Eternal Force out to provide sixth Lincoln for Haggas

William Haggas is confident the improving Eternal Force can launch his season in strong fashion with a big run in the William Hill Lincoln at Doncaster on Saturday.

The four-year-old produced his best work at the tail-end of the last campaign, as he reeled off a hat-trick of victories at Redcar, Newbury and Haydock.

Haggas, though, has been looking over his shoulder at Harry Eustace’s La Botte, who caught the eye when finishing fourth in the Trial at Wolverhampton early this month.

Haggas said: “He’s got a nice profile and I’m not sure about the draw, but it is what it is. He’s an improver and his work has been good this year, but I’m very frightened about Harry Eustace’s horse, among others in the race, as he is a pretty nice horse.

“He got better with racing last year. I thought he was ordinary when winning at Redcar, better at Newbury and then really quite good at Haydock, but he did go up 8lb for that so the handicapper didn’t miss him. I’m sure he’ll run a good race.”

Newmarket-based Yorkshireman Haggas has a fine record in the Lincoln, being the most successful trainer in the race with five victories, including last year with Godwinson.

Top-notchers Penitent (2010) and Addeybb (2018) also feature on the Somerville Lodge roll of honour.

Haggas added of Cieren Fallon’s mount: “He’s probably not an Addeybb, as Addeybb was a pretty stylish horse, this horse is lazier at home, but he keeps finding and that’s what I like about him.

“He’ll keep going and he’ll enjoy any cut in the ground.”

Eustace, meanwhile, could not be more pleased with the preparations of La Botte, who like Eternal Force has been strong in the ante-post market.

Off the track since only going down by a neck in the Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot, the Too Darn Hot colt tuned up for the Lincoln at Wolverhampton.

Eustace said: “He seems to have come out of it very well. We’re obviously delighted with how he ran and to be honest the race did the last of the heavy lifting work wise for him, we’ve just been ticking him over into Saturday.”

James Owen’s Rogue Diplomat carries course form into the contest, albeit over seven furlongs after finishing last season with a pair of victories on Town Moor.

Connections feel The Rogues Gallery-owned four-year-old is in better condition than ever as he looks to extend a four-race winning streak.

Harry Davies will be in the saddle and said: “He’s a lovely horse is Rogue Diplomat and I just hope we get a bit of rain as slower ground will help him.

“I hope he can go there and get his chance, he’s got to stay an extra furlong but that’s the only question mark really.

“His course form is sure to help him and he just needs the ground slow enough and to relax and not be too fresh in his first start of the year. I think he has a lot of class for sure.”

Owen added: “He’s got a lovely mark, we think he’s a Pattern horse, he’s going to need to be. He is a much stronger horse than last season and his work’s been great. I think he has a big chance.”

Another notable runner will be Anno Domini for Charlie Appleby, with apprentice Toby Moore, son of the great Ryan Moore, taking the ride.