on such a high-profile horse on only my 33rd ride. I believe the horse is in the right race, and I’m confident in my ability. It’s very exciting.”

Appleby has won the first major handicap of the Flat turf season twice in recent years, and Secret Brief (2016) and Auxerre (2019) also won the Lincoln at the beginning of their four-year-old campaigns.

Modern News: expected to go well under star apprentice Harry Davies on SaturdayCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Modern News warmed up for Doncaster’s straight-mile cavalry charge with a Meydan Listed-race third last month. That came on the back of three victories at Newmarket, Doncaster and Lingfield in the second part of last season after he graduated to handicaps, and it is possible a mark of 105 still underrates him.

Appleby said: “Modern News finished off his 2021 season on a high and has definitely come forward for his run at Meydan. It was always the plan to put him back into quarantine and head for this. He shipped back to Newmarket well and it has been mild for the last couple of weeks, which is always a positive for horses returning from Dubai.

“We’re confident the step up to a mile is going to suit and he looks a big player.”

Lightly raced Mujtaba heads Haggas three

William Haggas is three-handed as he bids for a record fifth success in the Lincoln.

Victorious with High Low (1992), Very Wise (2002), Penitent (2010) and Addeybb (2018), the Newmarket handler runs the heavily backed Mujtaba, Irish Admiral and Ametist.

The unbeaten Mujtaba won three times as a three-year-old, culminating in a comfortable soft-ground Redcar success off an opening handicap mark of 90 in October.

The son of Dubawi proved far superior to his rivals on that occasion and, although this clearly represents a major step-up in class, there is every chance he could remain well treated on 98.

Haggas said: “A lot will depend on the ground. Mujtaba wants slow ground, while the other two want it quick. Mujtaba is a nice, unexposed horse. He’s 8lb higher than for his last win, but I hope he’ll improve. Irish Admiral is more exposed, but is good fresh, while Ametist has been training well.”

Notre Belle Bete bids to follow up trial win

Notre Belle Bete advertised his claims with a career-best performance in landing the Lincoln Trial at Wolverhampton a fortnight ago.

The progressive four-year-old unleashed an irresistible run from early in the straight to beat Baldomero by a head in the manner of a horse who has plenty more to give.

That was Notre Belle Bete’s second start since joining Andrew Balding over the winter – he also won his previous race at 1-10 – and connections are hopeful he goes to Doncaster with realistic claims of maintaining his unbeaten record for his new stable.

Alastair Donald, racing manager to owners King Power Racing, said: “It was a good performance from him at Wolverhampton last time. He has a nice low weight and should like the ground. I’m not sure about the draw. The penny has really dropped with him, and I think he’s going to develop into quite a useful horse this year. He’s been working to a high level at home.”

What they say

Michael Dods, trainer of Brunch
He’s well. He’s 4lb higher than when he finished second in the race last year and he was less exposed then. We’re mindful it’s a long season and he’ll improve for the run, but he does look very well.

Ed Crisford, joint-trainer of Saleymm
He’s been training really well for this race. He’s a lightly raced four-year-old and appears to have the right profile for the Lincoln. A lot of the more fancied horses are drawn around him, and I’m hoping for a very big run.

Richard Spencer, trainer of Revich
He’s in good form and ran well in the Lincoln last year when finishing sixth. It’s his first run of the year and it’s a good race to start him off in. He wasn’t beaten far last year and hopefully will give a good account of himself again.

Les Eyre, trainer of Fame And Acclaim
He’s in great nick, but we could do with a drop more of that wet stuff – his best form has been with some cut in the ground. I’m very happy with the draw, he’s been mapped out for the race, and I’ve done everything in my power to get him spot-on. His form is solid, and we got his wind done over the winter.

Richard Hannon, trainer of Teodolina
I think she’s got a very good chance. She looks well handicapped. She’s a big price, but she doesn’t know that.

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