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In this 1xBet Ireland review, we’ll take a look at the main favourites for the Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster Racecourse and Dubai World Cup Night, which will make the racing weekend especially exciting and action-packed.

The Flat racing season returns in Britain this weekend with the traditional curtain-raiser, the Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster, set to deliver another fiercely competitive renewal.

I backed Thunder Run and the horse no commentator wants to call Old Cock in last year’s race. Both were well beaten — but both won their next starts. That was satisfying in one sense, as I stuck with them, but frustrating given they landed big-field handicaps off similar marks shortly after.

That’s the Lincoln in a nutshell.

You can identify a well-handicapped horse with the perfect profile, but there may be ten of them in a 22-runner field. Factors like pace, draw, ground, race fitness and luck in running will all play a decisive role.

Perhaps Andy, George, Jaime and Peter will have a stronger angle on the Final Furlong Podcast, out on Thursday on YouTube and all Podcast platforms.

Dubai World Cup Night: star names, shorter prices

There is also top-class action in Dubai, where Al Riffa, Lazzat, Bentornato, Ombudsman, Calandagan and Forever Young all look hard to beat if running to their ratings.

However, racing is rarely that straightforward. Given the geopolitical instability in the region, the fields lack some of the depth typically seen on Dubai World Cup Night, with Aidan O’Brien and several leading British, European and American trainers opting not to participate.

This could favour short-priced favourites, but many are trading at restrictive odds, meaning you may need multiples to make it worthwhile.

Curragh Betting Preview
The more interesting betting opportunities may lie at the Curragh, where the Irish Flat season is already underway and the form is beginning to take shape.

With 1xBet sponsoring six races, there is added focus on Saturday’s card.

3:05 Curragh – 1xBet.ie Supports Irish Racing Gladness Stakes (Listed Race)

All eyes will be on Aidan O’Brien’s unbeaten Albert Einstein, who returns for the first time since winning a Group 3 on Irish Guineas weekend last May.

That day he beat subsequent Group 1 winner Power Blue and Listed winner Andab by three-quarters of a length, doing so with something clearly left in reserve.

He is obviously held in very high regard at Ballydoyle and was originally intended to be their leading contender for the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, a race ultimately won by stablemate Gstaad, who also held an entry in this.

There’s also an interesting backstory. Owner Sue Magnier changed his name three times to find one worthy of a potential stallion. That approach hasn’t always worked — the original City Of Troy (trained by Sir Michael Stoute for Coolmore) failed to live up to expectations, whereas the more recent version became a superstar for O’Brien.

A previous Albert Einstein also ran for Ballydoyle, but remained a maiden after five starts. This version may prove far more deserving of the name.

O’Brien has a decent record in the race, winning it four times, including with Excelebration and Giant’s Causeway, who was beaten in the 2000 Guineas at both Newmarket and the Curragh, before winning five Group 1’s in-a-row. 

Opposition to note
Big Gossey, last year’s winner, would be a hugely popular repeat scorer at his beloved Curragh, having beaten subsequent French Derby winner Camille Pissarro in this race 12 months ago.

However, Ten Bob Tony is particularly interesting if making the trip over for Ed Walker.

• Won first time out in each of the last two seasons

• Beat Kinross in a Group 3 at Haydock

• Finished within 2¾ lengths of Maranoa Charlie in a French Group 1

• Will like the ground

If reproducing his rating of 112, he should go close and is likely to be fitter than Albert Einstein, who will have bigger targets later in the season.

Defeat here would not derail Albert Einstein’s 2000 Guineas prospects, but this is not be his primary objective. Still, its very exciting to see him in action, and it’s a great buzz that he runs in a 1xBet sponsored race. 

1:55 Curragh – Your Game. Your Odds. Your 1xBet.ie Handicap (3yo+)

Stag Night shaped well on his seasonal return on heavy ground, travelling strongly before fading late.

He is likely to improve for that run and has an excellent record at this time of year:

• 2 wins and 4 places in March/April

• winner over this trip

• effective off marks in the high 80s and low 90s

Now dropped to a mark of 88, he looks well treated.

The Eddie Lynam pair Keke and Heavenly Power both merit respect:

• Heavenly Power is well handicapped but may need the run

• Keke has the ability to win better races later in the season but may also improve for this outing

1:25 Curragh – 1xBet.ie Supports Safe Gambling Fillies & Mares Maiden
A fascinating maiden with several well-bred contenders:

The standout runner is Slaney View, a sister to Group 3 winner Merchant. Runner-up to Power Blue on debut and remains open to improvement after a break. Still holds Classic entries. The one to beat if ready to race. 

4:50 Curragh – Final Furlong Podcast At 1xBet.ie Maiden (3yo)

George Stubbs has a pedigree that immediately catches the eye.

Aidan O’Brien recently told the Racing Post:

“We always thought the world of George Stubbs, that’s why we gave him that name. Every time we went to run him, he always disappointed in his last piece of work and he never got to run. He’s a mile and a half horse. He probably won’t get out to be a Derby horse, but he could run at Ascot”

By Camelot out of Inca Princess, he is from an outstanding family:

• Johannes Vermeer (Group 1 winner)

• Wembley (dual Group 1 runner-up)

• Covent Garden (Irish Derby third)

Named after the famed English painter known for his detailed depictions of horses, including Whistlejacket, the name carries serious expectations.

That same name was previously given by Coolmore to a Group 1-winning juvenile, so connections clearly think highly of him.

With entries in both the Derby and Irish Derby, this could be the start of something significant.

Best Bets

• ⭐ Ten Bob Tony

• ⭐ Stag Night

• ⭐ Slaney View

• ⭐ George Stubbs
  

Horse to Follow

• 👀 Albert Einstein

The 1xBet horse racing season is in full swing, and fans can expect numerous thrilling races and exciting storylines ahead. Use statistical analysis to play responsibly and support your favourites.

The analytical piece was prepared by Emmet Kennedy — Presenter, Producer, and Owner of The Final Furlong Podcast, Broadcaster with TalkSPORT, and Broadcast Consultant —  with the support of 1xBet Ireland.

1XBET AND TERMINUS PLATFORM IRELAND LIMITED DO NOT SPONSOR ANY OF THE EVENTS ABOVE AND HAVE NO PARTNERSHIP WITH ASSOCIATED SPORTS LEAGUES AND/OR ASSOCIATIONS.