Michael Ball is confident this week’s well-backed Fire Brigade can land the gamble, as he lines up in the prestigious Lincoln handicap this afternoon.
The four-year-old’s price has halved in the week, especially after leading jockey Ryan Moore was announced to be riding the horse who was last seen winning at Leicester in October.
He was raised 4lb for that half-a-length victory, but with optimum conditions in Yorkshire he has proved hugely popular with the punters on the opening day of the flat season.
"He's ready to go. I can't make head nor tail of the draw, personally, but I don't think he's inconvenienced by it and what will be will be," said Newmarket-based Bell.
"Provided the ground is not gluey, I think he will be fine. We know he goes on soft ground.
"We can't look for excuses before the race. We wanted 'soft' in the going description and we've got it so no complaints there.
"He hasn't had any training issues at all, so we're in good shape."
Addeybb is hotly fancied to go well for William Haggas. The four-year-old has won three from five, including on his last outing at Newmarket five months ago, and is well fancied to run another big race.
Ballard Down remains an interesting runner having won impressively at Newmarket on his last outing, Grey Britain comes here after two runs in Dubai for John Ryan.
David O’Meara has the top and bottom in the handicap. Top-weight Lord Glitters has proved a smart horse since joining from France. He won the Balmoral Handicap on Champions Day in October, before finishing second in Listed company last time. Last year’s winner Bravery is 5lb lower this year.
Third in this contest last year, experienced handicapper Donncha lines up for Robert Eddery whilst Chelsea Lad goes back over a shorter trip after his second-placed effort in the November handicap here.
Leader Writer, Gabriel and Mitchum Swagger all have leading chances, whilst Michael Dods’ King’s Gift and Hughie Morrison’s Not So Sleepy are hoping for their first wins in over two years.
Recent Lincoln trial winner Big Country contests the main event alongside the likes of Withernsea, London Protocol, Stamp Hill, Hayadh, Via Via and Dolphin Vista.
TIP: Fire Brigade has been very well backed this week, and it is interesting that Ryan Moore has gone for the ride so early in the week. The reports from home are very encouraging and it’s hard not to envisage him running a big race, especially on this type of ground. Donncha and Grey Britain both have strong each-way chances.
