Tumbleweed King

Royal Ascot 3-05
The Acropolis is Aidan OBrien's sole reprasentative in this seventeen strong field.The master of Ballydoyle has won this race seven times in the last twenty years including with the likes of Arizona, Carravagio, War Command, Power and Landseer. It is clearly a race he targets especially with those juveniles who have won for the yard on their previous start. The Acropolis improved significantly from his debut to record a relatively easy win over Thunder Eclipse at Listowel just a few weeks ago. He travelled comfortably throughout the race and answered every question that Wayne Lordan put to him.
Natural progression is likely and this stoutly bred son of Churchill is now partnered by Ryan Moore. He bids to win the race for an incredible fourth time for Ballydoyle inside the last decade. The yard will be in buoyant mood having won with two of their last three runners over the weekend, showing the well-being of the string. The trip and ground ought to pose little in the way of an inconvenience and this three-year-old commands respect.
3-40 Royal Ascot
The slick performance of Winter Power at York last time caught the eyes of many. As a three-year-old filly she gets weight from all of her rivals as she bids to emulate the likes of Lady Aurelia and Dominica who also won with similar favourable conditions. The speedily bred daughter of Bungleinthejungle likes to sit handy or set the pace and Ascot is a track that lends itself well to runners with that particular running style. Silvestre De Sousa has partnered her to three of her five career wins and no surprise if they hold all the aces here. It would be some performance from Battaash if he were to win this on his seasonal debut. He has gone well fresh in the past, but he is now a seven-year-old and he may find Tim Easterby's filly a tougher nut to crack.
4-20 Royal Ascot
Poetic Flare will think he has just returned from his holidays having not had a race in three weeks. The 2000 Guineas winner went on to contest the Poule D'Essai at Longchamp and then the Irish 2000 Guineas at The Curragh with a six day gap in between. He was unfortunate to find only his stablemate Mac Swiney a short head too strong in the latter. Poetic Flare is a talented son of Dawn Approach who won this for the same connections back in 2013. The classic winner sets the standard here and can confirm recent form with Lucky Vega. Unlike a few of these runners, he is at least proven at this level. He acts on good to firm surfaces and should go extremely close.
5-00 Royal Ascot
Just Hubert represents an in form stable at the moment and was far from disgraced when third to Frankenstella on his seasonal reappearance. He was doing all of his best work in the closing stages in that two miler at Haydock last time. A return to this better ground is likely to suit the William Muir and Chris Grassick trained five-year-old. He won over two-and-a-half miles at Goodwood in a Class 2 handicap last year, so he certainly has the stamina reserves to see out this marathon. Danny Tudhope keeps the ride and they look to have solid each way claims here.
5-35 Royal Ascot
Forest Of Dean has proven himself at Group Three level in the past and this race should be well within his scope. He ought to be more than capable of olaying a leading role here. Frankie Dettori is a notable jockey booking for Team Gosden as they bid to repeat their win in this race having won it with Monarchs Glen back in 2018. Good ground suits this son of Iffraaj and he is fully effective at the trip. Frankie bids to enhance his 100% strike rate on the gelding having won on him at York on the Knavesmire last summer. They have to be rate as dangers to all here.
6-10 Royal Ascot
It is exceedingly difficult to ignore the claims of Saldier in the finale as he remains fully unexposed on the flat. He gained a morale boosting win in this sphere when hacking up under a seven pound claimer at Listowel just nine days ago. Whilst any rain would only boost his chances, the eye-catching booking of Ryan Moore is a massive plus for the seven-year-old. Many of these runners have shown their true colours well before now, but Saldier is very much an unknown quantity on the level. If he progresses again from that recent start, he could well catch a few of these off guard.

As in previous years we will be running a tipsters competition for ROYAL ASCOT, Tuesday 15th June to Saturday 19th June.
Rules:
1 selection per race throughout the competition Bets settled to £1 level stakes - WIN Only Bets settled at SP Highest accumulative total over the competition wins £60 cash (via PayPal) Runner Up wins £25 and the third place wins £15, all prizes via your PayPal account No edits allowed in selection posts Losses incurred for losers Replacement selections for NRs can be posted but must be before the first race deadline All Bets must be posted prior to the first race each day (no exceptions) Leader-board posted each evening A minimum of 14 bets is required to qualify for any prizes Only bets on that day's thread will be included, bets posted eleswhere will not be included All welcome, good luck.

Disappointingly we don’t have the opportunity to see Tiger Roll re-write the record books by attempting to win three back to back Grand Nationals - a feat never achieved before. His owners, Michael & Eddie O’Leary seem to have a bee in their Gigginstown bonnets about the handicap mark allotted to their superstar but the way he won the Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham it does seem a real shame he’s not given the opportunity to at least have a go here.   The race is run over 4m 2f 74yds of the unique Aintree course and although the fences have been modified of late it still remains a fine spectacle and a race which puts our great sport in the shop window for a Saturday in April.   Interestingly 10 of the past 12 winners were having their first start in the race and 19 of the past 24 winners were aged 8-10. That last stat is quite interesting as prior to Many Clouds victory in 2015 there had been only three winning eight year olds in the previous 40 years but in the last five years there’s been three. Maybe the increased prize money and slightly easier fences have attracted a better class, younger type to the race.  Just two favourites has won in the last ten years (Tiger Roll @ 4/1 in 2019 and Don’t Push It @ 10/1 joint in 2010)   40 go to post and here’s my horse by horse guide. The ground with further watering overnight is likely to be good to soft.   BRISTOL DE MAI (Nigel Twiston Davies 10 years old) Classy chaser who’s seem unbeatable at Haydock which is a track not un similar to Aintree. Has to shoulder top weight here and would like plenty of juice in the ground. Jockey Daryl Jacob has been talking him up recently but for me he has a big task under a big weight. Yet to race behind 3m 2f.   CHRIS’S DREAM (Henry De Bromhead 9 years old) Stamina big issue with him. Ran well in last years Gold Cup but appeared to run out of petrol close home. Pulled up in Ryanair over 2m 5f at Cheltenham on latest run.   YALA ENKI (Paul Nicholls 11 years old) Stays well and likes to be ridden prominently so likely to give regular rider Bryony Frost a good spin round here. Has made the occasional bad blunder and getting old now at 11.   BALLYOPTIC (Nigel Twiston-Davies 11 years old) Not shone in four outings this season, including over hurdles when last seen at Haydock. Outsider who’s hard to fancy.   DEFINITLY RED (Brian Ellison 12 years old) Age catching up with him. Pulled up in 2017 renewal when only 10/1 but not as good now and was way behind favourite Cloth Cap at Kelso last time.   LAKE VIEW LAD (Nick Alexander 11 years old) In the same ownership as favourite Cloth Cap. Shock winner of Many Clouds Chase here on the Mildmay course in December last. Not shown anything since (last time behind Cloth Cap). 14/1 when pulled up in 2019 National won by Tiger Roll.   BURROWS SAINT (Willie Mullins 8 years old) 2019 Irish National winner as a novice. Good 2nd in Bobbyjo Chase last time and has been trained for this race. All the recent stats point to him and he looks sure to run a big race though has been well found in the market at single figure odds.   MAGIC OF LIGHT (Mrs J Harrington 10 years old) Was runner up to Tiger Roll at 66/1 back in 2019. Has mixed hurdling and fencing this season though was a bit under par in the Mares Chase at Cheltenham last time. Previous experience invaluable in this race and can run well each way at a big price.   ACAPELLA BOURGEOIS (Willie Mullins 11 years old) Stamina looks his forte with a 3rd in the 2019 Irish National to Burrows Saint on his CV. 7lb better off now for 7 1/4L. Turned the table on stable companion Burrows Saint last time out when beating him 4 3/4L in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse and 7lb better off. On the form book should be bang there with Burrows Saint but is 4 times the price. Looks good ew value.   TALKISCHEAP (Alan King 9 years old) Winner of the Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown in April 2019. Not shown the same form since and easy to put a line through here.   TOUT EST PERMIS (Noel Meade 8 years old) Yet to race beyond 3 miles and looks totally exposed having raced 21 times over fences. Held by the Mullins pair in the Bobbyjo and very hard to make a case for him.   ANIBALE FLY (Tony Martin 11 years old) Ran well when 5th (beaten 16 1/2L) in 2019 National behind Tiger Roll. Shown very little since including when behind Acapella Bourgeois and Burrows Saint in Bobbyjo Chase (first run mind for a year). Races here off of a 16lb lower mark than his 5th two years ago and presumably been trained with this race in mind. There’s worse 33/1 chances than him in race.   MISTER MALARKEY (Colin Tizzard 8 years old) Ascot winner in December and good 3rd at Kempton last time out. Has yet to race beyond 3 miles and has stamina to prove here.   KIMBERLITE CANDY (Tom Lacey 9 years old) An out and out stayer who won the Warwick Classic in January 2020 by 10L. Has been runner up in the last two renewals of the Becher Chase over these fences, was extremely easy to back on latest run suggesting he badly needed his first run for 329 days and is a player here although all his best efforts have been gained on very deep ground so the softer the better for him.   ANY SECOND NOW (Ted Walsh 9 years old) Trainer has won race before with the gambled on Papillon in 2000. Has been very well backed ante-post and comes here on the back of a 10L victory of a Grade 2 contest at Navan over 2 miles. Stamina is an issue mind and at the current price is no value what so ever.   OK CORRAL (Nicky Henderson 11 years old) Has been trained for this race but ran no sort of race in the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham when a 33/1 chance and pulled up. Went off 4/1 favourite for the then 4 miler at Cheltenham back in March 2019 when suffering interference and pulling up. Stamina not a gimme here and hard to fancy much.   TAKINGRISKS (Nicky Richards 12 years old) Stays well (won Scottish National back in 2019 over 4 miles) and prefers drying ground. Bounced back to form when a 40/1 winner of the Skybet Chase at Doncaster in January and raised only 4lb. Not without a top 6 chance though at 12 hard to see him winning.   SHATTERED LOVE (Mrs Denise Foster 10 years old) Has yet to prove her stamina for a test like this (pulled up in Burrow Saints Irish National win). Comes here in decent enough form with placings behind smart mares Elimay and Colreevy over 2m and 2m4f this year. Her best form has come on very soft ground and conditions unlikely to suit this year.   JETT (Mrs Jessie Harrington 10 years old) Well beaten in Becher Chase back in December and shown little since including over hurdles on latest - easy to put a line through him.   LORD DU MESNIL (Richard Hobson 8 years old) Stays well and comes here on the back of a hard fought win of the Grand National Trial at Haydock in February. Loves the mud however and any softening of the ground would bring him into the equation but as it stands at present may be run off of his hooves on this better terrain. Officially 5lb well in here.   POTTERS CORNER (Christian Williams 11 years old) 2019 Welsh National winner and only rated 4lb higher now. Has been trained for this and been given a couple of outings over hurdles this year to get him spot on for this. Could possibly do with some easing in the ground but cannot be ruled out and has definite ew claims.   CLASS CONTI (Willie Mullins 9 years old) Placed in the Thyestes Handicap Chase and Leinster National on last two outings. Still has stamina to prove mind and has yet to race beyond 3m1f. Mullins has better chances than this one in the race. In same ownership as top weight Bristol De Mai.   MILAN NATIVE (Mrs Denis Foster 8 years old) Kim Muir winner at Cheltenham in 2020 but could only finish 9th when well backed in recent renewal. Pulled up in only attempt at a marathon trip and has stamina as well as ability to answer to.   DISCORAMA (Paul Nolan 8 years old) Has some decent back form as a novice including when runner up in the then 4 miler at the Cheltenham Festival to Le Breuil in 2019. Not seen since flopping at Cheltenham in 3m3f handicap last November but trained for race and it would not be a shock if he runs well as he is an out and out stayer.   VIEUX LION ROUGE (David Pipe 12 years old) Loves these unique fences and his course form reads 7167920951 including a 24L win in the latest renewal of the Becher Chase from Kimberlite Candy looked as good as ever at 11. Flopped since in Welsh National and though he should run well it’s hard to believe he’s well handicapped enough at 12 to win this. He’s finished 7th, 6th, 9th and 15th in his four previous attempts in this race.   CLOTH CAP (Jonjo O’Neill 9 years old) Has everything in his favour. Impressive when winning the Ladbrokes Trophy by 10L in November where he made all and jumped well. Given a 98 day break he was next seen up at Kelso when taking a listed chase over 3m by 7 1/2L from Aso. He was wrong at the weights with his rivals that day and with no penalties incurred after the weights are released is officially 14lb well in here. He stays well as he proved when 3rd in the Scottish National in 2019 and prefers good ground. He ticks all the boxes and whatever way you play this famous race I urge you to have him as part of your staking plan.   CABARET QUEEN (Willie Mullins 9 year old) Yet to run at marathon trips and comes here on the back of two uninspiring efforts in the Thyestes Chase and Mares Chase at Cheltenham. Easy to scrub out.   MINELLACELEBRATION (Katy Price 11 years old) Has run in the last two renewals of the Becher Chase - well beaten 10th and unseating at the 7th at big prices. Stamina to prove and hard to give any chance to.   CANELO (Alan King 8 years old) Been running well all season. Was third in the Grimthorpe at Doncaster last time over 3m 2f - that’s the furthest he’s ever raced over and has his stamina to prove.   THE LONG MILE (J P Dempsey 7 years old) One of the youngest in the field and wasn’t disgraced when third beaten 7 3/4L in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse last time. Only 3L behind Burrows Saint that day at level weights and 9lb better off here. Has only run on very soft ground ground but if handling this better surface could be a lively outsider for leading owner JP McManus who is likely to have 7 runners here in the green and gold colours.   GIVE ME A COPPER (Paul Nicholls 11 years old) Lightly raced for his age and part owned by Alex Ferguson. Good ground suits and has a 4th in the 3m 5f Bet365 Chase in his profile so chances are he’ll stay ok. Whether he’s good enough to worry some of these I doubt though.   FARCLAS (Mrs Denise Foster 7 years old) Excellent effort at Cheltenham when chasing home the progressive The Shunter but that was over 2m 4 1/2f and stamina looks a major issue with him here. The furthest he’s run at was when 3rd in the Paddy Power Chase over 3m last Christmas.   MINELLA TIMES (Henry De Bromhead 8 years old) Subject of an ante post gamble. Likely to be ridden by Rachael Blackmore. Consistent sort who’s been runner up in two valuable handicap chases in Ireland this season rising 9lb. Yet to race beyond 3 miles mind and although with the right connections isn’t certain to need a marathon trip.   SUB LIEUTENANT (Georgie Howell 12 years old) 2nd over these fences in the 2019 Topham. Now trained by Georgie Howell who has yet to train a winner. Likely to be ridden by Tabitha Worsley. Hard to fancy at all.   HOGANS HEIGHTS (Jamie Snowden 10 years old) Easy winner of the Grand Sefton (beat Wishfull Dreaming 16L) in December 2019. Shown absolutely nothing since in two handicap hurdles and a cross country race. On recent form he’s a no hoper.   DOUBLE SHUFFLE (Tom George 11 years old) 33/1 when pulled up in the 2017 Grand National. Won at Kempton in January over 3 miles. Yet another one who has to prove he needs a thorough test.   AMI DESBOIS (Graeme McPherson 11 years old) Has run well in second place in two handicap over 3 miles this year. Last won in December 2017 and it will be a major surprise were he to oblige here.   BLAKLION (Dan Skelton 12 years old) Fourth in 2017 and brought down at the first in 2018. Not shown a great deal since and a top ten finish would be a result for his enthusiastic owners.       Summary:-   The one to beat is without doubt Jonjo O’Neill’s Cloth Cap who has everything in his favour (unless the weather forecast is wrong and it turned soft) officially a stone well in, a sound jumper and stays well. Tom Scudamore has a poor record in this race but his family is steeped in the tradition of the race (his Grand Father won it on Oxo back in 1959) and I have no reservations about the man on top who has been riding at the top of his game all season. Current quotes of 4/1 may seem stingy and I’m hoping as we get closer to the big day his price may lengthen as he will certainly be my main bet.   Willie Mullins looks likely to have four runners with his Irish National winner Burrows Saint the shortest in the betting. If you fancy him though then you surely must give Acapela Bourgeois a good chance also. His form ties in nicely with his stable mate and at four times the price is worth backing each way. Although the younger horses have come to the fore in recent years 11 year old’s won this in 2012,2013 & 2014 so I’m not put off by his age.   Were the ground to turn soft then the likes of Kimberlite Candy and Secret Reprieve would come into the reckoning but for the time being I’ll stick with just the two selections in the hope that Cloth Cap will drift later in the week and I’ll take the 33/1 Acapella Bourgeois which looks good ew value to me.   CLOTH CAP 3 points win @ best price on day   ACAPELLA BOURGEOIS 1 point each way @ 33/1 1/4 odds 12345 Bet365              

Run Wild Fred 14/1 e/w @ William Hill
I've been given this and I know it's a National but I've had 1pt e/w (2pts total). 
Was fancied at Cheltenham and then pulled with maybe this in mind. 
Passing on in good faith ?

@Tumbleweed King and others although @Tedthewolfhas clocked it. I see no mention anywhere o tumbleweeds list of potentially the best horse in the race a proven group 3 performer an any going and at distances up to  9F. the risk you are taking is, Is it fit? we all know new (ish) trainers need to get their name up in lights and this horse passed from The Brilliant A Fabre to S Chrisford (didnt run for him) and then to T J Kent who worked for Godophin amongst others so he must know plenty about this horse. 100/1 this morning (fri) had me falling off my chair it is now generally 50/1 which would have had me falling off my chair if i hadn't seen the 100's. will just add a little coincidence here in the 2:00 donny runs tres fluer another ex Fabre gg and that is overpriced at 33/1. Me being on the very greedy side have done both gg's in a whopping ew dble (about 3,300/1 and both in singles. Bet the lead in the pencil people (nap).

Orbaan 5th .....got some 40/1 yest ew so ew money returning .....ouzo was 7th ew on skybet but I didnt back with sky lol 

Hi all, 
Just thought I would do a small preview of one of the main races from this upcoming weekend following on from the big race wins on the Cheltenham tips mini-site. Hope you enjoy and I would love to see you opinions on the Lincoln this coming weekend. 
Lincoln Preview 2021 – Doncaster 3-10 Saturday Afternoon
The Lincoln is the first major flat handicap of the season and it takes place this coming Saturday at Doncaster Racecourse. It is open to horses aged four and older.
Year
Horse
Age
Draw
Weight
Jockey
Trainer
SP
Winning Time
2000
John Ferneley
5
1
8-10
Jimmy Fortune
Paul Cole
7/1 JF
1:41.12
 
2001
Nimello
5
1
8-09
Jimmy Fortune
Paul Cole
9/2 F
1:46.68
 
2002
Zucchero
6
7
8-13
Simon Whitworth
David Arbuthnot
33/1
1:45.44
 
2003
Pablo
4
6
8-11
Michael Hills
Barry Hills
5/1
1:39.18
 
2004
Babodana
4
23
9-10
Philip Robinson
Mark Tompkins
20/1
1:40.15
 
2005
Stream of Gold
4
13
9-00
Robert Winston
Sir Michael Stoute
5/1 F
1:38.18
 
2006
Blythe Knight
6
9*
8-10
Graham Gibbons
John Quinn
22/1
1:44.33
 
2007
Very Wise
5
16**
8-11
Joe Fanning
William Haggas
9/1
1:46.18
 
2008
Smokey Oakey
4
12
8-09
Jimmy Quinn
Mark Tompkins
10/1
1:42.38
 
2009
Expresso Star
4
9
8-12
Jimmy Fortune
John Gosden
10/3 F
1:36.51
 
2010
Penitent
4
6
9-02
Johnny Murtagh
William Haggas
3/1 F
1:43.31
 
2011
Sweet Lightning
6
16
9-04
Johnny Murtagh
Michael Dods
16/1
1:38.38
 
2012
Brae Hill
6
12
9-01
Tony Hamilton
Richard Fahey
25/1
1:37.36
 
2013
Levitate
5
3
8-04
Darren Egan
John Quinn
20/1
1:41.91
 
2014
Ocean Tempest
5
5
9-03
Adam Kirby
John Ryan
20/1
1:40.17
 
2015
Gabrial
6
15
9-00
Tony Hamilton
Richard Fahey
12/1
1:39.62
 
2016
Secret Brief
4
22
9-04
William Buick
Charlie Appleby
12/1
1:46.25
 
2017
Bravery
4
20
9-01
Daniel Tudhope
David O'Meara
20/1
1:38.38
 
2018
Addeybb
4
10
9-02
James Doyle
William Haggas
5/1
1:43.56
 
2019
Auxerre
4
17
9-02
James Doyle
Charlie Appleby
5/2 F
1:36.82
 
*2006 race was run at Redcar
** 2007 race was run at Newcastle
I shall highlight some of the main contenders and hopefully give you some help in choosing the winner from what is likely to be a full field of a maximum of 22 runners.
No horse has won carrying more than 9-04 since Right Wing won the race in 1999. You have to go all the way back to 1985 winner Cataldi to find any other horse carrying more than 9-05 to victory.
Four year olds with double digit draws have proven victorious in recent years and Charlie Appleby has been responsible for two of those four winners. This time he has targeted Eastern World at this race following a recent win out in Meydan.
 
Eastern World – Charlie Appleby – James Doyle
Eastern World gets into this off a mark of 98 but could well be a group horse in a handicap. If he were to receive a double figure draw, I would be a little sweeter on him. He was firmly put in his place by Haqeeqy here back in September when chinned by thirteen lengths. He clearly thrived through the winter to win at Meydan last time and given connections have won this twice in the last four years he commands respect.
Haqeeqy – John Gosden – Benoit De La Sayette
Haqeeqy hasn’t won this race in over a decade and whilst he thrived last season, he would do well to win this with 9-05 on his back. Babodana carried five pounds more back in 2004 when sauntering to success here. He is proven on the track and has been gelded since his last run. He did try this trip once last year and finished last of ten on the July course at Newmarket so that is worth keeping in mind.
Brentford Hope – Richard Hughes – Jamie Spence
Brentford Hope improved with each run last year accumulating in a ¾ length win over Mascat at Haydock back in October. That came on heavy ground though and that would be a major concern given the drying out of the track at the moment. He was a bitterly disappointing 6/4 favourite when turned over at York last Summer on similar going. Despite the booking of Jamie Spencer, it would be a no from me.
River Nymph – Clive Cox – Adam Kirby
River Nymph was only beaten a length on his seasonal reappearance at Lingfield last season following a near seven-month break. He clearly goes well fresh though and won two low grade handicaps at Ascot and Newbury. He will need to put in a career defining performance to win this, prove that he stays a mile and he just looks too high in the weights.
King Ottokar – Charlie Fellowes – Ben Curtis
King Ottokar won on his first two runs in 2018 and 2019 but fluffed his lines when sent into Group Three company at the beginning of last season. His best run last year came in a handicap back at this track where he was beaten 4¾ lengths by Matthew Flinders. He has dropped to his lowest ever handicap mark and is proven over further than this. Tends to be suited by rain in the ground though and drying conditions look set to be against him.
Danyah – Owen Burrowes – Kieran Shoemark
Danyah has a highly progressive profile and won two of his four outings last year including at this track. He was placed on soft ground at Ripon over this trip but with drying ground likely to be in his favour, he would be worth another shot at it here. Kieran Shoemark has been placed on him before and this would be a sentimental start to flat season should he carry the first colours of Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum to victory following his late owner’s recent passing. He has to be of interest.
Grove Ferry – Andrew Balding – William Carver
Grove Ferry warmed up for this nicely with a decent win at Lingfield last time out following a four-month break. He is a versatile character and having won on anything from good to firm to Soft, the four-year-old is well worth his place in this line-up. He has run well here in the past and looks the type to run a big race despite a big weight.
Born To Be Alive – Karl Burke – Clifford Lee
Born To Be Alive has won his two most recent starts on the all-weather surfaces of Wolverhampton and Kempton. As a result, he has been raised seven pounds in the ratings. There are no problems with the mile as he gets it well, but he is untested on turf for almost three years. The last time he ran here he wasn’t beaten far by Zabeel Prince but that was three years ago and he would have an each ay chance if retaking to the surface.
Brunch – Michael Dods – Callum Rodriguez
Brunch found the mud to be against him when last seen out at Newmarket in October when he was beaten a dozen lengths by Zakouski amongst others. Prior to that he had a useful profile especially at this trip and won races at Newcastle and York. He was fit enough to do himself justice on his first run last year and this consistent son of Harbour Watch is fully capable of playing a role here.
Ascension – Roger Varian –
Ascension has been a model of consistency for owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing. He comes here on the back of a five-month break but is essentially better suite by a bit of give in the ground. He has gone in at Ayr, Newmarket, Salisbury and Newcastle so he certainly knows where the winning post is. If the rains were to come I would be a bit keener, but given the current state of the ground it is hard to see him winning given that the only time he met ground on the firmer side, he finished last of four at Newmarket.
Johan – William Haggas – Ciaren Fallon
Willie Haggas has won this race on multiple occasions with the likes of Very Wise, Penitent and Addeybb. This son of Zoffany looks likely to shoulder top-weight in this fiercely competitive handicap. He is likely to improve for having been gelded in the early part of the new year and he has gone well fresh in the past. He won’t mind if there is no rain around and having chalked up wins at Chelmsford, Ayr, Newbury, Musselburgh and Lingfield, he is rapidly shooting up the handicap. He is rated higher at this stage than any of the yard’s other three winners and if he handles the weight he will go extremely close.
Man Of The Night – Richard Hannon – Rossa Ryan
Man Of The Night has never looked the most straight-forward of individuals despite having won on his debut at Newbury in July 2019. Since then he has always found a way to be beaten. He made a comeback at Wolverhampton a fortnight ago when beaten two lengths by Born To Be Alive having endured a nightmare of a run under Sean Levey. A return to turf will suit him but chances are he will find a few too good again.
Kynren – David Barron – Connor Beasley
Kynren usually runs his race but he has always needed his first run back to build upon it. He ran some fair races last year without success and he has now dropped to his lowest mark since October 2019. He does handle big fields well which is a plus, but he is without a win in over two years and would ideally love some cut in the ground. Connor Beasley takes the ride for the first time but it would need a career best from both to trouble the judge.
Ouzo – Richard Hannon – Sean Levey
Ouzo won on his last outing at this level in a competitive handicap at York last October on soft ground. He has been raised five pounds for that success and would want the ground no quicker than good. Despite the ammunition that Richard Hannon has had down the years, he has never trained the winner of this race, but this five-year-old gives him a squeak. He is another with plenty of large field experience and he could just hit the frame.
Alternative Fact – Ed Dunlop – Silvestre De Sousa
Alternative Fact needs soft ground as all three of his career victories have come when there has been plenty of rain around. He has not been done any favours by the handicapper here, who seriously needs to relent a bit given his limitations. He has been beaten soundly by a couple of today’s rivals before including Danyah and Ouzo. He is beginning to look extremely vulnerable.
History Writer – David Menusier – Kevin Scott
History Writer was considered good enough to compete in a couple of Group races last year, albeit he was soundly beaten in all three. A return to handicaps is likely to see him in a much better light and he may well prove a forgotten horse. He has won and been placed in listed company so he is certainly no mug and his trainer will prove a force to be reckoned with this year. A mile is certainly well within his scope, but he is another that tends to benefit for a run. If putting it altogether he could grab a place.
Scottish Summit – Geoffrey Harker – Sam James
Scottish Summit is still on a career high mark but ran a fair enough race on his comeback behind Born To Be Alive at Wolverhampton a fortnight ago. He has often run well at big prices in the past but at the age of eight, you would be disappointed if there wasn’t something that would have the legs of him amongst the younger crop. He is unproven at this level and this could prove a step beyond him.
Into Faith – David Menusier – Rhys Clutterbuck
Into Faith ran three times at Saint-Cloud last year without showing much sparkle. The four-year-old son of Intello has managed only one career win in nine starts and that came at Longchamp on some seriously soft going. Things look a lot tougher here and he looks completely out of his depth.
Librisa Breeze – Dean Ivory – Joey Haynes
Librisa Breeze is certainly well handicapped on the best of his winning form but he has looked regressive in recent starts. His two best runs came on rain softened ground. He would have a live each way chance if this was held at his beloved Ascot, but he was beaten over seven lengths the last time he raced on this track and is hard to recommend.
Revich – Richard Spencer – Angus Villiers
Revich clearly loves a turning track having picked up a win at Epsom and three at Chester in his career. He has never won over a mile with all of his successes coming at seven or an extended seven furlongs. He looks fairly exposed now and others appeal more. He looks high enough in the ratings and needs a bit of respite from the handicapper.
Conclusion
I will take two against the field and the first horse I am immediately drawn to is the Owen Burrowes trained Danyah. An improving sort, he could well prove this 98 rating a mockery. The horse has serious talent if it can win with Dane O’Neill in the saddle (sorry Dane). He handles this track and also good ground. He has gone well fresh in the past and remains completely unexposed. He is weighted to reverse form with River Nymph based on their meeting at Newbury last summer. Another one who could well have a say is the top-weight Johan. He comes here rated higher than Addeybb, Very Wise and Penitent when they won for William Haggas. The weight is a lot though in a race of this nature. At a huge price History Writer could well grab a place should conditions take a turn for the worse.

Hi all, 
Just thought I would do a small preview of one of the main races from this upcoming weekend following on from the big race wins on the Cheltenham tips mini-site. Hope you enjoy and I would love to see you opinions on the Lincoln this coming weekend. 
Lincoln Preview 2021 – Doncaster 3-10 Saturday Afternoon
The Lincoln is the first major flat handicap of the season and it takes place this coming Saturday at Doncaster Racecourse. It is open to horses aged four and older.
Year
Horse
Age
Draw
Weight
Jockey
Trainer
SP
Winning Time
2000
John Ferneley
5
1
8-10
Jimmy Fortune
Paul Cole
7/1 JF
1:41.12
 
2001
Nimello
5
1
8-09
Jimmy Fortune
Paul Cole
9/2 F
1:46.68
 
2002
Zucchero
6
7
8-13
Simon Whitworth
David Arbuthnot
33/1
1:45.44
 
2003
Pablo
4
6
8-11
Michael Hills
Barry Hills
5/1
1:39.18
 
2004
Babodana
4
23
9-10
Philip Robinson
Mark Tompkins
20/1
1:40.15
 
2005
Stream of Gold
4
13
9-00
Robert Winston
Sir Michael Stoute
5/1 F
1:38.18
 
2006
Blythe Knight
6
9*
8-10
Graham Gibbons
John Quinn
22/1
1:44.33
 
2007
Very Wise
5
16**
8-11
Joe Fanning
William Haggas
9/1
1:46.18
 
2008
Smokey Oakey
4
12
8-09
Jimmy Quinn
Mark Tompkins
10/1
1:42.38
 
2009
Expresso Star
4
9
8-12
Jimmy Fortune
John Gosden
10/3 F
1:36.51
 
2010
Penitent
4
6
9-02
Johnny Murtagh
William Haggas
3/1 F
1:43.31
 
2011
Sweet Lightning
6
16
9-04
Johnny Murtagh
Michael Dods
16/1
1:38.38
 
2012
Brae Hill
6
12
9-01
Tony Hamilton
Richard Fahey
25/1
1:37.36
 
2013
Levitate
5
3
8-04
Darren Egan
John Quinn
20/1
1:41.91
 
2014
Ocean Tempest
5
5
9-03
Adam Kirby
John Ryan
20/1
1:40.17
 
2015
Gabrial
6
15
9-00
Tony Hamilton
Richard Fahey
12/1
1:39.62
 
2016
Secret Brief
4
22
9-04
William Buick
Charlie Appleby
12/1
1:46.25
 
2017
Bravery
4
20
9-01
Daniel Tudhope
David O'Meara
20/1
1:38.38
 
2018
Addeybb
4
10
9-02
James Doyle
William Haggas
5/1
1:43.56
 
2019
Auxerre
4
17
9-02
James Doyle
Charlie Appleby
5/2 F
1:36.82
 
*2006 race was run at Redcar
** 2007 race was run at Newcastle
I shall highlight some of the main contenders and hopefully give you some help in choosing the winner from what is likely to be a full field of a maximum of 22 runners.
No horse has won carrying more than 9-04 since Right Wing won the race in 1999. You have to go all the way back to 1985 winner Cataldi to find any other horse carrying more than 9-05 to victory.
Four year olds with double digit draws have proven victorious in recent years and Charlie Appleby has been responsible for two of those four winners. This time he has targeted Eastern World at this race following a recent win out in Meydan.
 
Eastern World – Charlie Appleby – James Doyle
Eastern World gets into this off a mark of 98 but could well be a group horse in a handicap. If he were to receive a double figure draw, I would be a little sweeter on him. He was firmly put in his place by Haqeeqy here back in September when chinned by thirteen lengths. He clearly thrived through the winter to win at Meydan last time and given connections have won this twice in the last four years he commands respect.
Haqeeqy – John Gosden – Benoit De La Sayette
Haqeeqy hasn’t won this race in over a decade and whilst he thrived last season, he would do well to win this with 9-05 on his back. Babodana carried five pounds more back in 2004 when sauntering to success here. He is proven on the track and has been gelded since his last run. He did try this trip once last year and finished last of ten on the July course at Newmarket so that is worth keeping in mind.
Brentford Hope – Richard Hughes – Jamie Spence
Brentford Hope improved with each run last year accumulating in a ¾ length win over Mascat at Haydock back in October. That came on heavy ground though and that would be a major concern given the drying out of the track at the moment. He was a bitterly disappointing 6/4 favourite when turned over at York last Summer on similar going. Despite the booking of Jamie Spencer, it would be a no from me.
River Nymph – Clive Cox – Adam Kirby
River Nymph was only beaten a length on his seasonal reappearance at Lingfield last season following a near seven-month break. He clearly goes well fresh though and won two low grade handicaps at Ascot and Newbury. He will need to put in a career defining performance to win this, prove that he stays a mile and he just looks too high in the weights.
King Ottokar – Charlie Fellowes – Ben Curtis
King Ottokar won on his first two runs in 2018 and 2019 but fluffed his lines when sent into Group Three company at the beginning of last season. His best run last year came in a handicap back at this track where he was beaten 4¾ lengths by Matthew Flinders. He has dropped to his lowest ever handicap mark and is proven over further than this. Tends to be suited by rain in the ground though and drying conditions look set to be against him.
Danyah – Owen Burrowes – Kieran Shoemark
Danyah has a highly progressive profile and won two of his four outings last year including at this track. He was placed on soft ground at Ripon over this trip but with drying ground likely to be in his favour, he would be worth another shot at it here. Kieran Shoemark has been placed on him before and this would be a sentimental start to flat season should he carry the first colours of Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum to victory following his late owner’s recent passing. He has to be of interest.
Grove Ferry – Andrew Balding – William Carver
Grove Ferry warmed up for this nicely with a decent win at Lingfield last time out following a four-month break. He is a versatile character and having won on anything from good to firm to Soft, the four-year-old is well worth his place in this line-up. He has run well here in the past and looks the type to run a big race despite a big weight.
Born To Be Alive – Karl Burke – Clifford Lee
Born To Be Alive has won his two most recent starts on the all-weather surfaces of Wolverhampton and Kempton. As a result, he has been raised seven pounds in the ratings. There are no problems with the mile as he gets it well, but he is untested on turf for almost three years. The last time he ran here he wasn’t beaten far by Zabeel Prince but that was three years ago and he would have an each ay chance if retaking to the surface.
Brunch – Michael Dods – Callum Rodriguez
Brunch found the mud to be against him when last seen out at Newmarket in October when he was beaten a dozen lengths by Zakouski amongst others. Prior to that he had a useful profile especially at this trip and won races at Newcastle and York. He was fit enough to do himself justice on his first run last year and this consistent son of Harbour Watch is fully capable of playing a role here.
Ascension – Roger Varian –
Ascension has been a model of consistency for owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing. He comes here on the back of a five-month break but is essentially better suite by a bit of give in the ground. He has gone in at Ayr, Newmarket, Salisbury and Newcastle so he certainly knows where the winning post is. If the rains were to come I would be a bit keener, but given the current state of the ground it is hard to see him winning given that the only time he met ground on the firmer side, he finished last of four at Newmarket.
Johan – William Haggas – Ciaren Fallon
Willie Haggas has won this race on multiple occasions with the likes of Very Wise, Penitent and Addeybb. This son of Zoffany looks likely to shoulder top-weight in this fiercely competitive handicap. He is likely to improve for having been gelded in the early part of the new year and he has gone well fresh in the past. He won’t mind if there is no rain around and having chalked up wins at Chelmsford, Ayr, Newbury, Musselburgh and Lingfield, he is rapidly shooting up the handicap. He is rated higher at this stage than any of the yard’s other three winners and if he handles the weight he will go extremely close.
Man Of The Night – Richard Hannon – Rossa Ryan
Man Of The Night has never looked the most straight-forward of individuals despite having won on his debut at Newbury in July 2019. Since then he has always found a way to be beaten. He made a comeback at Wolverhampton a fortnight ago when beaten two lengths by Born To Be Alive having endured a nightmare of a run under Sean Levey. A return to turf will suit him but chances are he will find a few too good again.
Kynren – David Barron – Connor Beasley
Kynren usually runs his race but he has always needed his first run back to build upon it. He ran some fair races last year without success and he has now dropped to his lowest mark since October 2019. He does handle big fields well which is a plus, but he is without a win in over two years and would ideally love some cut in the ground. Connor Beasley takes the ride for the first time but it would need a career best from both to trouble the judge.
Ouzo – Richard Hannon – Sean Levey
Ouzo won on his last outing at this level in a competitive handicap at York last October on soft ground. He has been raised five pounds for that success and would want the ground no quicker than good. Despite the ammunition that Richard Hannon has had down the years, he has never trained the winner of this race, but this five-year-old gives him a squeak. He is another with plenty of large field experience and he could just hit the frame.
Alternative Fact – Ed Dunlop – Silvestre De Sousa
Alternative Fact needs soft ground as all three of his career victories have come when there has been plenty of rain around. He has not been done any favours by the handicapper here, who seriously needs to relent a bit given his limitations. He has been beaten soundly by a couple of today’s rivals before including Danyah and Ouzo. He is beginning to look extremely vulnerable.
History Writer – David Menusier – Kevin Scott
History Writer was considered good enough to compete in a couple of Group races last year, albeit he was soundly beaten in all three. A return to handicaps is likely to see him in a much better light and he may well prove a forgotten horse. He has won and been placed in listed company so he is certainly no mug and his trainer will prove a force to be reckoned with this year. A mile is certainly well within his scope, but he is another that tends to benefit for a run. If putting it altogether he could grab a place.
Scottish Summit – Geoffrey Harker – Sam James
Scottish Summit is still on a career high mark but ran a fair enough race on his comeback behind Born To Be Alive at Wolverhampton a fortnight ago. He has often run well at big prices in the past but at the age of eight, you would be disappointed if there wasn’t something that would have the legs of him amongst the younger crop. He is unproven at this level and this could prove a step beyond him.
Into Faith – David Menusier – Rhys Clutterbuck
Into Faith ran three times at Saint-Cloud last year without showing much sparkle. The four-year-old son of Intello has managed only one career win in nine starts and that came at Longchamp on some seriously soft going. Things look a lot tougher here and he looks completely out of his depth.
Librisa Breeze – Dean Ivory – Joey Haynes
Librisa Breeze is certainly well handicapped on the best of his winning form but he has looked regressive in recent starts. His two best runs came on rain softened ground. He would have a live each way chance if this was held at his beloved Ascot, but he was beaten over seven lengths the last time he raced on this track and is hard to recommend.
Revich – Richard Spencer – Angus Villiers
Revich clearly loves a turning track having picked up a win at Epsom and three at Chester in his career. He has never won over a mile with all of his successes coming at seven or an extended seven furlongs. He looks fairly exposed now and others appeal more. He looks high enough in the ratings and needs a bit of respite from the handicapper.
Conclusion
I will take two against the field and the first horse I am immediately drawn to is the Owen Burrowes trained Danyah. An improving sort, he could well prove this 98 rating a mockery. The horse has serious talent if it can win with Dane O’Neill in the saddle (sorry Dane). He handles this track and also good ground. He has gone well fresh in the past and remains completely unexposed. He is weighted to reverse form with River Nymph based on their meeting at Newbury last summer. Another one who could well have a say is the top-weight Johan. He comes here rated higher than Addeybb, Very Wise and Penitent when they won for William Haggas. The weight is a lot though in a race of this nature. At a huge price History Writer could well grab a place should conditions take a turn for the worse.

Hi all, 
Just thought I would do a small preview of one of the main races from this upcoming weekend following on from the big race wins on the Cheltenham tips mini-site. Hope you enjoy and I would love to see you opinions on the Lincoln this coming weekend. 
Lincoln Preview 2021 – Doncaster 3-10 Saturday Afternoon
The Lincoln is the first major flat handicap of the season and it takes place this coming Saturday at Doncaster Racecourse. It is open to horses aged four and older.
Year
Horse
Age
Draw
Weight
Jockey
Trainer
SP
Winning Time
2000
John Ferneley
5
1
8-10
Jimmy Fortune
Paul Cole
7/1 JF
1:41.12
 
2001
Nimello
5
1
8-09
Jimmy Fortune
Paul Cole
9/2 F
1:46.68
 
2002
Zucchero
6
7
8-13
Simon Whitworth
David Arbuthnot
33/1
1:45.44
 
2003
Pablo
4
6
8-11
Michael Hills
Barry Hills
5/1
1:39.18
 
2004
Babodana
4
23
9-10
Philip Robinson
Mark Tompkins
20/1
1:40.15
 
2005
Stream of Gold
4
13
9-00
Robert Winston
Sir Michael Stoute
5/1 F
1:38.18
 
2006
Blythe Knight
6
9*
8-10
Graham Gibbons
John Quinn
22/1
1:44.33
 
2007
Very Wise
5
16**
8-11
Joe Fanning
William Haggas
9/1
1:46.18
 
2008
Smokey Oakey
4
12
8-09
Jimmy Quinn
Mark Tompkins
10/1
1:42.38
 
2009
Expresso Star
4
9
8-12
Jimmy Fortune
John Gosden
10/3 F
1:36.51
 
2010
Penitent
4
6
9-02
Johnny Murtagh
William Haggas
3/1 F
1:43.31
 
2011
Sweet Lightning
6
16
9-04
Johnny Murtagh
Michael Dods
16/1
1:38.38
 
2012
Brae Hill
6
12
9-01
Tony Hamilton
Richard Fahey
25/1
1:37.36
 
2013
Levitate
5
3
8-04
Darren Egan
John Quinn
20/1
1:41.91
 
2014
Ocean Tempest
5
5
9-03
Adam Kirby
John Ryan
20/1
1:40.17
 
2015
Gabrial
6
15
9-00
Tony Hamilton
Richard Fahey
12/1
1:39.62
 
2016
Secret Brief
4
22
9-04
William Buick
Charlie Appleby
12/1
1:46.25
 
2017
Bravery
4
20
9-01
Daniel Tudhope
David O'Meara
20/1
1:38.38
 
2018
Addeybb
4
10
9-02
James Doyle
William Haggas
5/1
1:43.56
 
2019
Auxerre
4
17
9-02
James Doyle
Charlie Appleby
5/2 F
1:36.82
 
*2006 race was run at Redcar
** 2007 race was run at Newcastle
I shall highlight some of the main contenders and hopefully give you some help in choosing the winner from what is likely to be a full field of a maximum of 22 runners.
No horse has won carrying more than 9-04 since Right Wing won the race in 1999. You have to go all the way back to 1985 winner Cataldi to find any other horse carrying more than 9-05 to victory.
Four year olds with double digit draws have proven victorious in recent years and Charlie Appleby has been responsible for two of those four winners. This time he has targeted Eastern World at this race following a recent win out in Meydan.
 
Eastern World – Charlie Appleby – James Doyle
Eastern World gets into this off a mark of 98 but could well be a group horse in a handicap. If he were to receive a double figure draw, I would be a little sweeter on him. He was firmly put in his place by Haqeeqy here back in September when chinned by thirteen lengths. He clearly thrived through the winter to win at Meydan last time and given connections have won this twice in the last four years he commands respect.
Haqeeqy – John Gosden – Benoit De La Sayette
Haqeeqy hasn’t won this race in over a decade and whilst he thrived last season, he would do well to win this with 9-05 on his back. Babodana carried five pounds more back in 2004 when sauntering to success here. He is proven on the track and has been gelded since his last run. He did try this trip once last year and finished last of ten on the July course at Newmarket so that is worth keeping in mind.
Brentford Hope – Richard Hughes – Jamie Spence
Brentford Hope improved with each run last year accumulating in a ¾ length win over Mascat at Haydock back in October. That came on heavy ground though and that would be a major concern given the drying out of the track at the moment. He was a bitterly disappointing 6/4 favourite when turned over at York last Summer on similar going. Despite the booking of Jamie Spencer, it would be a no from me.
River Nymph – Clive Cox – Adam Kirby
River Nymph was only beaten a length on his seasonal reappearance at Lingfield last season following a near seven-month break. He clearly goes well fresh though and won two low grade handicaps at Ascot and Newbury. He will need to put in a career defining performance to win this, prove that he stays a mile and he just looks too high in the weights.
King Ottokar – Charlie Fellowes – Ben Curtis
King Ottokar won on his first two runs in 2018 and 2019 but fluffed his lines when sent into Group Three company at the beginning of last season. His best run last year came in a handicap back at this track where he was beaten 4¾ lengths by Matthew Flinders. He has dropped to his lowest ever handicap mark and is proven over further than this. Tends to be suited by rain in the ground though and drying conditions look set to be against him.
Danyah – Owen Burrowes – Kieran Shoemark
Danyah has a highly progressive profile and won two of his four outings last year including at this track. He was placed on soft ground at Ripon over this trip but with drying ground likely to be in his favour, he would be worth another shot at it here. Kieran Shoemark has been placed on him before and this would be a sentimental start to flat season should he carry the first colours of Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum to victory following his late owner’s recent passing. He has to be of interest.
Grove Ferry – Andrew Balding – William Carver
Grove Ferry warmed up for this nicely with a decent win at Lingfield last time out following a four-month break. He is a versatile character and having won on anything from good to firm to Soft, the four-year-old is well worth his place in this line-up. He has run well here in the past and looks the type to run a big race despite a big weight.
Born To Be Alive – Karl Burke – Clifford Lee
Born To Be Alive has won his two most recent starts on the all-weather surfaces of Wolverhampton and Kempton. As a result, he has been raised seven pounds in the ratings. There are no problems with the mile as he gets it well, but he is untested on turf for almost three years. The last time he ran here he wasn’t beaten far by Zabeel Prince but that was three years ago and he would have an each ay chance if retaking to the surface.
Brunch – Michael Dods – Callum Rodriguez
Brunch found the mud to be against him when last seen out at Newmarket in October when he was beaten a dozen lengths by Zakouski amongst others. Prior to that he had a useful profile especially at this trip and won races at Newcastle and York. He was fit enough to do himself justice on his first run last year and this consistent son of Harbour Watch is fully capable of playing a role here.
Ascension – Roger Varian –
Ascension has been a model of consistency for owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing. He comes here on the back of a five-month break but is essentially better suite by a bit of give in the ground. He has gone in at Ayr, Newmarket, Salisbury and Newcastle so he certainly knows where the winning post is. If the rains were to come I would be a bit keener, but given the current state of the ground it is hard to see him winning given that the only time he met ground on the firmer side, he finished last of four at Newmarket.
Johan – William Haggas – Ciaren Fallon
Willie Haggas has won this race on multiple occasions with the likes of Very Wise, Penitent and Addeybb. This son of Zoffany looks likely to shoulder top-weight in this fiercely competitive handicap. He is likely to improve for having been gelded in the early part of the new year and he has gone well fresh in the past. He won’t mind if there is no rain around and having chalked up wins at Chelmsford, Ayr, Newbury, Musselburgh and Lingfield, he is rapidly shooting up the handicap. He is rated higher at this stage than any of the yard’s other three winners and if he handles the weight he will go extremely close.
Man Of The Night – Richard Hannon – Rossa Ryan
Man Of The Night has never looked the most straight-forward of individuals despite having won on his debut at Newbury in July 2019. Since then he has always found a way to be beaten. He made a comeback at Wolverhampton a fortnight ago when beaten two lengths by Born To Be Alive having endured a nightmare of a run under Sean Levey. A return to turf will suit him but chances are he will find a few too good again.
Kynren – David Barron – Connor Beasley
Kynren usually runs his race but he has always needed his first run back to build upon it. He ran some fair races last year without success and he has now dropped to his lowest mark since October 2019. He does handle big fields well which is a plus, but he is without a win in over two years and would ideally love some cut in the ground. Connor Beasley takes the ride for the first time but it would need a career best from both to trouble the judge.
Ouzo – Richard Hannon – Sean Levey
Ouzo won on his last outing at this level in a competitive handicap at York last October on soft ground. He has been raised five pounds for that success and would want the ground no quicker than good. Despite the ammunition that Richard Hannon has had down the years, he has never trained the winner of this race, but this five-year-old gives him a squeak. He is another with plenty of large field experience and he could just hit the frame.
Alternative Fact – Ed Dunlop – Silvestre De Sousa
Alternative Fact needs soft ground as all three of his career victories have come when there has been plenty of rain around. He has not been done any favours by the handicapper here, who seriously needs to relent a bit given his limitations. He has been beaten soundly by a couple of today’s rivals before including Danyah and Ouzo. He is beginning to look extremely vulnerable.
History Writer – David Menusier – Kevin Scott
History Writer was considered good enough to compete in a couple of Group races last year, albeit he was soundly beaten in all three. A return to handicaps is likely to see him in a much better light and he may well prove a forgotten horse. He has won and been placed in listed company so he is certainly no mug and his trainer will prove a force to be reckoned with this year. A mile is certainly well within his scope, but he is another that tends to benefit for a run. If putting it altogether he could grab a place.
Scottish Summit – Geoffrey Harker – Sam James
Scottish Summit is still on a career high mark but ran a fair enough race on his comeback behind Born To Be Alive at Wolverhampton a fortnight ago. He has often run well at big prices in the past but at the age of eight, you would be disappointed if there wasn’t something that would have the legs of him amongst the younger crop. He is unproven at this level and this could prove a step beyond him.
Into Faith – David Menusier – Rhys Clutterbuck
Into Faith ran three times at Saint-Cloud last year without showing much sparkle. The four-year-old son of Intello has managed only one career win in nine starts and that came at Longchamp on some seriously soft going. Things look a lot tougher here and he looks completely out of his depth.
Librisa Breeze – Dean Ivory – Joey Haynes
Librisa Breeze is certainly well handicapped on the best of his winning form but he has looked regressive in recent starts. His two best runs came on rain softened ground. He would have a live each way chance if this was held at his beloved Ascot, but he was beaten over seven lengths the last time he raced on this track and is hard to recommend.
Revich – Richard Spencer – Angus Villiers
Revich clearly loves a turning track having picked up a win at Epsom and three at Chester in his career. He has never won over a mile with all of his successes coming at seven or an extended seven furlongs. He looks fairly exposed now and others appeal more. He looks high enough in the ratings and needs a bit of respite from the handicapper.
Conclusion
I will take two against the field and the first horse I am immediately drawn to is the Owen Burrowes trained Danyah. An improving sort, he could well prove this 98 rating a mockery. The horse has serious talent if it can win with Dane O’Neill in the saddle (sorry Dane). He handles this track and also good ground. He has gone well fresh in the past and remains completely unexposed. He is weighted to reverse form with River Nymph based on their meeting at Newbury last summer. Another one who could well have a say is the top-weight Johan. He comes here rated higher than Addeybb, Very Wise and Penitent when they won for William Haggas. The weight is a lot though in a race of this nature. At a huge price History Writer could well grab a place should conditions take a turn for the worse.

Looks a decent card at Doncaster . Just no form to go off to rate. I know some horses run well fresh and some don’t. Some will be fit and others won’t . Some will improve for being a year older . 

Thoughts or fancies ?.....it early yet and could be loads non runners but I've passed the race through the computer and its thrown out .....ouzo and orban top 2 rated ....currently 29.0 and 32.0 on betfair .....I'll take a chance and try 10pt each ante post .....get the flat off with a bang ......I'll value rate it later in week 

Hi all, 
Just thought I would do a small preview of one of the main races from this upcoming weekend following on from the big race wins on the Cheltenham tips mini-site. Hope you enjoy and I would love to see you opinions on the Lincoln this coming weekend. 
Lincoln Preview 2021 – Doncaster 3-10 Saturday Afternoon
The Lincoln is the first major flat handicap of the season and it takes place this coming Saturday at Doncaster Racecourse. It is open to horses aged four and older.
Year
Horse
Age
Draw
Weight
Jockey
Trainer
SP
Winning Time
2000
John Ferneley
5
1
8-10
Jimmy Fortune
Paul Cole
7/1 JF
1:41.12
 
2001
Nimello
5
1
8-09
Jimmy Fortune
Paul Cole
9/2 F
1:46.68
 
2002
Zucchero
6
7
8-13
Simon Whitworth
David Arbuthnot
33/1
1:45.44
 
2003
Pablo
4
6
8-11
Michael Hills
Barry Hills
5/1
1:39.18
 
2004
Babodana
4
23
9-10
Philip Robinson
Mark Tompkins
20/1
1:40.15
 
2005
Stream of Gold
4
13
9-00
Robert Winston
Sir Michael Stoute
5/1 F
1:38.18
 
2006
Blythe Knight
6
9*
8-10
Graham Gibbons
John Quinn
22/1
1:44.33
 
2007
Very Wise
5
16**
8-11
Joe Fanning
William Haggas
9/1
1:46.18
 
2008
Smokey Oakey
4
12
8-09
Jimmy Quinn
Mark Tompkins
10/1
1:42.38
 
2009
Expresso Star
4
9
8-12
Jimmy Fortune
John Gosden
10/3 F
1:36.51
 
2010
Penitent
4
6
9-02
Johnny Murtagh
William Haggas
3/1 F
1:43.31
 
2011
Sweet Lightning
6
16
9-04
Johnny Murtagh
Michael Dods
16/1
1:38.38
 
2012
Brae Hill
6
12
9-01
Tony Hamilton
Richard Fahey
25/1
1:37.36
 
2013
Levitate
5
3
8-04
Darren Egan
John Quinn
20/1
1:41.91
 
2014
Ocean Tempest
5
5
9-03
Adam Kirby
John Ryan
20/1
1:40.17
 
2015
Gabrial
6
15
9-00
Tony Hamilton
Richard Fahey
12/1
1:39.62
 
2016
Secret Brief
4
22
9-04
William Buick
Charlie Appleby
12/1
1:46.25
 
2017
Bravery
4
20
9-01
Daniel Tudhope
David O'Meara
20/1
1:38.38
 
2018
Addeybb
4
10
9-02
James Doyle
William Haggas
5/1
1:43.56
 
2019
Auxerre
4
17
9-02
James Doyle
Charlie Appleby
5/2 F
1:36.82
 
*2006 race was run at Redcar
** 2007 race was run at Newcastle
I shall highlight some of the main contenders and hopefully give you some help in choosing the winner from what is likely to be a full field of a maximum of 22 runners.
No horse has won carrying more than 9-04 since Right Wing won the race in 1999. You have to go all the way back to 1985 winner Cataldi to find any other horse carrying more than 9-05 to victory.
Four year olds with double digit draws have proven victorious in recent years and Charlie Appleby has been responsible for two of those four winners. This time he has targeted Eastern World at this race following a recent win out in Meydan.
 
Eastern World – Charlie Appleby – James Doyle
Eastern World gets into this off a mark of 98 but could well be a group horse in a handicap. If he were to receive a double figure draw, I would be a little sweeter on him. He was firmly put in his place by Haqeeqy here back in September when chinned by thirteen lengths. He clearly thrived through the winter to win at Meydan last time and given connections have won this twice in the last four years he commands respect.
Haqeeqy – John Gosden – Benoit De La Sayette
Haqeeqy hasn’t won this race in over a decade and whilst he thrived last season, he would do well to win this with 9-05 on his back. Babodana carried five pounds more back in 2004 when sauntering to success here. He is proven on the track and has been gelded since his last run. He did try this trip once last year and finished last of ten on the July course at Newmarket so that is worth keeping in mind.
Brentford Hope – Richard Hughes – Jamie Spence
Brentford Hope improved with each run last year accumulating in a ¾ length win over Mascat at Haydock back in October. That came on heavy ground though and that would be a major concern given the drying out of the track at the moment. He was a bitterly disappointing 6/4 favourite when turned over at York last Summer on similar going. Despite the booking of Jamie Spencer, it would be a no from me.
River Nymph – Clive Cox – Adam Kirby
River Nymph was only beaten a length on his seasonal reappearance at Lingfield last season following a near seven-month break. He clearly goes well fresh though and won two low grade handicaps at Ascot and Newbury. He will need to put in a career defining performance to win this, prove that he stays a mile and he just looks too high in the weights.
King Ottokar – Charlie Fellowes – Ben Curtis
King Ottokar won on his first two runs in 2018 and 2019 but fluffed his lines when sent into Group Three company at the beginning of last season. His best run last year came in a handicap back at this track where he was beaten 4¾ lengths by Matthew Flinders. He has dropped to his lowest ever handicap mark and is proven over further than this. Tends to be suited by rain in the ground though and drying conditions look set to be against him.
Danyah – Owen Burrowes – Kieran Shoemark
Danyah has a highly progressive profile and won two of his four outings last year including at this track. He was placed on soft ground at Ripon over this trip but with drying ground likely to be in his favour, he would be worth another shot at it here. Kieran Shoemark has been placed on him before and this would be a sentimental start to flat season should he carry the first colours of Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum to victory following his late owner’s recent passing. He has to be of interest.
Grove Ferry – Andrew Balding – William Carver
Grove Ferry warmed up for this nicely with a decent win at Lingfield last time out following a four-month break. He is a versatile character and having won on anything from good to firm to Soft, the four-year-old is well worth his place in this line-up. He has run well here in the past and looks the type to run a big race despite a big weight.
Born To Be Alive – Karl Burke – Clifford Lee
Born To Be Alive has won his two most recent starts on the all-weather surfaces of Wolverhampton and Kempton. As a result, he has been raised seven pounds in the ratings. There are no problems with the mile as he gets it well, but he is untested on turf for almost three years. The last time he ran here he wasn’t beaten far by Zabeel Prince but that was three years ago and he would have an each ay chance if retaking to the surface.
Brunch – Michael Dods – Callum Rodriguez
Brunch found the mud to be against him when last seen out at Newmarket in October when he was beaten a dozen lengths by Zakouski amongst others. Prior to that he had a useful profile especially at this trip and won races at Newcastle and York. He was fit enough to do himself justice on his first run last year and this consistent son of Harbour Watch is fully capable of playing a role here.
Ascension – Roger Varian –
Ascension has been a model of consistency for owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing. He comes here on the back of a five-month break but is essentially better suite by a bit of give in the ground. He has gone in at Ayr, Newmarket, Salisbury and Newcastle so he certainly knows where the winning post is. If the rains were to come I would be a bit keener, but given the current state of the ground it is hard to see him winning given that the only time he met ground on the firmer side, he finished last of four at Newmarket.
Johan – William Haggas – Ciaren Fallon
Willie Haggas has won this race on multiple occasions with the likes of Very Wise, Penitent and Addeybb. This son of Zoffany looks likely to shoulder top-weight in this fiercely competitive handicap. He is likely to improve for having been gelded in the early part of the new year and he has gone well fresh in the past. He won’t mind if there is no rain around and having chalked up wins at Chelmsford, Ayr, Newbury, Musselburgh and Lingfield, he is rapidly shooting up the handicap. He is rated higher at this stage than any of the yard’s other three winners and if he handles the weight he will go extremely close.
Man Of The Night – Richard Hannon – Rossa Ryan
Man Of The Night has never looked the most straight-forward of individuals despite having won on his debut at Newbury in July 2019. Since then he has always found a way to be beaten. He made a comeback at Wolverhampton a fortnight ago when beaten two lengths by Born To Be Alive having endured a nightmare of a run under Sean Levey. A return to turf will suit him but chances are he will find a few too good again.
Kynren – David Barron – Connor Beasley
Kynren usually runs his race but he has always needed his first run back to build upon it. He ran some fair races last year without success and he has now dropped to his lowest mark since October 2019. He does handle big fields well which is a plus, but he is without a win in over two years and would ideally love some cut in the ground. Connor Beasley takes the ride for the first time but it would need a career best from both to trouble the judge.
Ouzo – Richard Hannon – Sean Levey
Ouzo won on his last outing at this level in a competitive handicap at York last October on soft ground. He has been raised five pounds for that success and would want the ground no quicker than good. Despite the ammunition that Richard Hannon has had down the years, he has never trained the winner of this race, but this five-year-old gives him a squeak. He is another with plenty of large field experience and he could just hit the frame.
Alternative Fact – Ed Dunlop – Silvestre De Sousa
Alternative Fact needs soft ground as all three of his career victories have come when there has been plenty of rain around. He has not been done any favours by the handicapper here, who seriously needs to relent a bit given his limitations. He has been beaten soundly by a couple of today’s rivals before including Danyah and Ouzo. He is beginning to look extremely vulnerable.
History Writer – David Menusier – Kevin Scott
History Writer was considered good enough to compete in a couple of Group races last year, albeit he was soundly beaten in all three. A return to handicaps is likely to see him in a much better light and he may well prove a forgotten horse. He has won and been placed in listed company so he is certainly no mug and his trainer will prove a force to be reckoned with this year. A mile is certainly well within his scope, but he is another that tends to benefit for a run. If putting it altogether he could grab a place.
Scottish Summit – Geoffrey Harker – Sam James
Scottish Summit is still on a career high mark but ran a fair enough race on his comeback behind Born To Be Alive at Wolverhampton a fortnight ago. He has often run well at big prices in the past but at the age of eight, you would be disappointed if there wasn’t something that would have the legs of him amongst the younger crop. He is unproven at this level and this could prove a step beyond him.
Into Faith – David Menusier – Rhys Clutterbuck
Into Faith ran three times at Saint-Cloud last year without showing much sparkle. The four-year-old son of Intello has managed only one career win in nine starts and that came at Longchamp on some seriously soft going. Things look a lot tougher here and he looks completely out of his depth.
Librisa Breeze – Dean Ivory – Joey Haynes
Librisa Breeze is certainly well handicapped on the best of his winning form but he has looked regressive in recent starts. His two best runs came on rain softened ground. He would have a live each way chance if this was held at his beloved Ascot, but he was beaten over seven lengths the last time he raced on this track and is hard to recommend.
Revich – Richard Spencer – Angus Villiers
Revich clearly loves a turning track having picked up a win at Epsom and three at Chester in his career. He has never won over a mile with all of his successes coming at seven or an extended seven furlongs. He looks fairly exposed now and others appeal more. He looks high enough in the ratings and needs a bit of respite from the handicapper.
Conclusion
I will take two against the field and the first horse I am immediately drawn to is the Owen Burrowes trained Danyah. An improving sort, he could well prove this 98 rating a mockery. The horse has serious talent if it can win with Dane O’Neill in the saddle (sorry Dane). He handles this track and also good ground. He has gone well fresh in the past and remains completely unexposed. He is weighted to reverse form with River Nymph based on their meeting at Newbury last summer. Another one who could well have a say is the top-weight Johan. He comes here rated higher than Addeybb, Very Wise and Penitent when they won for William Haggas. The weight is a lot though in a race of this nature. At a huge price History Writer could well grab a place should conditions take a turn for the worse.

Hi all, 
Just thought I would do a small preview of one of the main races from this upcoming weekend following on from the big race wins on the Cheltenham tips mini-site. Hope you enjoy and I would love to see you opinions on the Lincoln this coming weekend. 
Lincoln Preview 2021 – Doncaster 3-10 Saturday Afternoon
The Lincoln is the first major flat handicap of the season and it takes place this coming Saturday at Doncaster Racecourse. It is open to horses aged four and older.
Year
Horse
Age
Draw
Weight
Jockey
Trainer
SP
Winning Time
2000
John Ferneley
5
1
8-10
Jimmy Fortune
Paul Cole
7/1 JF
1:41.12
 
2001
Nimello
5
1
8-09
Jimmy Fortune
Paul Cole
9/2 F
1:46.68
 
2002
Zucchero
6
7
8-13
Simon Whitworth
David Arbuthnot
33/1
1:45.44
 
2003
Pablo
4
6
8-11
Michael Hills
Barry Hills
5/1
1:39.18
 
2004
Babodana
4
23
9-10
Philip Robinson
Mark Tompkins
20/1
1:40.15
 
2005
Stream of Gold
4
13
9-00
Robert Winston
Sir Michael Stoute
5/1 F
1:38.18
 
2006
Blythe Knight
6
9*
8-10
Graham Gibbons
John Quinn
22/1
1:44.33
 
2007
Very Wise
5
16**
8-11
Joe Fanning
William Haggas
9/1
1:46.18
 
2008
Smokey Oakey
4
12
8-09
Jimmy Quinn
Mark Tompkins
10/1
1:42.38
 
2009
Expresso Star
4
9
8-12
Jimmy Fortune
John Gosden
10/3 F
1:36.51
 
2010
Penitent
4
6
9-02
Johnny Murtagh
William Haggas
3/1 F
1:43.31
 
2011
Sweet Lightning
6
16
9-04
Johnny Murtagh
Michael Dods
16/1
1:38.38
 
2012
Brae Hill
6
12
9-01
Tony Hamilton
Richard Fahey
25/1
1:37.36
 
2013
Levitate
5
3
8-04
Darren Egan
John Quinn
20/1
1:41.91
 
2014
Ocean Tempest
5
5
9-03
Adam Kirby
John Ryan
20/1
1:40.17
 
2015
Gabrial
6
15
9-00
Tony Hamilton
Richard Fahey
12/1
1:39.62
 
2016
Secret Brief
4
22
9-04
William Buick
Charlie Appleby
12/1
1:46.25
 
2017
Bravery
4
20
9-01
Daniel Tudhope
David O'Meara
20/1
1:38.38
 
2018
Addeybb
4
10
9-02
James Doyle
William Haggas
5/1
1:43.56
 
2019
Auxerre
4
17
9-02
James Doyle
Charlie Appleby
5/2 F
1:36.82
 
*2006 race was run at Redcar
** 2007 race was run at Newcastle
I shall highlight some of the main contenders and hopefully give you some help in choosing the winner from what is likely to be a full field of a maximum of 22 runners.
No horse has won carrying more than 9-04 since Right Wing won the race in 1999. You have to go all the way back to 1985 winner Cataldi to find any other horse carrying more than 9-05 to victory.
Four year olds with double digit draws have proven victorious in recent years and Charlie Appleby has been responsible for two of those four winners. This time he has targeted Eastern World at this race following a recent win out in Meydan.
 
Eastern World – Charlie Appleby – James Doyle
Eastern World gets into this off a mark of 98 but could well be a group horse in a handicap. If he were to receive a double figure draw, I would be a little sweeter on him. He was firmly put in his place by Haqeeqy here back in September when chinned by thirteen lengths. He clearly thrived through the winter to win at Meydan last time and given connections have won this twice in the last four years he commands respect.
Haqeeqy – John Gosden – Benoit De La Sayette
Haqeeqy hasn’t won this race in over a decade and whilst he thrived last season, he would do well to win this with 9-05 on his back. Babodana carried five pounds more back in 2004 when sauntering to success here. He is proven on the track and has been gelded since his last run. He did try this trip once last year and finished last of ten on the July course at Newmarket so that is worth keeping in mind.
Brentford Hope – Richard Hughes – Jamie Spence
Brentford Hope improved with each run last year accumulating in a ¾ length win over Mascat at Haydock back in October. That came on heavy ground though and that would be a major concern given the drying out of the track at the moment. He was a bitterly disappointing 6/4 favourite when turned over at York last Summer on similar going. Despite the booking of Jamie Spencer, it would be a no from me.
River Nymph – Clive Cox – Adam Kirby
River Nymph was only beaten a length on his seasonal reappearance at Lingfield last season following a near seven-month break. He clearly goes well fresh though and won two low grade handicaps at Ascot and Newbury. He will need to put in a career defining performance to win this, prove that he stays a mile and he just looks too high in the weights.
King Ottokar – Charlie Fellowes – Ben Curtis
King Ottokar won on his first two runs in 2018 and 2019 but fluffed his lines when sent into Group Three company at the beginning of last season. His best run last year came in a handicap back at this track where he was beaten 4¾ lengths by Matthew Flinders. He has dropped to his lowest ever handicap mark and is proven over further than this. Tends to be suited by rain in the ground though and drying conditions look set to be against him.
Danyah – Owen Burrowes – Kieran Shoemark
Danyah has a highly progressive profile and won two of his four outings last year including at this track. He was placed on soft ground at Ripon over this trip but with drying ground likely to be in his favour, he would be worth another shot at it here. Kieran Shoemark has been placed on him before and this would be a sentimental start to flat season should he carry the first colours of Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum to victory following his late owner’s recent passing. He has to be of interest.
Grove Ferry – Andrew Balding – William Carver
Grove Ferry warmed up for this nicely with a decent win at Lingfield last time out following a four-month break. He is a versatile character and having won on anything from good to firm to Soft, the four-year-old is well worth his place in this line-up. He has run well here in the past and looks the type to run a big race despite a big weight.
Born To Be Alive – Karl Burke – Clifford Lee
Born To Be Alive has won his two most recent starts on the all-weather surfaces of Wolverhampton and Kempton. As a result, he has been raised seven pounds in the ratings. There are no problems with the mile as he gets it well, but he is untested on turf for almost three years. The last time he ran here he wasn’t beaten far by Zabeel Prince but that was three years ago and he would have an each ay chance if retaking to the surface.
Brunch – Michael Dods – Callum Rodriguez
Brunch found the mud to be against him when last seen out at Newmarket in October when he was beaten a dozen lengths by Zakouski amongst others. Prior to that he had a useful profile especially at this trip and won races at Newcastle and York. He was fit enough to do himself justice on his first run last year and this consistent son of Harbour Watch is fully capable of playing a role here.
Ascension – Roger Varian –
Ascension has been a model of consistency for owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing. He comes here on the back of a five-month break but is essentially better suite by a bit of give in the ground. He has gone in at Ayr, Newmarket, Salisbury and Newcastle so he certainly knows where the winning post is. If the rains were to come I would be a bit keener, but given the current state of the ground it is hard to see him winning given that the only time he met ground on the firmer side, he finished last of four at Newmarket.
Johan – William Haggas – Ciaren Fallon
Willie Haggas has won this race on multiple occasions with the likes of Very Wise, Penitent and Addeybb. This son of Zoffany looks likely to shoulder top-weight in this fiercely competitive handicap. He is likely to improve for having been gelded in the early part of the new year and he has gone well fresh in the past. He won’t mind if there is no rain around and having chalked up wins at Chelmsford, Ayr, Newbury, Musselburgh and Lingfield, he is rapidly shooting up the handicap. He is rated higher at this stage than any of the yard’s other three winners and if he handles the weight he will go extremely close.
Man Of The Night – Richard Hannon – Rossa Ryan
Man Of The Night has never looked the most straight-forward of individuals despite having won on his debut at Newbury in July 2019. Since then he has always found a way to be beaten. He made a comeback at Wolverhampton a fortnight ago when beaten two lengths by Born To Be Alive having endured a nightmare of a run under Sean Levey. A return to turf will suit him but chances are he will find a few too good again.
Kynren – David Barron – Connor Beasley
Kynren usually runs his race but he has always needed his first run back to build upon it. He ran some fair races last year without success and he has now dropped to his lowest mark since October 2019. He does handle big fields well which is a plus, but he is without a win in over two years and would ideally love some cut in the ground. Connor Beasley takes the ride for the first time but it would need a career best from both to trouble the judge.
Ouzo – Richard Hannon – Sean Levey
Ouzo won on his last outing at this level in a competitive handicap at York last October on soft ground. He has been raised five pounds for that success and would want the ground no quicker than good. Despite the ammunition that Richard Hannon has had down the years, he has never trained the winner of this race, but this five-year-old gives him a squeak. He is another with plenty of large field experience and he could just hit the frame.
Alternative Fact – Ed Dunlop – Silvestre De Sousa
Alternative Fact needs soft ground as all three of his career victories have come when there has been plenty of rain around. He has not been done any favours by the handicapper here, who seriously needs to relent a bit given his limitations. He has been beaten soundly by a couple of today’s rivals before including Danyah and Ouzo. He is beginning to look extremely vulnerable.
History Writer – David Menusier – Kevin Scott
History Writer was considered good enough to compete in a couple of Group races last year, albeit he was soundly beaten in all three. A return to handicaps is likely to see him in a much better light and he may well prove a forgotten horse. He has won and been placed in listed company so he is certainly no mug and his trainer will prove a force to be reckoned with this year. A mile is certainly well within his scope, but he is another that tends to benefit for a run. If putting it altogether he could grab a place.
Scottish Summit – Geoffrey Harker – Sam James
Scottish Summit is still on a career high mark but ran a fair enough race on his comeback behind Born To Be Alive at Wolverhampton a fortnight ago. He has often run well at big prices in the past but at the age of eight, you would be disappointed if there wasn’t something that would have the legs of him amongst the younger crop. He is unproven at this level and this could prove a step beyond him.
Into Faith – David Menusier – Rhys Clutterbuck
Into Faith ran three times at Saint-Cloud last year without showing much sparkle. The four-year-old son of Intello has managed only one career win in nine starts and that came at Longchamp on some seriously soft going. Things look a lot tougher here and he looks completely out of his depth.
Librisa Breeze – Dean Ivory – Joey Haynes
Librisa Breeze is certainly well handicapped on the best of his winning form but he has looked regressive in recent starts. His two best runs came on rain softened ground. He would have a live each way chance if this was held at his beloved Ascot, but he was beaten over seven lengths the last time he raced on this track and is hard to recommend.
Revich – Richard Spencer – Angus Villiers
Revich clearly loves a turning track having picked up a win at Epsom and three at Chester in his career. He has never won over a mile with all of his successes coming at seven or an extended seven furlongs. He looks fairly exposed now and others appeal more. He looks high enough in the ratings and needs a bit of respite from the handicapper.
Conclusion
I will take two against the field and the first horse I am immediately drawn to is the Owen Burrowes trained Danyah. An improving sort, he could well prove this 98 rating a mockery. The horse has serious talent if it can win with Dane O’Neill in the saddle (sorry Dane). He handles this track and also good ground. He has gone well fresh in the past and remains completely unexposed. He is weighted to reverse form with River Nymph based on their meeting at Newbury last summer. Another one who could well have a say is the top-weight Johan. He comes here rated higher than Addeybb, Very Wise and Penitent when they won for William Haggas. The weight is a lot though in a race of this nature. At a huge price History Writer could well grab a place should conditions take a turn for the worse.

Hi all, 
Just thought I would do a small preview of one of the main races from this upcoming weekend following on from the big race wins on the Cheltenham tips mini-site. Hope you enjoy and I would love to see you opinions on the Lincoln this coming weekend. 
Lincoln Preview 2021 – Doncaster 3-10 Saturday Afternoon
The Lincoln is the first major flat handicap of the season and it takes place this coming Saturday at Doncaster Racecourse. It is open to horses aged four and older.
Year
Horse
Age
Draw
Weight
Jockey
Trainer
SP
Winning Time
2000
John Ferneley
5
1
8-10
Jimmy Fortune
Paul Cole
7/1 JF
1:41.12
 
2001
Nimello
5
1
8-09
Jimmy Fortune
Paul Cole
9/2 F
1:46.68
 
2002
Zucchero
6
7
8-13
Simon Whitworth
David Arbuthnot
33/1
1:45.44
 
2003
Pablo
4
6
8-11
Michael Hills
Barry Hills
5/1
1:39.18
 
2004
Babodana
4
23
9-10
Philip Robinson
Mark Tompkins
20/1
1:40.15
 
2005
Stream of Gold
4
13
9-00
Robert Winston
Sir Michael Stoute
5/1 F
1:38.18
 
2006
Blythe Knight
6
9*
8-10
Graham Gibbons
John Quinn
22/1
1:44.33
 
2007
Very Wise
5
16**
8-11
Joe Fanning
William Haggas
9/1
1:46.18
 
2008
Smokey Oakey
4
12
8-09
Jimmy Quinn
Mark Tompkins
10/1
1:42.38
 
2009
Expresso Star
4
9
8-12
Jimmy Fortune
John Gosden
10/3 F
1:36.51
 
2010
Penitent
4
6
9-02
Johnny Murtagh
William Haggas
3/1 F
1:43.31
 
2011
Sweet Lightning
6
16
9-04
Johnny Murtagh
Michael Dods
16/1
1:38.38
 
2012
Brae Hill
6
12
9-01
Tony Hamilton
Richard Fahey
25/1
1:37.36
 
2013
Levitate
5
3
8-04
Darren Egan
John Quinn
20/1
1:41.91
 
2014
Ocean Tempest
5
5
9-03
Adam Kirby
John Ryan
20/1
1:40.17
 
2015
Gabrial
6
15
9-00
Tony Hamilton
Richard Fahey
12/1
1:39.62
 
2016
Secret Brief
4
22
9-04
William Buick
Charlie Appleby
12/1
1:46.25
 
2017
Bravery
4
20
9-01
Daniel Tudhope
David O'Meara
20/1
1:38.38
 
2018
Addeybb
4
10
9-02
James Doyle
William Haggas
5/1
1:43.56
 
2019
Auxerre
4
17
9-02
James Doyle
Charlie Appleby
5/2 F
1:36.82
 
*2006 race was run at Redcar
** 2007 race was run at Newcastle
I shall highlight some of the main contenders and hopefully give you some help in choosing the winner from what is likely to be a full field of a maximum of 22 runners.
No horse has won carrying more than 9-04 since Right Wing won the race in 1999. You have to go all the way back to 1985 winner Cataldi to find any other horse carrying more than 9-05 to victory.
Four year olds with double digit draws have proven victorious in recent years and Charlie Appleby has been responsible for two of those four winners. This time he has targeted Eastern World at this race following a recent win out in Meydan.
 
Eastern World – Charlie Appleby – James Doyle
Eastern World gets into this off a mark of 98 but could well be a group horse in a handicap. If he were to receive a double figure draw, I would be a little sweeter on him. He was firmly put in his place by Haqeeqy here back in September when chinned by thirteen lengths. He clearly thrived through the winter to win at Meydan last time and given connections have won this twice in the last four years he commands respect.
Haqeeqy – John Gosden – Benoit De La Sayette
Haqeeqy hasn’t won this race in over a decade and whilst he thrived last season, he would do well to win this with 9-05 on his back. Babodana carried five pounds more back in 2004 when sauntering to success here. He is proven on the track and has been gelded since his last run. He did try this trip once last year and finished last of ten on the July course at Newmarket so that is worth keeping in mind.
Brentford Hope – Richard Hughes – Jamie Spence
Brentford Hope improved with each run last year accumulating in a ¾ length win over Mascat at Haydock back in October. That came on heavy ground though and that would be a major concern given the drying out of the track at the moment. He was a bitterly disappointing 6/4 favourite when turned over at York last Summer on similar going. Despite the booking of Jamie Spencer, it would be a no from me.
River Nymph – Clive Cox – Adam Kirby
River Nymph was only beaten a length on his seasonal reappearance at Lingfield last season following a near seven-month break. He clearly goes well fresh though and won two low grade handicaps at Ascot and Newbury. He will need to put in a career defining performance to win this, prove that he stays a mile and he just looks too high in the weights.
King Ottokar – Charlie Fellowes – Ben Curtis
King Ottokar won on his first two runs in 2018 and 2019 but fluffed his lines when sent into Group Three company at the beginning of last season. His best run last year came in a handicap back at this track where he was beaten 4¾ lengths by Matthew Flinders. He has dropped to his lowest ever handicap mark and is proven over further than this. Tends to be suited by rain in the ground though and drying conditions look set to be against him.
Danyah – Owen Burrowes – Kieran Shoemark
Danyah has a highly progressive profile and won two of his four outings last year including at this track. He was placed on soft ground at Ripon over this trip but with drying ground likely to be in his favour, he would be worth another shot at it here. Kieran Shoemark has been placed on him before and this would be a sentimental start to flat season should he carry the first colours of Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum to victory following his late owner’s recent passing. He has to be of interest.
Grove Ferry – Andrew Balding – William Carver
Grove Ferry warmed up for this nicely with a decent win at Lingfield last time out following a four-month break. He is a versatile character and having won on anything from good to firm to Soft, the four-year-old is well worth his place in this line-up. He has run well here in the past and looks the type to run a big race despite a big weight.
Born To Be Alive – Karl Burke – Clifford Lee
Born To Be Alive has won his two most recent starts on the all-weather surfaces of Wolverhampton and Kempton. As a result, he has been raised seven pounds in the ratings. There are no problems with the mile as he gets it well, but he is untested on turf for almost three years. The last time he ran here he wasn’t beaten far by Zabeel Prince but that was three years ago and he would have an each ay chance if retaking to the surface.
Brunch – Michael Dods – Callum Rodriguez
Brunch found the mud to be against him when last seen out at Newmarket in October when he was beaten a dozen lengths by Zakouski amongst others. Prior to that he had a useful profile especially at this trip and won races at Newcastle and York. He was fit enough to do himself justice on his first run last year and this consistent son of Harbour Watch is fully capable of playing a role here.
Ascension – Roger Varian –
Ascension has been a model of consistency for owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing. He comes here on the back of a five-month break but is essentially better suite by a bit of give in the ground. He has gone in at Ayr, Newmarket, Salisbury and Newcastle so he certainly knows where the winning post is. If the rains were to come I would be a bit keener, but given the current state of the ground it is hard to see him winning given that the only time he met ground on the firmer side, he finished last of four at Newmarket.
Johan – William Haggas – Ciaren Fallon
Willie Haggas has won this race on multiple occasions with the likes of Very Wise, Penitent and Addeybb. This son of Zoffany looks likely to shoulder top-weight in this fiercely competitive handicap. He is likely to improve for having been gelded in the early part of the new year and he has gone well fresh in the past. He won’t mind if there is no rain around and having chalked up wins at Chelmsford, Ayr, Newbury, Musselburgh and Lingfield, he is rapidly shooting up the handicap. He is rated higher at this stage than any of the yard’s other three winners and if he handles the weight he will go extremely close.
Man Of The Night – Richard Hannon – Rossa Ryan
Man Of The Night has never looked the most straight-forward of individuals despite having won on his debut at Newbury in July 2019. Since then he has always found a way to be beaten. He made a comeback at Wolverhampton a fortnight ago when beaten two lengths by Born To Be Alive having endured a nightmare of a run under Sean Levey. A return to turf will suit him but chances are he will find a few too good again.
Kynren – David Barron – Connor Beasley
Kynren usually runs his race but he has always needed his first run back to build upon it. He ran some fair races last year without success and he has now dropped to his lowest mark since October 2019. He does handle big fields well which is a plus, but he is without a win in over two years and would ideally love some cut in the ground. Connor Beasley takes the ride for the first time but it would need a career best from both to trouble the judge.
Ouzo – Richard Hannon – Sean Levey
Ouzo won on his last outing at this level in a competitive handicap at York last October on soft ground. He has been raised five pounds for that success and would want the ground no quicker than good. Despite the ammunition that Richard Hannon has had down the years, he has never trained the winner of this race, but this five-year-old gives him a squeak. He is another with plenty of large field experience and he could just hit the frame.
Alternative Fact – Ed Dunlop – Silvestre De Sousa
Alternative Fact needs soft ground as all three of his career victories have come when there has been plenty of rain around. He has not been done any favours by the handicapper here, who seriously needs to relent a bit given his limitations. He has been beaten soundly by a couple of today’s rivals before including Danyah and Ouzo. He is beginning to look extremely vulnerable.
History Writer – David Menusier – Kevin Scott
History Writer was considered good enough to compete in a couple of Group races last year, albeit he was soundly beaten in all three. A return to handicaps is likely to see him in a much better light and he may well prove a forgotten horse. He has won and been placed in listed company so he is certainly no mug and his trainer will prove a force to be reckoned with this year. A mile is certainly well within his scope, but he is another that tends to benefit for a run. If putting it altogether he could grab a place.
Scottish Summit – Geoffrey Harker – Sam James
Scottish Summit is still on a career high mark but ran a fair enough race on his comeback behind Born To Be Alive at Wolverhampton a fortnight ago. He has often run well at big prices in the past but at the age of eight, you would be disappointed if there wasn’t something that would have the legs of him amongst the younger crop. He is unproven at this level and this could prove a step beyond him.
Into Faith – David Menusier – Rhys Clutterbuck
Into Faith ran three times at Saint-Cloud last year without showing much sparkle. The four-year-old son of Intello has managed only one career win in nine starts and that came at Longchamp on some seriously soft going. Things look a lot tougher here and he looks completely out of his depth.
Librisa Breeze – Dean Ivory – Joey Haynes
Librisa Breeze is certainly well handicapped on the best of his winning form but he has looked regressive in recent starts. His two best runs came on rain softened ground. He would have a live each way chance if this was held at his beloved Ascot, but he was beaten over seven lengths the last time he raced on this track and is hard to recommend.
Revich – Richard Spencer – Angus Villiers
Revich clearly loves a turning track having picked up a win at Epsom and three at Chester in his career. He has never won over a mile with all of his successes coming at seven or an extended seven furlongs. He looks fairly exposed now and others appeal more. He looks high enough in the ratings and needs a bit of respite from the handicapper.
Conclusion
I will take two against the field and the first horse I am immediately drawn to is the Owen Burrowes trained Danyah. An improving sort, he could well prove this 98 rating a mockery. The horse has serious talent if it can win with Dane O’Neill in the saddle (sorry Dane). He handles this track and also good ground. He has gone well fresh in the past and remains completely unexposed. He is weighted to reverse form with River Nymph based on their meeting at Newbury last summer. Another one who could well have a say is the top-weight Johan. He comes here rated higher than Addeybb, Very Wise and Penitent when they won for William Haggas. The weight is a lot though in a race of this nature. At a huge price History Writer could well grab a place should conditions take a turn for the worse.

Quilixios has always been held in high regard. He was good enough to win on his French debut for Francois Nicolle at Compeigne when he had a dozen lengths to spare over Yes Indeed. He subsequently was purchased by Cheveley Park Stud and shipped over to Ireland where he also made an instant impact. Two quick victories in the space of two weeks followed at Punchestown and Down Royal where he won by a combined thirty-three lengths. He was upped in class to contest the Grade One Juvenile Hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival where he won in fine style again. He is certainly well worth his place in this line-up and with Rachael Blackmore on board must be feared.
Fifty Ball was a winner of two staying races on the flat in his native France and seems to have taken to life well under Gary Moore. Following a near three month break he ran in the biggest race of his career when he finished runner up to Soaring Glory in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury a few weeks ago. He runs in the same colours as Goshen and no surprise if compensation should await the connections following their rotten luck in the Triumph last year. His chances are hard to ignore.
Streets Of Doyen has been in fantastic form this season and landed the biggest win if his career over the course and distance back in October when ridden by Richard Johnson. He was completing a four-timer for the yard having also won at Roscommon, Gowran Park and Cork in the space of six weeks. His experience around here will prove invaluable and in a race that can throw up the occasional shock, he makes each way appeal should John McConnell bring him over from County Meath.
A Plus Tard could well be that horse. He improved from his seasonal reappearance when runner-up to Castlegrace Paddy at Navan in a Grade Two race to rally gamely to thwart Kemboy in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown just after Christmas. The form of the race has been boosted as Kemboy has come out and won another Grade One race subsequently suggesting that there could be more to come from the Cheveley Park owned and Henry De Bromhead trained runner. Whilst he is unproven at this trip, he looks as though he will get it and he does have winning Cheltenham form having won the Close Brothers Handicap Chase here a couple of seasons ago. Rachael Blackmore is on board  the seven-year-old and the pair are certainly worthy of their place in the line-up.
Billaway is taken to improve again having won the key trials at Down Royal and Naas in the run up to this. He has vital proven experience in the race and looks the perfect age to perhaps build a high profile for himself in this sphere. It is hard to dismiss the chances of Hazel Hill too has been a credit to his connections. It would be fantastic if he could roll back the years to grab at least a place in what is ultimately the twilight of his career.
Shattered Love has her work cut out to reverse her February form with Elimay but they have an extra half mile to play with here and connections will strongly fancy their chances of doing so. Shattered Love is a previous winner here at Cheltenham having won the JLT Here three years ago. She is also proven on a quicker surface, so drying ground ought to suit. Elimay has no prior experience at Cheltenham and that might just count against her.
Galopin Des Champs steps up to two and a half miles for the first time here this afternoon and he wasn’t beaten all that far in a Grade One race won by Appreciate It during the Dublin Racing Festival. A repeat of that effort would certainly see him right in the mix, particularly as he was doing all of his best work in the closing stages
 

Quilixios 
Fifty Ball
Streets Of Doyen 
A Plus Tard 
Hazel Hill
Shattered Love
Galopin Des Champs

Quilixios has always been held in high regard. He was good enough to win on his French debut for Francois Nicolle at Compeigne when he had a dozen lengths to spare over Yes Indeed. He subsequently was purchased by Cheveley Park Stud and shipped over to Ireland where he also made an instant impact. Two quick victories in the space of two weeks followed at Punchestown and Down Royal where he won by a combined thirty-three lengths. He was upped in class to contest the Grade One Juvenile Hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival where he won in fine style again. He is certainly well worth his place in this line-up and with Rachael Blackmore on board must be feared.
Fifty Ball was a winner of two staying races on the flat in his native France and seems to have taken to life well under Gary Moore. Following a near three month break he ran in the biggest race of his career when he finished runner up to Soaring Glory in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury a few weeks ago. He runs in the same colours as Goshen and no surprise if compensation should await the connections following their rotten luck in the Triumph last year. His chances are hard to ignore.
Streets Of Doyen has been in fantastic form this season and landed the biggest win if his career over the course and distance back in October when ridden by Richard Johnson. He was completing a four-timer for the yard having also won at Roscommon, Gowran Park and Cork in the space of six weeks. His experience around here will prove invaluable and in a race that can throw up the occasional shock, he makes each way appeal should John McConnell bring him over from County Meath.
A Plus Tard could well be that horse. He improved from his seasonal reappearance when runner-up to Castlegrace Paddy at Navan in a Grade Two race to rally gamely to thwart Kemboy in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown just after Christmas. The form of the race has been boosted as Kemboy has come out and won another Grade One race subsequently suggesting that there could be more to come from the Cheveley Park owned and Henry De Bromhead trained runner. Whilst he is unproven at this trip, he looks as though he will get it and he does have winning Cheltenham form having won the Close Brothers Handicap Chase here a couple of seasons ago. Rachael Blackmore is on board  the seven-year-old and the pair are certainly worthy of their place in the line-up.
Billaway is taken to improve again having won the key trials at Down Royal and Naas in the run up to this. He has vital proven experience in the race and looks the perfect age to perhaps build a high profile for himself in this sphere. It is hard to dismiss the chances of Hazel Hill too has been a credit to his connections. It would be fantastic if he could roll back the years to grab at least a place in what is ultimately the twilight of his career.
Shattered Love has her work cut out to reverse her February form with Elimay but they have an extra half mile to play with here and connections will strongly fancy their chances of doing so. Shattered Love is a previous winner here at Cheltenham having won the JLT Here three years ago. She is also proven on a quicker surface, so drying ground ought to suit. Elimay has no prior experience at Cheltenham and that might just count against her.
Galopin Des Champs steps up to two and a half miles for the first time here this afternoon and he wasn’t beaten all that far in a Grade One race won by Appreciate It during the Dublin Racing Festival. A repeat of that effort would certainly see him right in the mix, particularly as he was doing all of his best work in the closing stages
 

Quilixios has always been held in high regard. He was good enough to win on his French debut for Francois Nicolle at Compeigne when he had a dozen lengths to spare over Yes Indeed. He subsequently was purchased by Cheveley Park Stud and shipped over to Ireland where he also made an instant impact. Two quick victories in the space of two weeks followed at Punchestown and Down Royal where he won by a combined thirty-three lengths. He was upped in class to contest the Grade One Juvenile Hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival where he won in fine style again. He is certainly well worth his place in this line-up and with Rachael Blackmore on board must be feared.
Fifty Ball was a winner of two staying races on the flat in his native France and seems to have taken to life well under Gary Moore. Following a near three month break he ran in the biggest race of his career when he finished runner up to Soaring Glory in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury a few weeks ago. He runs in the same colours as Goshen and no surprise if compensation should await the connections following their rotten luck in the Triumph last year. His chances are hard to ignore.
Streets Of Doyen has been in fantastic form this season and landed the biggest win if his career over the course and distance back in October when ridden by Richard Johnson. He was completing a four-timer for the yard having also won at Roscommon, Gowran Park and Cork in the space of six weeks. His experience around here will prove invaluable and in a race that can throw up the occasional shock, he makes each way appeal should John McConnell bring him over from County Meath.
A Plus Tard could well be that horse. He improved from his seasonal reappearance when runner-up to Castlegrace Paddy at Navan in a Grade Two race to rally gamely to thwart Kemboy in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown just after Christmas. The form of the race has been boosted as Kemboy has come out and won another Grade One race subsequently suggesting that there could be more to come from the Cheveley Park owned and Henry De Bromhead trained runner. Whilst he is unproven at this trip, he looks as though he will get it and he does have winning Cheltenham form having won the Close Brothers Handicap Chase here a couple of seasons ago. Rachael Blackmore is on board  the seven-year-old and the pair are certainly worthy of their place in the line-up.
Billaway is taken to improve again having won the key trials at Down Royal and Naas in the run up to this. He has vital proven experience in the race and looks the perfect age to perhaps build a high profile for himself in this sphere. It is hard to dismiss the chances of Hazel Hill too has been a credit to his connections. It would be fantastic if he could roll back the years to grab at least a place in what is ultimately the twilight of his career.
Shattered Love has her work cut out to reverse her February form with Elimay but they have an extra half mile to play with here and connections will strongly fancy their chances of doing so. Shattered Love is a previous winner here at Cheltenham having won the JLT Here three years ago. She is also proven on a quicker surface, so drying ground ought to suit. Elimay has no prior experience at Cheltenham and that might just count against her.
Galopin Des Champs steps up to two and a half miles for the first time here this afternoon and he wasn’t beaten all that far in a Grade One race won by Appreciate It during the Dublin Racing Festival. A repeat of that effort would certainly see him right in the mix, particularly as he was doing all of his best work in the closing stages
 

The Final Day of this year’s Festival to be run on the New course and unless the Clerk of the course decides to throw some water on the track (I wouldn’t be surprised!) then we should be looking at racing on genuinely good ground.   1.20 Gone are the days of the 30 runner Triumph Hurdles with the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle taking away a lot of the ‘lesser’ candidates but despite only 8 runners we do have a potential cracker on our hands here. Current favourite Zanahiyr has been very impressive in winning all 3 of his starts in Ireland on soft ground, with a particularly fast time at Leopardstown over Christmas (form already been franked this week) and could be very good. Two negatives against him though are possibly the drying ground and the fact that he wears a first time tongue tie. Former stable mate Quilixios has also impressed in winning all 4 of his starts although he too is yet to prove he’s as good on good ground as he is on soft. Alan King is a past master at training these juveniles and can take this with his unbeaten Tritonic. A smart flat performer who was good enough to finish runner up at Royal Ascot, he stepped up from a rather un-impressive hurdles debut at Ascot to show a sparkling turn of foot over the last at Kempton when running away with the Adonis Juvenile Hurdle. Conditions may well favour him ahead of massive danger Zanahiyr and he’s the selection.   TRITONIC 2 points win @ 7/2 Bet365   1.55 As always the County Hurdle is very competitive although between them Dan Skelton and Willie Mullins have won the last 6 renewals. Skelton relies upon novice Third Time Lucki and he should run a good race. Mullins is mob handed with 5 entries the best of which may well be the novice Ganapathi who though has only raced on very soft ground. The fancy here though (as always with the firms paying extra places) is Sneezy Foster’s Eclair De Beaufeu. He ran a stormer to finish runner up in last year’s Grand Annual over fences and dropping back to timber here can race off of a 14lb lower mark with Jack Kennedy taking over from claiming jockeys.   ECLAIR DE BEAUFEU 1 point EW @ 9/1 Bet365 1/4 odds 123456   2.30 A good turnout for this year’s Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle (or the potato race as some call it!). The drying ground is going to be a major factor here as plenty of the leading contenders have been racing on the deep ground all winter. One exception is the Irish trained Streets Of Doyen, trained by John C McConnell at Stamullen, County Meath. He ran up a good ground four timer in the Autumn, culminating in a course and distance win in October. Given a mid season break presumably to miss the bad ground he was back for his prep race on unsuitable soft ground and over a mile too short in February. That will have teed him up nicely for this and he looks terrific each way value.   STREETS OF DOYEN 1 point EW @ 10/1 Bet365 1/5 1234   3.05 The Gold Cup features dual winner Al Boum Photo who surely is the one to beat although on official ratings he’s not that far clear of his rivals and at the prices I’ll take him on.  Henry De Bromhead has two big chances with A Plus Tard and Minella Indo. I did originally favour the latter but he’s been ridden throughout his career, including an Albert Bartlett win and RSA 2nd to Champ, by Rachael Blackmore who’s jumped ship to ride A Plus Tard and he has to be the selection here. He does have to prove his stamina over the last two furlongs but he looked good when beating Kemboy and others in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas over 3 miles and I’ll take him to top an excellent week for De Bromhead and Blackmore.   A PLUS TARD 2 points win @ 10/3 Boylesports   3.40 This year’s Foxhunters Chase (I’m still calling it that anyway!) will be different to previous renewals with professional jockeys riding due to the ban on amateurs. The last two winners in Hazel Hill and It Came To Pass along with last years runner up Billaway make a formidable Irish challenge but this may go the Paul Nicholls trained Bob And Co who was impressive under today’s jockey Sean Bowen when blitzing his field at Haydock 27 days ago. The one unknown with him however is the ground as all his form has been on deep ground. I’ll take a chance he handles the livelier conditions and with Bowen saying in the week that he felt he needed the Haydock run and has improved since he’s the bet here. Just a word of warning though he was a bit hairy at a couple of the Haydock fences so expect the odd errant jump! His class may get him through mind.   BOB AND CO 1 point EW @ 6/1 Boylesports 1/5 1234   4.15 A new addition to the Festival is another Ireland/Willie Mullins benefit race in the Mares Chase! Ireland have 7 of the 11 runners with the 4 British runners priced  at 33/1, 33/1,33/1 & 20/1! Elimay is a confident selection to win this for Mullins and Mark Walsh. She’s won 3 of her 4 starts over fences with her only defeat coming against the smart Allaho at Thurles. She was impressive last time when comfortably beating Shattered Love who looks held now and her biggest danger is stable companion Colreevy who has to prove her effectiveness on the drying ground. Mullins has farmed the two mares hurdles races at the Festival over the past decade and I expect the same scenario with this new race.   ELIMAY 3 points win @ 5/6 William Hills   4.50 A fiendishly hard Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle to complete the end of a memorable Festival where we’ve seem some very smart performances. Trainer David Pipe would love to win this race named after his father and he saddles three runners, the best of which maybe Martinhal who’s making his handicap debut and is lightly raced. The pick though is the Willie Mullins trained, Sean O’Keefe ridden 5 year old novice Galopin Des Champs who if we can believe his 9 1/4L 6th to Appreciate It and Ballyadam at Leopardstown at the Dublin Racing Festival could be well treated off of 140 on his handicap debut. An outsider that could outrun his big odds is the Nicky Henderson trained Mill Green who ran well to finish 6th last year when the standing start didn’t suit him. He’s worth a small ew saver at a big price.   GALOPIN DES CHAMPS 1 point EW @ 7/1 1/5 12345 MILL GREEN 1/2 point EW @ 33/1 Paddy Power 1/5 12345    

Day 3 and the ground appears to be drying with today’s action being run on the ew course.   1.20 A race to sit back and enjoy with no financial interest (unless you’re already on at fancy prices obviously). Envoi Allen (pictured below) is unbeaten in 11 starts - that’s a point to point, 4 bumpers (including Cheltenham Champion Bumper), 4 novice hurdles (including last years Ballymore) and 3 novice chases. He’s actually only beaten 11 horses over fences in those 3 small field races but to my eyes he just oozes class and I’ll be very surprised were he not to beat these in good style. Fusil Raffles maybe the best of the rest.   1.55 A competitive renewal of the Pertemps Network Final with likely favourite Imperial Alcazar holding a definite chance to give local handler Fergal O’Brien his first ever Festival winner. He looks sure to run a big race but I like the horse that ran him to 5L at Warwick in the qualifier and is now 8lb better off - Tom George’s Come On Teddy. He had previously won over the course and distance beating the useful yardstick On The Blind Side and he looks poised to run a big race.   COME ON TEDDY 1 point EW @ 10/1 1/5th 123456   2.30 A well contested and competitive Ryanair Chase where officially there is only 11lb between the whole field. A case can be made for many including last years one - two, Min and Saint Calvados. Fakir D’oudairies has been on my radar for a while for this race as I feel this intermediate trip is just ideal for Joseph O’Brien’s charge. The only time he’s actually run at 2m 4f he blitzed the useful Ronald Pump by 22L at Fairyhouse in a grade 1. He was certainly not disgraced when running Chacun Pour Soi to 8L last time and represents a bit of value here.   FAKIR D’OUDAIRIES 1 point EW @  Bet365 8/1 1/5th 1234   3.05 The Stayers Hurdle and Paisley Park brings the best overall form to the race although I still can’t get out of my mind his flop in this race last year at odds of 4/6. He may well win but I’m happy to take him on and find some each way value. I’ll take him on with Flooring Porter, who may prefer softer ground although he has abundant stamina and will see this trip out well. He appears to have improved this season winning a handicap hurdle at Navan in December and the grade 1 Leopardstown Christmas Hurdle, keeping on strongly to beat The Storyteller and Sire Du Berlais who re-oppose today. Jonathan Moore is his regular pilot and keeps the ride here today.   FLOORING PORTER 1 point EW @ 11/1 Paddy Power 1/5th 12345   3.40 A typically tricky renewal with many having claims. Mister Whitaker is an interesting runner who’s Cheltenham Festival form figures are 1P3 with the pulled up coming over 3 miles which he just doesn’t stay. He was 3rd in this race last year and can race off of a mark 2lb lower so is no doubt well handicapped. He looks value at a big price with the firms paying the all important extra places. Farclas is one of the market leaders who could also run well as may last years runner up Happy Diva.   MISTER WHITAKER 1 point EW @ 14/1 Paddy Power 1/5th 123456   4.15 Willie Mullins has farmed this race since its inception, winning all 5 renewals. He runs three here and the best of them may well be Hook Up. She ran well behind Tuesday’s impressive winner Appreciate It when 4th at The Dublin Racing Festival and in a tricky enough race looks each way value, once again with firms pays those extra places.   HOOK UP 1 point EW @ 15/2 Paddy Power 1/5th 1234   4.50 Novice Mount Ida looks worth an each way bet in quite an uninspiring Kim Muir which obviously won’t be run with amateurs this season following their COVID ban. She ran Mares Chase fancy Coolreevy to 12L at Thurles last time out and could be well handicapped on her first handicap start. Kilfilum Cross has finished runner up in this the last two years off of 139 and 138 and can race off of 135 here. He’s not shown much this season but maybe he’s been trained with this race in mind. He’s worth a small ew saver also.   MOUNT IDA 1 point EW 8/1 Bet365 1/4 12345 KILFILUM CROSS 1/2 point EW 12/1 Bet365 1/4 12345    

1-20 Envoi Allen looks an absolute star in the making and seems to have scared away most of the opposition. His recent move to Henry De Bromhead is unlikely to prove too much of a detriment and he can enhance his already unblemished record. Shan Blue looks to be best of the remainder and can chase him home.
1-55 Come On Teddy looks sure to run a big race for Tom George. The seven-year-old comes here with winning track form and receives lumps of weight from most of his rivals. He has the beating of a couple of these on form lines through On The Bright Side and he can run a big race. It is worth bearing in mind that the Irish have won the last five renewals of this race and The Bosses Oscar looks sure to turn in another solid run.
2-30 This looks to be as competitive as ever but the one I keep getting drawn to is Imperial Aura. He was unlucky with his fall at Kempton last time and is far better than that. His record around here reads well and with question marks hanging over the likes of Min and Melon and their underperforming last time, he has to be seriously considered. Allaho is talented but he folded too quickly for my liking in the RSA last year. Mister Fisher looks the type to put in another solid performance and Dashel Drasher has been in fantastic form all year.
3-05 Sire Du Berlais could well prove to be a thorn in the side of Paisley Park. He just comes into his own at the Festival and there is no reason to think this year will be any different. With nothing separating the front two in the betting, he looks a very viable each way option. Flooring Porter has improved out of all recognition this season and could prove the chief danger.
3-40 This is a wide open renewal of a competitive handicap and Farclas may well be good enough to win it. His yard won this back in 2018 with The Storyteller and this former winner of the Triumph Hurdle looks to have had this on his agenda all year. The popular grey always tends to run his race and he can go well in the colours of Gigginstown House Stud. Paddy’s Poem is in good heart and cannot be entirely dismissed whilst Mister Whitaker also loves it around here and could sneak a place.
4-15 Roseys Hollow was an impressive winner of the Solerina Hurdle last time out and it would be of little surprise if she were to continue on an upward curve by taking this. Willie Mullins has maintained a tight grip on this race since its inception, but this is the most open renewal that I can remember. None of his representatives this time around particularly stand out. Glens Of Antrim would be the one who could possibly offer the biggest resistance to the selection.
4-50 Shantou Flyer may be advancing in years but connections clearly feel that he is up to being competitive at this level. He knows every blade of grass around this track and has to be high on any shortlist for that reason. Bob Mahler was an excellent third in this race last year and actually is five pounds lower this time around. He showed signs of encouragement last day to suggest he was on his way back and no surprise if he delivers a massive run.

1-20 Envoi Allen looks an absolute star in the making and seems to have scared away most of the opposition. His recent move to Henry De Bromhead is unlikely to prove too much of a detriment and he can enhance his already unblemished record. Shan Blue looks to be best of the remainder and can chase him home.
1-55 Come On Teddy looks sure to run a big race for Tom George. The seven-year-old comes here with winning track form and receives lumps of weight from most of his rivals. He has the beating of a couple of these on form lines through On The Bright Side and he can run a big race. It is worth bearing in mind that the Irish have won the last five renewals of this race and The Bosses Oscar looks sure to turn in another solid run.
2-30 This looks to be as competitive as ever but the one I keep getting drawn to is Imperial Aura. He was unlucky with his fall at Kempton last time and is far better than that. His record around here reads well and with question marks hanging over the likes of Min and Melon and their underperforming last time, he has to be seriously considered. Allaho is talented but he folded too quickly for my liking in the RSA last year. Mister Fisher looks the type to put in another solid performance and Dashel Drasher has been in fantastic form all year.
3-05 Sire Du Berlais could well prove to be a thorn in the side of Paisley Park. He just comes into his own at the Festival and there is no reason to think this year will be any different. With nothing separating the front two in the betting, he looks a very viable each way option. Flooring Porter has improved out of all recognition this season and could prove the chief danger.
3-40 This is a wide open renewal of a competitive handicap and Farclas may well be good enough to win it. His yard won this back in 2018 with The Storyteller and this former winner of the Triumph Hurdle looks to have had this on his agenda all year. The popular grey always tends to run his race and he can go well in the colours of Gigginstown House Stud. Paddy’s Poem is in good heart and cannot be entirely dismissed whilst Mister Whitaker also loves it around here and could sneak a place.
4-15 Roseys Hollow was an impressive winner of the Solerina Hurdle last time out and it would be of little surprise if she were to continue on an upward curve by taking this. Willie Mullins has maintained a tight grip on this race since its inception, but this is the most open renewal that I can remember. None of his representatives this time around particularly stand out. Glens Of Antrim would be the one who could possibly offer the biggest resistance to the selection.
4-50 Shantou Flyer may be advancing in years but connections clearly feel that he is up to being competitive at this level. He knows every blade of grass around this track and has to be high on any shortlist for that reason. Bob Mahler was an excellent third in this race last year and actually is five pounds lower this time around. He showed signs of encouragement last day to suggest he was on his way back and no surprise if he delivers a massive run.

1-20 Envoi Allen looks an absolute star in the making and seems to have scared away most of the opposition. His recent move to Henry De Bromhead is unlikely to prove too much of a detriment and he can enhance his already unblemished record. Shan Blue looks to be best of the remainder and can chase him home.
1-55 Come On Teddy looks sure to run a big race for Tom George. The seven-year-old comes here with winning track form and receives lumps of weight from most of his rivals. He has the beating of a couple of these on form lines through On The Bright Side and he can run a big race. It is worth bearing in mind that the Irish have won the last five renewals of this race and The Bosses Oscar looks sure to turn in another solid run.
2-30 This looks to be as competitive as ever but the one I keep getting drawn to is Imperial Aura. He was unlucky with his fall at Kempton last time and is far better than that. His record around here reads well and with question marks hanging over the likes of Min and Melon and their underperforming last time, he has to be seriously considered. Allaho is talented but he folded too quickly for my liking in the RSA last year. Mister Fisher looks the type to put in another solid performance and Dashel Drasher has been in fantastic form all year.
3-05 Sire Du Berlais could well prove to be a thorn in the side of Paisley Park. He just comes into his own at the Festival and there is no reason to think this year will be any different. With nothing separating the front two in the betting, he looks a very viable each way option. Flooring Porter has improved out of all recognition this season and could prove the chief danger.
3-40 This is a wide open renewal of a competitive handicap and Farclas may well be good enough to win it. His yard won this back in 2018 with The Storyteller and this former winner of the Triumph Hurdle looks to have had this on his agenda all year. The popular grey always tends to run his race and he can go well in the colours of Gigginstown House Stud. Paddy’s Poem is in good heart and cannot be entirely dismissed whilst Mister Whitaker also loves it around here and could sneak a place.
4-15 Roseys Hollow was an impressive winner of the Solerina Hurdle last time out and it would be of little surprise if she were to continue on an upward curve by taking this. Willie Mullins has maintained a tight grip on this race since its inception, but this is the most open renewal that I can remember. None of his representatives this time around particularly stand out. Glens Of Antrim would be the one who could possibly offer the biggest resistance to the selection.
4-50 Shantou Flyer may be advancing in years but connections clearly feel that he is up to being competitive at this level. He knows every blade of grass around this track and has to be high on any shortlist for that reason. Bob Mahler was an excellent third in this race last year and actually is five pounds lower this time around. He showed signs of encouragement last day to suggest he was on his way back and no surprise if he delivers a massive run.

With the 1st hunter chases of the season coming yesterday at Fairyhouse I thought it was time to start this thread again. Having done this for the 1st time last season and it proving popular I will once again be updating those horses that are being aimed at the Foxhunter in March. It is one race that gets over looked when looking at Cheltenham and I always get asked questions about what horses are and aren't qualified for the race. So this is where I can keep everyone updated as to what is going on and my thoughts on the runners. Obviously any bets during the upcoming months will go here as well.
Given we have had just 3 points in the UK and the Irish season is in its early stages as well we have already seen plenty of horses hoping to line up at Cheltenham in March. Let's start with the Fairyhouse race from yesterday which featured It Came To Pass and Billaway, the first two home from last season. The former's trainer went on RacingTV before the race and said that the horse would improve a stone for the run, the ground was against him and that he is a better horse in the spring. It was no surprise he drifted in the betting and given all that I thought he ran really well as he got himself into contention before fading in the straight. As far as I am aware only William Hill have the race priced up and It Came To Pass is currently 12/1 2nd fav which seems a fair enough price to me as his run was full of promise. Billaway is currently the 8/1 market leader to reverse the form from last season. He travelled well up until just before they turned for home where he looked like he would drop out of contention, but he came back on the bridle and looked the winner until he made a right mess of the last. I'm not certain he would have won though as when he got to the winner on the run in he didn't get any closer and I think the winner had more in the tank. At this stage he is probably still the horse I would make favourite for the race as it was a promising return to action and he should still be progressive. Stand Up And Fight looked like he would be a possible winner of the Foxhunter a couple of years ago when he finished 6th in the race. Last season didn't go to plan though as he only managed to win a point over a banks course. It seems cross-country racing was going to be his thing this season, but after this win yesterday the trainer said he will stick to hunter chases now. First time blinkers might have done the trick and you would want to see them work again, but it was a personal best performance for me and if he builds on it then he will be a player come March. The 14/1 available is a fair price, but I would want to see a repeat performance before considering getting involved.
Staying in Ireland I have to mention a horse who was declared to run at Fairyhouse, but didn't turn up. Aloneamongmillions ended up running at Dromahane instead where he beat last year's 4th Staker Wallace by a very comfortable 3L. That performance clearly puts him in the Foxhunter picture and despite having only 7 runs he is already qualified. Interestingly the only time he hasn't won was when he made his debut and that came in the UK when he fell in a maiden that Road To Rome went on to win. Given what that one went on to do it would have been a fascinating contest if Aloneamongmillions had of stood up. In Ireland broke his maiden tag last month and then won 3 points last season, before winning a hunter chase at Gowran Park in pleasing style. After that race his trainer said he would be aimed at Cheltenham and clearly he has backed that up with his win on Sunday. He's 16/1 at the moment and is a fascinating contender at this stage. Staker Wallace himself is also 16/1 and having fancied him last season I wouldn't want to write him off just yet.
Onto what has been happening this side of the Irish sea. Because the pointing season was stopped last term when lockdown happened the current season started in October which given pointing has had to stop again because of lockdown was a very good move. We have also already seen 4 horses who could have serious Cheltenham claims. First to run was Maxwell's Foxhunter horse this season Jatiluwih at Bishops Court. The horse was very good over hurdles and he not surprisingly made a winning pointing debut under Will Biddick as his owner is currently injured. He clearly is a very good horse, but I wasn't impressed with his jumping and that will need to improve a lot before I even consider backing him for Cheltenham. Obviously there is scope for improvement on that front, but 14/1 wouldn't appeal on the basis of that run.
Maxwell has 3 other horses priced up. Shantou Flyer has surely had his best chance of winning the race so he looks short at 16s. I haven't seen anything about Cat Tiger going hunter chasing and he is at 20/1. Bob And Co is also 20/1 but however much the Racing Post's Tom Collins thinks he is a Cheltenham Foxhunter contender I would be amazed if he turned up at Cheltenham and Aintree will be is race. We also know that Maxwell will only run one in the race based on what he said before this year's renewal so something would need to happen to Jatiluwih for any other these to run.
In the Ladies Open on the Bishops Court card I was much more impressed with Red Indian who beat a solid yardstick in Master Baker by 50L. He looks a readymade replacement for the yards Top Wood and he looks set to be an exciting horse this season. He isn't priced up by William Hill at the moment, but he should be. Like Jatiluwih it was a good move to get him out early to get the 1st qualifying run out of the way.
At Maisemore Wishing And Hoping ran out a comfortable winner of the Mixed Open for the Hazel Hill team. Some thought he should have been aimed at Cheltenham last season, but I though the Rowley's were right to take things more slowly with him as he looked like he needed a bit more experience. It was a solid win and he jumped well in making all. You would think he will be Cheltenham bound this season.
The last meeting before lockdown number 2 was at Kimble and the Mens Open there saw another very impressive performance from a horse making their pointing debut. Porlock Bay has come over from France and was backed in the market beforehand so was fancied to win and he ended up bolting up by 20L. The race was over 2m4f and he is unproven over further so we don't yet know if he will stay the Cheltenham trip. The plan seems to be to try him over 3m next time and we will know more then, but he looks a classy horse based on this performance. Hills have him priced up at 25/1.
Pointing in the UK is set to start again once we come out of lockdown and pointing in Ireland continues. I don't have the UK hunter chase dates yet, but usually Taunton in January is the first race of the season.
NB - In his Racing Post stable tour on 16/11 Paul Nicholls has stated that Bob And Co has had a wind op and Cat Tiger will be going hunter chasing.

Newbury 1.50( money back 2nd or 3rd)
Tea Clipper 16.78
Amour De Nuit 15.12
the latter offers the best value and is overpriced. 
Amour De Nuit 15/2
Newbury 2.25
Botox Has 20.9
Thyme White 18
the bookies have both of these bang on regarding prices.  Might play Thyme White ew if he drifts out a bit more. 
Botox Has 5/1
Newbury 3.00
Copperhead ew 10/1
Had La Bague Au Roi and Beware The Bear rated just behind but just playing Copperhead as it’s ultra competitive.