William Haggas’ Addeybb annihilates Lincoln field
William Haggas won a record-equalling fourth Lincoln in style as Addeybb showed himself to be a Group-class horse in the making with a dominant display at Doncaster.
WILLIAM HAGGAS is already eyeing a record fifth 32Red Lincoln after Addeybb bolted up in Doncaster’s traditional Flat season curtain raiser.
The Newmarket trainer equalled Jack Robinson’s long-standing tally of four Lincoln wins and it couldn’t have been done in better style.
Addeybb – a 5-1 shot - cruised to the front more than a furlong out with James Doyle sitting motionless. When he asked him to go the response was immediate and devastating, with the race in the bag in a matter of strides.
Lord Glitters – sent off 9-2 favourite – gave chase but the bird had flown the nest. The two-and-three-quarters winning distance was more than fair on the runner-up.
Haggas said: “That's great. We’ll try to get the record some time.
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“The Lincoln has been a lucky race for us. I like to target races and it is worth £100,000. It’s a good place to start and a boost to the yard if you can be lucky.
“Addeybb’s done a bit at home but he’s lazy and not very good on the all-weather - I think James got a bit of a shock today.
“We're trying to build a relationship with James but he’s still contracted to Godolphin. They didn't use him much last year but they probably will this year.
“We’re trying to get a jockey who will ride regularly and be available in the better races. We’d like Ryan Moore but so would everyone else.”
Moore couldn’t land a blow on ante-post gamble Fire Brigade. In truth none of Addeybb’s 19 rivals could.
Doyle said: “He was strong throughout.
“When he gets there he doesn't do a whole lot but he quickened up well to put the race to bed.
Templegate's Treble
NAP 3.25 Carlisle - Tonto's Spirit: 'Ran well when third over this sort of trip on Boxing Day and I'm expecting him to be hard to pass'
NEXT BEST 4.10 Doncaster - Royal Line: 'Won his first two starts and although he found the November handicap too much for him, I'm confident he will be better this season'
TREBLE 5.55 Doncaster - Leonidas: 'Ran his best race when upped to 1m4f on his last start and could improve for the switch to Keith Dalgleish'
“I rode work on him a few days ago and he put in a nice bit of work and gave me a great feel - I knew he would go close.
“He’s such an unassuming horse. He goes through the motions.
“He’s not a flashy work horse at home. I wouldn't like to say how far he could go but he’s certainly a horse on the up.”
Veteran Yorkshire trainer Mick Easterby kicked the Flat season off in style. His Perfect Pasture landed the Unibet Cammidge Trophy – the first race of the turf season – with a smooth victory.
Part-owner Steve Hull said: “I only got here as they were going in the stalls as I’d been playing golf. Mick didn’t even try to beat the traffic and said he’d set off after the first!”