DONCASTER 15:10

Non Runners: LIBRISA BREEZE, BORN TO BE ALIVE (IRE), JOHAN, BRENTFORD HOPE.

Time: 1m 38.26s Closing Sectional: (2f): 25.3s (97.1%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 124%, Betfair SP 98%

A strong renewal of the Lincoln that contained plenty of potential improvers, and one from that category emerged as an impressive winner, Haqeeqy unlikely to be in the handicap ranks for much longer on this evidence, posting a performance right up there with Adeyybb and worth rating as one of the best winners in recent times, easily seeing off another improver in second whilst the lightly-raced fourth also caught the eye, substance provided by the clock, the time comparing well with the other mile races on the card; typically for early-season form there was the usual quota of disappointments further back, though the way things developed also played a part, those who bore the brunt of the headwind at a disadvantage - all the principals came from mid-field or further back - whilst those drawn low were rather caught out on the flank as the field raced in one group, congregating towards the stand-side rail.

HAQEEQY (IRE) was most progressive at 3 yrs and carried on where he left off 7 months on, having been gelded in the meantime, the manner of his success marking him out as the latest from this yard who'll have no problems making the transition from handicaps to Group races, sooner rather than later in all likelihood, in a different league to his rivals here and providing his talented young rider with a breakthrough success on his first ride on turf; waited with, travelled well, had to wait for gap under 2f out, switched 1f out, showed a sharp turn of foot to lead final 50 yds, nudged out and value for extra on top of the winning margin; this opens up more options regarding trip and, a rangy sort having just his sixth run, he looks sure to continue improving as he climbs the ranks.

BRUNCH having his first handicap start since pushing a now-smart rival close at Ayr last autumn (ran in 2 heavy-ground listed events after) and took his form to a similar level after 5 months off, just unlucky to bump into a handicap blot; mid-field, headway under 3f out, produced to lead over 1f out, headed final 50 yds, no match for winner; a likeable type who is clearly well suited to the demands of a big-field environment, he appeals as the type who'll be a standing dish in top-end handicaps at 7f/1m this summer, and could easily pop up in one of them.

HORTZADAR partnered by 5 lb claimer who rode him for first of his 2 wins last year, ran a cracker after 5 months off, no element of fluke about this despite his SP, if anything doing well given his difficult draw; raced wide, in rear, smooth headway under 2f out, every chance final 1f, ran on.

DANYAH (IRE) progressed well at 3 yrs and shaped well after 6 months off, laying the foundations for further improvement this time around; mid-division, raced freely, progress 3f out, shaken up soon after, effort flattened out final 1f; he does stay this far but clearly isn't short on speed and appeals as the type who may prove ideally suited by a well-run 7f, though sure to remain of interest either way.

ORBAAN who'd had a breathing operation since last seen 5 months ago, went without the hood he wore on his last 3 starts at 5 yrs and ran respectably; waited with, headway under 3f out, got gap over 1f out, ran on; his record on good ground or firmer is pretty consistent so he's likely to remain in form, though will remain vulnerable to less-exposed sorts in this type of race.

REVICH (IRE) ran creditably after 5 months off, especially as a stiff 1m probably stretches him; awkward leaving stalls, waited with, went with zest, headway around 3f out, had to squeeze through a gap 1f out, ran on without landing a blow, needs the emphasis more on speed.

OUZO signed off at 4 yrs with a win in a York handicap that has worked out well and, though not at quite at the same level 6 months on, still performed respectably; awkward leaving stalls, mid-division, headway 3f out, not quicken over 1f out.

GROVE FERRY (IRE) had a fitness edge over plenty of these but wasn't in the same form as for all-weather win last month, this respectable at best; chased leaders, not quicken from 2f out.

ASCENSION was too free after 5 months off, is best not judged on this run; dwelt, mid-division, took strong hold, switched under 2f out, not quicken; will probably be back on song next time, though further progression is required if he's to defy this mark.

SCOTTISH SUMMIT (IRE) failed to confirm previous form, though did race closer to the pace than ideal; handy, every chance over 1f out, no extra

EASTERN WORLD (IRE) can have a line put through this run, making all in such a competitive affair as this hard tactics to pull off even without a headwind, whilst he raced freely as well, unsurprisingly having nothing left in the tank once headed over 1f out; clearly thought capable of better given his strength in the market and worth another chance.

HISTORY WRITER (IRE) was overfaced in a truncated 2020 campaign and, without the tongue strap returned to handicap company after 7 months off, took a step back in the right direction; slowly into stride, in rear, headway when badly hampered final 1f, not recover.

KYNREN (IRE) was below form after 5 months off, acknowledging he raced closer to the pace than ideal; prominent, dropped away from 2f out; he does at least start the year on his last winning mark, after a 2020 campaign that was more miss than hit.

RIVER NYMPH is best not judged on this run, getting no cover from the headwind and over a trip he's yet to prove he stays; had a difficult draw as it went, raced prominently towards the outer of the pack, pushed along 3f out, weakened final 1f, eased off; the form of his Newbury win last year has been franked since and he's well worth another chance.

KING OTTOKAR (FR) in a change of headgear (first-time cheekpieces) after 5 months off, proved to be a disappointment, the ground perhaps firmer than ideal (goes well on softer than good); mid-division, ridden 3f out, not quicken.

MAN OF THE NIGHT (FR) ran poorly, to the extent that all may not have been well; in rear, driven 3f out, weakened final 1f, eased off.

GRAPHITE (FR) offered little on first outing since leaving A. Fabre after 18 months off; prominent, dropped away from 3f out; difficult to assess.

DASHING ROGER again failed to beat a rival home; chased leaders, weakened from 3f out; now has something to prove.