Havlin has faith in Hopkins Big-race jockey Rab Havlin believes leading fancy Gm Hopkins fits the bill for the Betway Lincoln at Doncaster today even though the four-year-old goes into the race as one of the least experienced runners. The John Gosden-trained gelding has had only seven races, but has won three of them, and his handler won the prestigious prize with the heavily backed Expresso Star in 2009. Havlin is hoping there is not too much rain beforehand, as his mount bids to confirm superiority with ante-post favourite Mange All from their running in the Silver Cambridgeshire. He said: "He's been training very nicely and it's a good starting point for him this year. He's got the right profile for a race of this nature. Fingers crossed the rain stays away. "He's certainly shown some progression, but he's probably a horse who carries a bit of condition. He fits the profile of recent winners, but he wouldn't want the ground too soft. The sounder the ground, the better." Richard Fahey lifted this prize with Brae Hill in 2012 and is double-handed with Gabrial and Gabrial's Kaka, both owned by Dr Marwan Koukash. The North Yorkshire trainer said: "It's a wide-open race, as it always is, and is tough enough to win. I'm happy with the horses. A bit more rain would help Kaka, but we'll see what happens." Trainer Marco Botti is optimistic of a bold show from Moohaarib, who was a progressive colt last season and should still be on the upgrade having had just the nine starts. The handler said: "He's well and I'm sure he appreciated the rain they had on Thursday. I think the draw (19) should be fine. It looks a very competitive race and we are very hopeful with him." Brian Ellison fancies the chances of his runner Baraweez, who landed two decent prizes in Ireland last season. "He seems well and had a good season last year, he won two nice big handicaps," said the North Yorkshire trainer. "The ground should suit him and he's in good fettle." Mick Channon sees his aptly named contender Lincoln as an improver and the West Ilsley trainer is expecting a big run, though he is stepping up from seven furlongs. "He goes there with a real good chance. I don't think he'll mind the ground whatever it is, so we'd be hopeful he'll go there with decent claims," Channon told At The Races. "The only doubt with him would be if he stays the mile, but he's quite a decent horse. He's won three races at seven furlongs and there's every chance he'll get the trip. He's certainly improved from three to four. You need a horse that is improving and he fits the bill on that score." On the horse's name, Channon added: "I've been asked if he was named because of this race, but I'm afraid he wasn't. His owner named him after the film a few years ago."
