Richard Hills admits he would have preferred softer ground in the William Hill Lincoln for short-priced favourite Taqleed.
Despite plenty of water being put on Town Moor earlier in the week to assist with grass growth, there has been very little rain in Doncaster and the ground is good all round.
"I'd have liked a bit more rain as he's definitely a horse who likes to get his foot in the ground, but I'm looking forward to a good ride," said the jockey about John Gosden's four-year-old.
"He ran a good race in the Cambridgeshire (sixth) and seems to have been working well. I know I've just got back from Dubai, but everybody seems happy with him.
"He started off slowly, but then improved and John has looked after him. It was a great run in the Cambridgeshire as we probably weren't well drawn that day. The only thing I'd be a little bit worried about would be the ground.
"It's a tough race for this time of year, but I rode out at John's the other day and the Newmarket horses seem well forward, so he's got a good chance."
Jumps trainer Howard Johnson is not as well known for his runners on the Flat, but he has a live outsider in Eton Rifles - another who would have been helped by softer conditions.
The County Durham handler said: "It's his first run over a mile since he made his debut as a three-year-old. He's six now, but I don't think the trip will be a problem.
"My one worry would be the ground. He likes a bit of cut, but it won't be too quick for the first meeting, surely. He's drawn nine and we won't know if that's any good until after the first race, but Paul (Mulrennan) knows him well and he's got a bit of a chance."
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