Steve Jones' Expert Each-Way Horse Racing Tips for Saturday's ITV Coverage
Ace tipster Steve Jones turns his attention to the first meeting of the new Flat Turf season, with the running of the prestigious Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster taking centre stage on Saturday's ITV racing coverage. The traditional curtain-raiser to the turf Flat season often sets the tone for the months ahead, and Jones has identified several value each-way selections across the card.
Botanical Looks Ready to Bloom in the William Hill Lincoln
Steve Jones highlights Botanical (3.32) as his primary pick for the William Hill Lincoln Handicap. This horse finished a respectable third behind the top-class Dancing Gemini in the Listed Doncaster Mile on this same day twelve months ago, and he returns to today's distance for the first time since that performance.
The soft ground conditions expected at Doncaster should help bring Botanical's stamina into play, which is often a key factor in this race, as it is frequently won by a horse proven over further distances. He has demonstrated plenty of form in big-field handicaps, including a runner-up finish in the competitive John Smith's Cup at York back in 2024.
This will also mark Botanical's first run since moving from trainer George Boughey to join the Yorkshire-based Karl Burke. Burke currently has his team in excellent form, and Botanical is likely to hit the ground running as the turf Flat action commences. Steve Jones recommends a 1-point each-way bet at 14-1, noting that many bookmakers are paying out on six places for this event.
Far From Dandy Poised for Success in the Lincoln Consolation Race
In the consolation race for the Lincoln, Jones identifies the Irish raider Far From Dandy (2.25) as a strong opportunity. This horse arrives at Doncaster in good form, having been a fast-finishing fourth in the Irish Lincolnshire just a couple of weeks ago.
That effort was particularly commendable given he started from stall one, while the first two home both had double-figure draws. There is sufficient early pace drawn low to suggest that stall one should not pose an issue this time around. In fact, recent history in both this race and the main Lincoln indicates that a far-side draw can be a positive advantage.
With multiple Irish Champion Jockey Colin Keane in the saddle – who recently rode a winner at the Cheltenham Festival – Far From Dandy should have a solid chance. Jones advises a 1-point each-way bet at 14-1, with several firms offering six places.
Aramram Steps Up in the Listed Cammidge Trophy
Earlier on the Doncaster card, it is worth taking a chance on Aramram (1.50) as he steps up from handicaps to contest the Listed Cammidge Trophy. This horse boasts an excellent record when returning from a break, and he signed off last season with a victory on soft ground at Ascot.
His form earlier in the last season, when he was twice runner-up behind the subsequent Group 2 winner More Thunder, suggests he could well be up to this class. Steve Jones suggests a 1-point each-way bet at 16-1, with several bookmakers going four places for this race.
Brasil Power Holds Sound Claims at Kempton
There is also a decent all-weather meeting at Kempton, where Brasil Power (2.08) has sound claims in the Virgin Bet Queen's Prize. He has performed well since stepping up to staying distances, and he put the race to bed with minimal fuss when successful at Wolverhampton just two weeks ago.
Jones recommends a 1-point each-way bet at 8-1 for this contender, rounding out a comprehensive set of selections for Saturday's racing action on ITV.
