'He should be a big player' - is next season's Lincoln winner in action?

Thursday: 3.45 Doncaster
Cazoo Handicap | 7f | 3yo | ITV3/Sky

The market has this billed as a match race between unexposed pair Modern News and Motawaajed – and rightly so given the promising starts they have made to their careers.

Neither look the finished article just yet – nor should they be after four and five runs respectively – but lofty targets likely await the winner of this prize, with the Lincoln next March looking a suitable aim with this Flat season quickly drawing to a close.

Last year, Haqeeqy sauntered home at 12-1 in this race before landing a notable gamble in this season's Lincoln. Motawaajed has a similar sort of profile, and he has already plundered a handicap over this course and distance.

The Shadwell Estate-owned three-year-old squeezed through a tight gap and stuck on powerfully to deny the talented Dance Fever and recent Ascot runner-up Documenting at the track last month, achieving an RPR of 106. On that evidence, a 2lb rise to an official mark of 97 can be viewed as lenient from the handicapper.

Modern News may also prove a handicap blot after he was raised only 6lb for July's victory at Newmarket. Given it was his first run back from a 392-day absence and a gelding operation, marked progression is likely. Last year's Chesham fifth represents in-form trainer Charlie Appleby, who boasts a 20 per cent strike-rate and £5.13 level-stake profit with his three-year-olds at Doncaster.

Recent winners Run To Freedom and Gioia Cieca don't appear to be on the same upward trajectory but are useful sorts, while Ataser would be of interest if he returned to the form he produced during his impressive juvenile campaign.
Race analysis by Tom Collins

What they say

Emily Scott, racing manager to Amo Racing, part owners of Devilwala
We are hoping for some of the rain that is forecast to fall as without it he may not run. He’s been in good form since York and we are hopeful he will run a nice race if he gets his ground.

Richard Hills, assistant racing manager to Shadwell Estates, owners of Motawaajed
He won well over course and distance last month and he’s developing into a nice horse. Myself and Angus Gold looked at him on Tuesday night and he’s in fantastic shape.

Charlie Appleby, trainer of Modern News
It was nice to see him come back with a win on the July course after some time off and he’s since been back there for a racecourse gallop. This looks the right race for him and he should be a big player.

Henry Candy, trainer of Run To Freedom
It’s a shame it’s a small field as he’s a quirky individual who needs cover early and then likes to come through them. Hopefully it will pan out for him.

Terry Kent, trainer of Ataser
He’s had a few issues this season but is ready to start back again and hopefully he can run well to set him up for a decent autumn. He’ll enjoy the ground if it stays quick.
Reporting by David Milnes

Read more Thursday previews . . .

2.10 Doncaster: could York form prove the key to valuable juvenile sales event?

2.40 Doncaster: Guineas and Oaks favourite Inspiral puts her reputation on the line in May Hill

3.15 Doncaster: will favourite Free Wind last home over demanding Park Hill trip?

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