**William Hill Lincoln (Heritage Handicap)**

1     72471-     Sweet Lightning364     7     9-10     Michael Dods         110     102     118
2     35531-     Penitent187     6     9-8     David O´Meara         108     99     117
3     238-10     The Rectifier71     5     9-5     Jim Boyle         105     105     121
4     83634-     Black Spirit196     5     9-4     Clive Cox         104     102     114
5     00011-     Edinburgh Knight129     5     9-4     Paul D´Arcy         104     91     112
6     1452-     Eton Forever203     5     9-3     Roger Varian         103     108     121
7     41004-     Hawkeyethenoo182     6     9-3     Jim Goldie         103     108     121
8     32127-     Smarty Socks161     8     9-2     David O´Meara         102     113     120
9     6610-6     Man Of Action70     5     9-1     Saeed Bin Suroor         101     105     120
10     362-34     Start Right71     5     9-1     Saeed Bin Suroor         101     115     121
11     7141-5     Mia´s Boy70     8     9-1     Chris Dwyer         101     108     115
12     20649-     Axiom147     8     9-0     Ed Walker         100     109     118
13     7033-6     Field Of Dream71     5     9-0     Jamie Osborne         100     90     116
14     141-78     Captain Ramius65     6     9-0     Kevin Ryan         100     112     121
15     1/552-     Cocozza222     4     8-13     Marco Botti         99     65     118
16     00330-     Pintura189     5     8-13     David Simcock         99     115     120
17     52547-     Fury164     4     8-12     William Haggas         98     93     125
18     4100-     Rakaan288     5     8-12     Jamie Osborne         98     —     —
19     31411-     Take It To The Max153     5     8-11     Richard Fahey         97     104     117
20     00156-     Askaud122     4     8-11     Scott Dixon         97     110     114
21     640-00     Lowther65     7     8-11     David Nicholls         97     103     119
22     013-23     Clockmaker70     6     8-10     Tim Easterby         96     88     113
23     5235-1     Mull Of Killough70     6     8-10     Jane Chapple-Hyam         96     114     114
24     61001-     Bonnie Brae147     5     8-10     David Elsworth         96     120     121
25     02708-     King Of Jazz210     4     8-10     Michael Bell         96     97     120
26     61000-     Brae Hill210     6     8-9     Richard Fahey         95     113     123
27     41098-     Dunn´o217     7     8-9     David Nicholls         95     113     121
28     43391-     Don´t Call Me196     5     8-9     David Nicholls         95     115     120
29     90000-     Light From Mars189     7     8-9     John Quinn         95     116     119
30     91123-     Stevie Thunder164     7     8-9     Ian Williams         95     116     118
31     541-     Font Of Wisdom248     4     8-8     D K Weld         94     94     100
32     0095-     Hung Parliament150     4     8-8     Tom Dascombe         94     84     116
33     036/5-     Cockney Class371     5     8-7     Brian Meehan         93     —     —
34     4221-2     Primaeval70     6     8-6     James Fanshawe         92     97     118
35     02261-     Glor Na Mara134     4     8-6     J S Bolger         92     94     113
36     29202-     Tullius180     4     8-6     Andrew Balding         92     113     121
37     19226-     Robemaker154     4     8-5     John Gosden         91     113     121
38     38740-     Shavansky161     8     8-5     Rod Millman         91     123     124
39     312-71     Amitola56     5     8-5     David Barron         91     102     111
40     31430-     Barren Brook176     5     8-4     Michael Easterby         90     118     119
41     00/62-     Chiswick Bey325     4     8-4     Richard Fahey         90     119     119
42     05260-     Dubai Dynamo168     7     8-4     Ruth Carr         90     117     122
43     00085-     Kyllachy Star189     6     8-4     Richard Fahey         90     93     118
44     50300-     Crown Counsel147     4     8-3     Mark Johnston         89     98     123
45     01332-     Weapon Of Choice175     4     8-3     Stuart Kittow         89     104     118
46     27100-     Kiwi Bay147     7     8-3     Michael Dods         89     120     120
47     17000-     Leviathan196     5     8-3     Tony Newcombe         89     114     122
48     42895-     Prime Exhibit147     7     8-3     Richard Fahey         89     117     121
49     13730-     The Tichborne247     4     8-3     Roger Teal         89     107     119
50     140-     Dubawi Sound154     4     8-2     Roger Varian         88     105     120
51     61331-     Arabian Star190     4     8-2     Andrew Balding         88     118     118
52     84113-     Perfect Cracker92     4     8-2     Clive Cox         88     83     100
53     60053-     Redvers161     4     8-2     Edward Vaughan         88     114     120
54     77-117     Prince Of Burma56     4     8-2     Jeremy Gask         88     93     109
55     58900-     Snow Bay176     6     8-2     David Nicholls         88     104     123
56     12103-     Kinyras183     4     8-2     Michael Easterby         88     117     121
57     80806-     Kingscroft189     4     8-2     Mark Johnston         88     80     113
58     9/18-2     Reve De Nuit90     6     8-1     Alan McCabe         87     115     132
59     61533-     Voodoo Prince126     4     8-1     Ed Dunlop         87     115     119
60     1114-     Mont Ras266     5     8-1     David O´Meara         87     105     119
61     99702-     Kay Gee Be157     8     8-1     Richard Fahey         87     112     121
62     41810-     Miami Gator196     5     8-1     Mrs K Burke         87     111     116
63     40457-     Arabian Spirit154     7     8-0     Richard Fahey         86     118     121
64     2118-7     Pat´s Legacy56     6     8-0     Jo Hughes         86     116     123
65     51040-     First Post189     5     8-0     Derek Haydn Jones         86     120     121
66     8280-3     Call To Reason90     5     8-0     Ian Williams         86     93     120
67     41851-     Shamdarley176     4     7-13     Michael Dods         85     115     119
68     07929-     Norse Blues150     4     7-13     Sylvester Kirk         85     94     109
69     1000-2     Mullins Way58     4     7-13     Jo Hughes         85     93     119
70     24845-     Borug159     4     7-13     James Tate         85     109     121
71     11326-     Swiftly Done154     5     7-13     Declan Carroll         85     113     121
72     70959-     Nice Style129     7     7-12     Jeremy Gask         84     115     121
73     07500-     Captain Bertie147     4     7-12     Charles Hills         84     104     121
74     0-8434     Tevez49     7     7-12     Des Donovan         84     101     126
75     67860-     Magic Cat79J     6     7-12     Mrs K Burke         84     110     116
76     0206-0     Mawaakef77     4     7-12     J R Jenkins         84     100     122
77     40010-     Oriental Scot154     5     7-12     William Jarvis         84     102     120
78     13510-     Cool Macavity247     4     7-12     Charles Hills         84     112     118
79     50181-     Silvery Moon198     5     7-11     Tim Easterby         83     113     120
80     36919-     Fantasy Gladiator140     6     7-11     Robert Cowell         83     110     119
81     96805-     Sam Sharp117J     6     7-11     Ian Williams         83     120     123
82     040-76     Zacynthus63     4     7-11     Alan McCabe         83     112     121
83     31197-     I´m Super Too190     5     7-11     Alan Swinbank         83     96     119
84     158-43     Nazreef69     5     7-11     Hughie Morrison         83     99     118
85     000-58     Dozy Joe66     4     7-10     Ian Wood         82     103     114
86     41009-     Quite Sparky209     5     7-10     Mike Sowersby         82     117     120
87     00-653     Tartan Trip49     5     7-9     Andrew Balding         81     105     119
88     531-28     West End Lad47     9     7-8     Roy Bowring         80     103     114
89     211-42     Lockantanks56     5     7-7     Michael Appleby         79     90     104
90     0236-     Silenceofthewind196     5     7-7     Mrs K Burke         79     96     117
91     45050-     Ashva247     4     7-7     Michael Dods         79     104     125
92     48093-     Merchant Of Medici177     5     7-6     Micky Hammond         78     112     113
93     51450-     Silverware174     4     7-5     Linda Stubbs         77     104     113
94     11441-     Ted´s Brother161     4     7-4     Richard Guest         76     109     112
95     05-242     Legal Legacy54     6     7-2     David C Griffiths         74     93     107
96     9009-4     My Kingdom85     6     6-13     Ian Williams         71     93     119
97     00-487     Georgebernardshaw47     7     6-7     Richard Guest         65     90     98



If they can get Fury back to form.....

Fury been the early mover BJG. 14/1 into 11/1 with the sponsors.

Not for me Guv. No idea what form he is in, is it.

Hey Sint,

I've had a quick glance over the Lincoln and to be honest Fury is the only one that has that touch of class about him; in the same way Penitent had two years ago for the same Owner/Trainer combo. He's been given a chance by the handicapper after three woeful efforts last July onwards and the mark of 98 looks appealing if he returns to the form of old. The fact that the horse is back now as a 4yo gives the suggestion that he still must be showing something to be worth another year on the track. He has form on both quick and slow ground and there must be the potential of Murtagh coming over to ride him I would have thought. So with that in mind I don't think the now best price of 12/1 is too bad to be having an ante post stab with considering any ante post bet is more of a gamble anyway than nearer the time and if he is back on song he should go fairly close.

Just my thoughts :)

Hi VK, yeah I agree about his class. I backed him in the Guineas in the w/o Frankel market. Trainer has to be respected, had a great season last season. GL mate.

I can never resist a cheeky ante post bet on the Lincoln! It's what early Spring was made for, ha!

I think you have summed that up pretty well VK and I agree he is the interesting one at this stage. I took some 14's last week and will probably top up @ 12's shortly.

It is the only entry in the race from Haggas too which I am pleased about as he doesn't waste entries.

I could be wrong but I thought the trainer said the horse was given a rushed preparation to start his campaign last year in the Guineas and that may have contributed to his form tailing off during the year. After reviewing the Guineas again I also don't think he looked that comfortable on the fast ground so some cut might be desirable.

Evening Guys

Think we are all reading of the same script here.

Backed Fury Win & E/W last week @ 12/1

also covered on Eton Forever Win & E/W 14/1

Same as everyone else, Fury is the only horse that stands out as better than a handicapper.Dubawai Sound was hugely impressive on his debut but didnt quite follow that up. Maybe the front two slit each others throat that day but Colombian went on to run well in a couple of races.

To quote somebody from last year

Far From Trouble   
Posted 14/02/2011 20:03     
See no reason why Eton Forever doesn't honk up in this tbh

Wrong race muppet


^ Comment applies this year tbh

William Haggas has confirmed one-time Classic hope Fury is set to run in the William Hill Lincoln at Doncaster on March 31.

Unbeaten as a juvenile, Fury finished fifth behind Frankel in last year's 2000 Guineas and while he ran well to finish second at Sandown next time, his three subsequent starts were disappointing.

Haggas is no stranger to Lincoln glory, saddling High Low (1992), Very Wise (2007) and Penitent (2010) to win in South Yorkshire.

"That's (the Lincoln) the idea. If we can get him back to his two-year-old form, or even his run in the Heron Stakes at Sandown, he's potentially well treated, but that is a big 'if'. We'll be doing our best anyway," the trainer said.

If he comes back to form then Fury looks thrown in and with the trainer/owner having such a good record he looks sure to go off shorter.
Having said that he was stone last in his last 3 runs so he has to improve markedl;y.

Of the others I think Bonnie Brae @ 20/1 stands out.

That's why I cant have him tbh Uncle. At least when Penitent came into this race he had won his last start the previous season. I dont see this horse being any shorter than 8/1 on the day tbh, how can he be ?

I have to disagree there sint. Whilst his last 3 runs are of a concern, if they had been better, he would not be in this race.

He has proven himself to be a Group race performer and this is a handicap where he seems very well treated as mentioned by VK. Taken 11s with Billys, no longer account with 365

Some positive news there from Haggas :)

He is the ante post selection from my point of view as it's worth the gamble on him at the prices because if he is back to his best then he takes the beating. He could have simply lost his way of course, but if he hasn't the ground shouldn't be an issue whatever happens and the 12/1 looks too tasty to ignore at the moment.

365 read the article too by the looks of things, clipping him in to 10s now!

I understand the angle Roobuck and that is one way of reading it. I know he is/has class as I did back him in the Guineas, but for me his handicap rating is dropping for a reason and in all honesty an 8lb drop is not that much for a horse who has been beat 11 lengths,14 lengths and ll lenghts in his last three starts. He literally showed nothing at all. 14/1 & 12/1 looks OK but if there is the usual 20 odd runners (is it 20 or 25? ) that line up he shouldn't be any shorter than 10's. I actually thought Haggas didnt sound too optimistic in those quotes tbh and he is usually very fair when assesing his horses imo.

And I understand your position perfectly sint - I'm sure I'll play something else closer to the day. Whilst  you have a point about his sp, I think his price will contract.

Haggas may be sceptical but the connections would not have kept the horse in training without good reason.

Look forward to reading about your pick if you have one in due course though I suspect it will be much closer to race day.

I do have one I half fancy but not guaranteed to get a run, and I have just shot off an email to the trainer to see if it is their intention to go!

about 90/92 cut off point this season?

Jane Chapple-Hyam ‏@JaneChappleHyam

New to Twitter, Cant wait to run the mull on sat for @Invictus_Racing horse is in good order. Mull Of Killough gearing up to the Lincoln, 25/1 looks good. You know that !

Lol. I love the hot babe.

King Of Jazz - first time out form figues are 21 and the win was at Doncaster. He's never won at a mile, but did finish 2nd to Sagramoor at Haydock who then went on to win the Brittania afterwards. I dont particularly like the fact he has recently been sold but Michael Bell has confirmed him on target for the race so at 25/1 will have a few quid.

Anyone heard anything regards Bonnie Brae?

Won here at end of last season over 7F.

A rise of 6lbs doesn't look overly harsh.

Interesting pick sint, can see your angle on this one - like you say interesting that perhaps its single best piece of form was over a mile yet for the most part ran over shorter distances. The horse he beat first time out last year is now rated 106 though it was his debut.

I believe he must be guaranteed a run if this is the horse you had in mind previously - good luck.

Sorry not heard anything re Bonnie Brae Terry. sint seems to be successful in getting info by sending the yard an email, maybe that's a way to try

Please correct me if I'm wrong but hasn't Fury been gelded since last season?

Fury shows as a gelding on RP website.

I know. So was he a colt last season?

Well he would have been when he ran in the Guineas

Very clever. So was he gelded after the Guineas and before his next run on the 26th May, or was he gelded after that run before his next outing on the 7th of July? He ran on July 16th, but wasn't seen again until the 19th of October. Was he gelded at some point in-between those runs?
What I was trying to establish was, is it possible that he was gelded after his last run last season, and so having suffered that operation his mind may now be more focused on racing? Thus he may find some improvement on those last few runs. Or, did he have the operation at some point last summer, meaning the operation had no discernible effect on improving his form?

Fairly sure he never ran as a gelding during 2011

This was the Racing Post comment after his penultimate run -  "Connections could not offer any explanation, and the colt was routine tested"

I followed this one quite closely last year and managed to lose a nice amount of money on him - I am sure he has been gelded this winter but I still wouldnt touch him with a barge pole. Good luck to those braver than me!

Must have been gelded during the autumn/winter. Last chance saloon then you would imagine. Lets hope it works for him.

Hope so!

Pat Smullen booked for Edinburgh Knight

Is Fury technically a eunuch (probably bad spelling)? Aren't they big and strong?

Sweet Lightning must be out - taken out of a lot of betting lists

Light From Mars

Good e/way value @ 40/1 with Ladcrooks.

Trainer gave this a positive word in the Times today. Looks well handicapped on his Newbury Spring Cup win last year.Recently given a prep run at Wolverhampton. Trainer in form and has won this before.Also has a lucky owner who loves these big handicaps.

Ground is pretty quick at the moment, no rain in 5 day forecast, Eton forever my only play so far at 16 on here.

Ground is pretty quick at the moment, no rain in 5 day forecast, Eton forever my only play so far at 16 on here.

Stevie Thunder looks friendless, but I don't know why. Winner of the Ripon Rowels and runner-up in the Cambridgeshire (9f probably stretching his stamina to the limit), this looks an ideal race for him.  His subsequent 3rd to Inler & Secrecy wasn't a bad effort either, and he still looks feasibly handicapped imo. I've mopped-up the bits and pieces at silly prices.

0.25pt Stevie Thunder @ 65/1

Good offer from Chisholms

EACH WAY 1/4 12345

eton forever--backed it big last year got eliminated -and won the consolation-no mistake this year i hope

http://www.sportinglife.com/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=racing/12/03/25/RACING_Lincoln.html

William Haggas is praying for rain ahead of Fury's run in the William Hill Lincoln at Doncaster on Saturday.

The Yorkshire-born Newmarket trainer has already won the prestigious handicap that kicks off the Flat turf season three times.

Fury, owned by the Cheveley Park Stud, is ante-post favourite for the one-mile cavalry charge on the opening day of the 2012 campaign.

"Fury's fine. He's on target and he'll definitely run," said Haggas.

"His chance will be increased if we get some rain."

Uneaten in two races as a two-year-old, the Invincible Spirit gelding failed to add to that tally last term, but was fifth to Frankel in the 2000 Guineas on his seasonal reappearance.

He was then just touched off by Tazahum in a Listed heat at Sandown, after which he lost his form.

100% definitely Nno rain this week - dry, bright and mild. Ground likely to extremely quick.

I remember to my cost last year when Gosden withdrew the favourite becuase of the lack of grass - given the incredibly dry weather for the past 12 motnhs it might even be a dirt track

Given a decent draw Eton Forever looks sure to go off very short so might take some of the remaining 8/1 with a view to lay off.

Does anyone have the latest acceptors, please?

http://www.racingpost.com/horses2/cards/card.sd?race_id=546826&r_date=2012-0...

King Of Jazz taken out! Entered for a 6f race instead so trainer clearly changed his mind about trip since acquiring him.

Thanks, facts.

Anyone fancy Cocozza? Good Irish form last season. Ground will be fine. Stays 10f so trip no problem. Cracking trainer too. 14s a good bet to me. Does it go?

Joe Fanning to ride Cocozza,

http://www.godolphin.com/NewsArticle.aspx?id=6142

GODOLPHIN’S FIRST LINCOLN RUNNERS

Start Right and Man Of Action are being aimed at the £100,000 William Hill Lincoln Heritage Handicap at Doncaster on Saturday, March 31 and they will be Godolphin’s first British runners of 2012.
Saeed bin Suroor trains both five-year-olds. Man Of Action won the AgriArgo UK Tractor Challenge Handicap over a mile at Doncaster from Eton Forever on September 10 last year, while Start Right has finished third twice and fourth once in three handicaps at Meydan this year.
Simon Crisford, the Godolphin racing manager, commented: “Both horses will run provided the ground is good or faster and have had a good winter in Dubai.
“Man Of Action is a course and distance winner over Doncaster’s straight mile and likes being held up for a late run off a fast pace but just needs things to go his own way.
“Start Right has been freshened up since finishing third at Meydan last month and is going well at the moment.
“They are both fit after a winter campaign here in Dubai, though neither managed to win, and arrived back in Britain on Sunday (March 25).
“This will be the first time Godolphin has had runners in the Lincoln. These two horses belong in heritage handicaps and there are only so many of them in the programme book.
“With Man Of Action being a course and distance winner, it seemed the obvious race for him, while there was nothing left for Start Right in Dubai. Start Right has been frustrating because he often runs very well but has not managed to get his head in front recently. One day his turn will come and hopefully that will be on Saturday.
“The key to both these horses is for them to have decent ground - on the fast side of good ideally - and they definitely do not want soft going.”

Grass cover much better than last year, ground still quick side of good

To back Fury in the Lincoln you have to be satisfied that he is over whatever was ailing him last year, and Haggas's contention that a twisted testicle (discovered when he was gelded over the winter) was probably hurting him under the extra stress of a race does seem a perfectly plausible explanation.
  The answer to when he was gelded. It's from Gary Nutting on ATR site, it's his tip.

That sounds like a load of bollux imo.

total nuts.

definate room in MOA's mark, just not sure what the trainer wants these days.

1st Ante Post bet down the swanee Dubawi Sound not running.

seriously though, an aching ball sack could be the reason he went sour. I'd want to see a revival first though before putting any dosh on.

Man Of Action should have everything in his favour on Saturday in a race full of established horses.

No.         Form    Horse    Age    Wt    Trainer    Jockey    OR    NagMe
1 (2)        100011-    Edinburgh Knight (IRE) 129      5     9-10    P W D'Arcy    P J Smullen     104   
2 (7)        25/1452-    Eton Forever (IRE) 203        5     9-9    R Varian    N Callan     103   
3 (22)        032127-    Smarty Socks (IRE) 161        8     9-8    D O'meara    D Tudhope     102   
4 (20)        6610-68    Man Of Action (USA) 44      5     9-7 b1    Saeed bin Suroor    R Havlin     101   
5 (18)        362-343    Start Right 44        5     9-7 v1    Saeed bin Suroor    Dane O'Neill     101   
6 (14)        141-553    Mia's Boy 21      8     9-7    C A Dwyer    Raul Da Silva (5)     101   
7 (5)        47033-6    Field Of Dream 71    5     9-6    J A Osborne    P Makin     100   
8 (15)        21/552-    Cocozza (USA) 222      4     9-5    M Botti    J Fanning     99   
9 (13)        00330-9    Pintura 21      5     9-5    D M Simcock    J Fortune     99   
10 (9)        1/52547-    Fury 164    4     9-4    W J Haggas    Adam Beschizza (3)     98   
11 (1)        100156-    Askaud (IRE) 122    4     9-3 p    S Dixon    I Mongan     97   
12 (8)        4640-00    Lowther 65      7     9-3 b    D Nicholls    A Mullen     97   
13 (10)        013-233    Clockmaker (IRE) 21      6     9-2    T D Easterby    D Allan     96   
14 (21)        85235-1    Mull Of Killough (IRE) 70      6     9-2    Jane Chapple-Hyam    S W Kelly     96   
15 (12)        061000-    Brae Hill (IRE) 210    6     9-1    R A Fahey    T Hamilton     95   
16 (17)        343391-    Don't Call Me (IRE) 196      5     9-1 t    D Nicholls    P M Quinn     95   
17 (19)        90000-7    Light From Mars 21      7     9-1    J J Quinn    T Eaves     95   
18 (4)        8/91123-    Stevie Thunder 164      7     9-1    Ian Williams    Ryan Clark (3)     95   
19 (11)        638740-    Shavansky 161      8     8-11    B R Millman    J Millman     91   
20 (3)        12-7146    Amitola (IRE) 21      5     8-11    T D Barron    Lee Newman     91   
21 (6)        131430-    Barren Brook 176      5     8-10    M W Easterby    James P Sullivan     90   
22 (16)        5260-54    Dubai Dynamo 7        7     8-10    Mrs R Carr    Catherine Gannon     90

any thoughts on the draw fellas?

are the low numbers on the stands side?

I would normally say you don't want to be in the middle. Winners came up the stands rail last year in both races

anyone?

Low numbers are always on the inside now

confuses the cr-ap out of me this draw business. None of this nonsense with the jumps.

It is more confusing now as you need to know the layout of each course to determine where stall one is, and some people may not know each course and what way round it is. The old way was simple, stall one to the far left as you stand behind the stalls, easy. But it's here to stay by the looks of things so just something else to get used to.

I think its best to be drawn either very high or very low, I would be surprised if they came up the middle.

I had a couple of bets on horses I fancied after I knew they were drawn very high because last year the racing overall seemed to favour the stand side. That being said unless anyone can advise differently, the only consistent front runner I can see is Amitola so that may help those drawn low

Light from Mars must head right from his draw to grab the stands rails. There probably is a bit more pace draw low but most going descriptions there have been weird for a good while and dont fit the stick reading at all. Sometimes the rails have been treated as if there are a swarm of Piranhas residing there.

Small play on Man of Action and Start Right, i cant remember Godawful targeting the race before and these two have some good mile form

had a nice bet on Man Of Action.(place saver,aswell).Won with a bit in
hand over CD last year,when he quickened up quite well,if I remember
rightly.Fav for the Cambrideshire but although finished down the field
he got no sort of run that day.Think he has been running in Dubai so
should be ready in fitness terms.Drawn 20 so has a very good one,or bad
one if theres a bias.PP going 1st 5,also.Around 14s.
   GL ALL.

Just had a walk up the straight mile. If he's watered today it must have been very early, as my trainers were totally dry. I think the ground is good to firm at the moment all across the track. In the lincoln the speed looks to be low to me, though as said above light from mars will probably give the stands side a lead. I'll walk it tomorrow lunch time when I think he'll be watering.

It is an inexact science for sure, but looking at the history of going stick readings at Doncaster the current reading of 7.2 would indicate good to firm ground. Interesting because there seem to be plenty in the Spring Mile & plenty in the Cammidge that show their best form with a bit of cut.

Start Right who has form figures of -32114 over 1 mile on g/f, would be my fancy at the moment, with the addition of the first time visor interesting. Godolphin put first time blinkers on Invisible Man for the first time when he won the 2010 Hunt Cup.

Has anyone had a look at the Spring Mile yet? Shamdarley looks overpriced to me at 16/1. He's lightly raced, improving and represents the Dods/Tinkler Trainer/Owner partnership that landed the Lincoln last year.

Just had an hour walking the length and breadth of the straight mile. They're just watering the last 2 furlongs now, and seem to have put on an awful lot of water today. Currently I'd say the ground is good all over the straight track, though we have a strong and very warm breeze blowing across the track from the stand side and that will be drying it out all the time. We also have drizzle forecast overnight. If there is a drier part of the track, it would be a 5 yard strip on the stand side rail, where the breeze is blowing the spray from the watering rig towards middle and far side.

that could result in a track bias to the stand side then - thanks for posting TM buddy

I am concentrating on the high draw in both races

Fury 14s 12s 10s AP

Dont Call Me 20s

Mull of killough 25s AP

Amitola 85


Final team, could be writin some of em off after the Spring Cup wen we see how d draw is workin out!

Hi all, its start right for me.To start right on the flat.starts and ends at Donny/

town moor - If anyone has a tasty win they should buy you some new trainers

I dont think there is any doubt that MOA is the class horse in the race who has the potential to go on and be a group horse this season BUT and its a big but (much bigger than ive just posted) he took a few runs to reach concert pitch last year, he only got back from Dubai on Sunday (after running moderately out there - okay absence from track and then new surface could be perfectly reasonable explainations for below par runs) and now travels up to Donny for a hugely competitive race. Its not a race they target and for me its a stepping stone to something with more kudos. A date with Royal Ascot perhaps???

Whilst not denying MOA has a decent chance, where is the evidence of a group horse in the making and that he is THE class horse in the race?

Decided not to play in this.

Unoriginal but I think Eton Forever is the most sensible poke. We know he has been trained for it, won in the manner of a good horse on debut last season over c&d and is lightly raced enough to have some improvement left in him.

Roobubk, I think it was the manner of MOA's win at Donny last season, he sauntered in a 6lb rise looked very fair. But since then he has been carted off to Dubai so is a leave for me even though he is a big price.

good luck all.

Roobuck. The way that he came from last to first to mow down Eton Forever at Donny last year and then finished with his head in his chest when getting no run in the Cambridgeshire suggests to me that he will win one big handicap this year then move on to bigger and better things. Theyve won the Royal Hunt Cup before and this looks the obvious one for it given his obvious liking for fast ground.
Of course i could be completely wrong.............

But of course you may be right

Surprised the winner was as big as 25/1 given he was 2nd last year and won the Bunbury Cup, so well done to anyone who kept faith and tipped/backed him.

Eton Forever had everything go right but didn't seem to stay - needs 7f or a stiff 6f (maybe the Wokingham might be his race). Fury ran well enough but he clearly isn't the horse they thought he might be. Maybe a step up in trip and softer ground will see him back in the winer enclosure.

The one thing that amazed me was that the high numbers all came over to the middle when the stands side looked much quicker judging by the other two races and the finishing efforts of Captain Bertie and Mull Of Killough who made up ground hand over fist once they were switched to the wide outside.

Oh and Man Of Action looks a total dog.

Unclepuncle,

A good post race summary.
I was thinking that Fury could do with dropping back in trip, though!!

I thought it looked like he hit a flat spot when they quickened about 2f out, then got into gear about 1f out, though he was hardly gaining hand over fist at the finish so maybe the trip was right and he simply wasn't good enough. Though he's maybe worth another chance on softer going - given his liking for the Rowley Mile the Cambridgeshire might be ideal if we ever get some rain again.

He ran perfectly well. Something to build on for the rest of the season now.