The postponed William Hill Lincoln Handicap takes place at Doncaster on Easter Saturday (30 March). Given the circumstances surrounding the rescheduled running of the race it will be an advantage to forego the early betting prices on offer and adopt a stance of ‘wait and see’ before having a bet on any of the 22 declared runners.
The race was postponed last week because of snow and the ground at Doncaster is currently being described as soft. Before I have a bet I want to watch the earlier races on the card to see (a) exactly how soft it is and (b) whether there is any advantage on any part of the track where the ground may be firmer.
The William Hill Spring Mile (13.55) is run over the same course and distance and has 20 runners. It will be an instructive race for the Lincoln, giving clues as to where the advantage might lie with stall position.
It will also be interesting to see the condition and fitness of the horses. The recent snow and poor weather could have prevented some trainers doing as much work with their charges as they would have wished.
The cold weather might also mean that some horses are not looking their best but this might belie their actual
fitness.
For example, Charlie Hills, trainer of Lincoln favourite Captain Bertie (7/1 with William Hill), has written of the gelding:
“The horse is still quite hairy but he is a gelding and the weather has been bitterly cold again over the last week, culminating in yet more snow on Sunday, so you can't really blame him for holding onto his coat.” (week commencing 18 March 2013)
But Hills goes on to say: “Captain Bertie is still in great form at home and the extra week [delay] shouldn't be a problem.”
It will be important to get a good look at the runners beforehand.
