Rising apprentice star handed plum ride on Godolphin's Lincoln favourite

Rising apprentice star Harry Davies has been handed a dream opportunity to make a splash on day one of the Flat season at Doncaster on Saturday, having been booked to ride 5-1 joint-favourite Modern News for Godolphin in the SBK Lincoln.

The dual pony racing champion rode his first winner under rules in January and has since added five more to his name, including Tranquil Night for Modern News’s trainer Charlie Appleby at Kempton last month.

SBK Lincoln card and betting

Harry Davies: looking forward to DoncasterCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Fellow 7lb claimer Benoit De La Sayette rode Haqeeqy to victory in the Town Moor curtain-raiser last year and Appleby was keen to secure a rider for his leading hope with his retained jockeys William Buick and James Doyle in action on World Cup night in Dubai on the same day.

Davies, who is attached to the Andrew Balding yard, has gained admirers with his polished style of riding in recent weeks and has been used by 13 different trainers already.

The 17-year-old, who aims to be champion apprentice this season, is unsurprisingly delighted to get the ride on Modern News. The four-year-old was a winner at the course last year and enjoyed a nice prep when third in a Listed race at Meydan in February when ridden by James Doyle.

Davies said: "It's unbelievable and a privilege to be booked by Mr Appleby to ride Modern News in the Lincoln. It’s very exciting and hopefully I can get a sit on him in the next few days to get to know him a little bit."

Modern News: four-time winner with course experienceCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

On his intended mount, he added: "Modern News looks like an improving type. He ran a nice race out in Dubai and, granted a decent draw, hopefully he can continue on an upward curve. I spoke to James Doyle about the horse who said he was a really nice type."

Charlie Appleby, who has won the Lincoln twice previously with Secret Brief (2016) and Auxerre (2019) said: "Modern News flew in from Dubai a few days ago and looks in good shape.

"We’ve booked Harry for the ride which is a nice opportunity for him and hopefully he can come and sit on him sometime this week."

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