Pertemps Network Lincoln Handicap
The flat is starting to gear up over the past week, and it takes another step towards taking over from the jumps with what many consider the curtain raiser for the flat season in the Pertemps Network Lincoln.
An ultra-competitive 22-runner flat handicap on soft ground is something that many punters think is impossible to solve, and yes they may be right, but at the end of the day, someone has to win it. And here we will try to break it down with three fancies for the Pertemps Network Lincoln.
The obvious starting point is the unexposed Awaal who tops the market at 5/1. Last seen when winning a 0-95 handicap at Redcar on heavy ground back in October, but has since been gelded and hit with a 9lb rise in the weights.
For me, he will need to come on again to win here, but that’s not saying he can not do it, but in such a competitive race like this, he might be worth taking on for a win purpose.
Baradar – George Boughey
A horse who has lots of experience in these kinds of races and at a higher level as seen when 3rd in the Group 1 Vertem Futurity Trophy. We know for sure that he relishes ground like this from his time in Ireland for Johnny Murtagh and with his course form he is a massive play here.
His first run for his new connections saw him bounce right back to form with victory over 7f on this course with great ease. Back up to a mark of 97 still leaves him well handicapped on old form, so there is plenty there to like from a horse who we know operates on this course and the ground.
Empirestateofmind – John Quinn
Climbed the ranks last season with a pleather of consistent runs and there is no reason why he can not take another step forward this season.
Last season he started off with a 1 3/4L 3rd in the Spring Mile over C/D, and the followed that up with an easy win off 83.
Rounded off the season with four 2nds and a win which has left him on a mark of 99.
With further progression, this season Empirestateofmind can add to his wins and there is no reason why it can’t happen here.
