SBK Lincoln: Tom Collins has two big-priced tips for Saturday's feature race

Is there a better way to kick off the turf flat season than the SBK Lincoln? I don’t think so. Those of you who prefer small-field contests and short-priced favourites will be overjoyed to see Chindit head the market in the Doncaster Mile (3.00), but it’s the featured heritage handicap that gets my adrenaline pumping. 

This is undoubtedly my favourite handicap of the year. Absence makes the heart fonder and I, like many of you, feel starved of big-field turf sprints after a winter focussing on the contrasting elements of jumps racing. Obviously this isn’t the easiest race to find the winner, but that is offset by an enticing betting market that is bursting with value.

Four-year-olds have won the last five editions of this race and it’s common knowledge that future Group performers tend to kickstart their season in this race. 2018 winner Addeybb, a subsequent four-time Group 1 winner, is the best example. 

However, that recent trend has skewed this year’s market - we’re all trying to pinpoint the diamond in the rough and therefore value among the four-year-olds has become harder to find. 

The unbeaten Mujtaba (4/1) warrants respect for trainer William Haggas, who has won this race on four separate occasions, and may have his form boosted by Empirestateofmind in the Spring Cup (2.25) earlier on the card. But his two best efforts on figures came on rain-softened ground and we’re half guessing that this son of Dubawi has the minerals to handle a big-field handicap on just his fourth career outing.

Similar worries apply to Saleymm (8/1), who has drawn next to his aforementioned rival in stall three and is clearly priced on potential rather than solid form. His two victories have come on the all-weather and there is no guarantee that he will continue on a stiff upward trajectory now that he switches to turf.

Harry Davies, an extremely promising 7lb apprentice, will take the ride on the Charlie Appleby-trained Modern News (9/2), who is perhaps the most likely winner from the four-year-olds at the top of the betting. With seven runs to his name, a victory at the track and a recent spin in a big field over at Meydan to his name, he has strong claims and warrants favouritism.

Johan (maroon and navy): on the way to winning at Salisbury last June. Alan Crowhurst

I certainly wouldn’t put you off backing Modern News, or the race-fit Notre Belle Bete for that matter, but six of the last nine Lincoln winners have returned at a double-figure price and I’m hoping that trend continues as I will take a shot at two outsiders. 

The first horse in question is Johan, who has drawn low in stall four (just outside Saleymm and Mujtaba) and could be the pace angle for those likely to race against the far-side rail. 

Formerly based with William Haggas, for whom he ran a highly creditable fifth in the Spring Cup at Newbury on his seasonal reappearance last season, Johan has joined Mick Channon’s Berkshire team over the winter and may well have been trained with this race in mind given his notable record when fresh (form figures 4115 after a break). 

He will get his ideal conditions (a straight mile on good ground) and has dropped down to a mark just 2lb higher than when last successful. Johan isn’t a future Group winner, which is why you’re getting a massive 50/1, but he’s a highly capable and talented handicapper that can certainly run into the frame.

David O’Meara’s Hortzadar is the other runner of interest at similar odds (50/1). He was largely unconsidered in this race last year, too, as he was sent off a 66/1 poke from an unfavourable draw in stall one. Nevertheless, he ran an exceptional race to finish third after racing without cover for much of the journey.

He hasn’t won since, but now finds himself competing off 7lb lower and has drawn much better in gate 12. Perhaps he can hit the frame once again under Cam Hardie.

Recommended bets

Johan (3.35 Doncaster) @ 50/1
Hortzadar (3.35 Doncaster) @ 50/1