OUR Lincoln plans have had to be changed because Bazart has been pulled from the race. The draw has been made, but we at the Flared Nostril are keen to find a horse that has pedigree, ability and at the right end of the handicap.
MONTPELIER fits the bill. Though he has done nothing to distinquish himself unduly, Ed Dunlop's charge is bred to win Pattern races and languishes on a light weight.
When it came to light that Jamie Spencer is tipping our selection in the Sun on the morning of the race, that put the seal on it. Some of the 33-1 each-way fast.
Spencer rode alongside Montpelier in a gallop at Newmarket last week and will know what he he is talking about. Sure, we only have slender evidence on the form book to go off, but the manner in which he won a minor event at Hamilton suggested that he is prime material for this sort of race. A draw from 10 will not worry us too much as he can choose which side to go to and probably come over to the high numbers.Dunlop himself says enigmatically he is a "interesting horse" and he is the Nostril's pick.
Elsewhere, Barry Hills has two very good entries in Princess Valerina and Prime Defender, The former is entered for the 1,000 Guineas and will taking a whole lot of beating in the Masaka Stakes at Kempton.
Prime Defender is also well fancied in the Easter Stakes but Water Mill could be anything and is the apple of Andrew Balding's eye, and is the selection.
But for the next best we are plumping for another at Newcastle in GOODBYE MR BOND in the Spring Mile.
A tilt at the Lincoln was planned but the entry limit of 20 scuppered that, but this is a good consolation with Kevin Darley booked to make it look a serious bid indeed.