UK racing saturday

yipee the flat season proper starts today in the uk,no more 3 mile slogs in the mud at plumton for me(until november)

Doncaster kicks of the flat season with the traditional cutain raiser the brockelsby,building upto the main event the lincoln, then you really know the flats back!!

Four meetings today ..doncaster, kempton, and over the jumps at uttoxeter and lingfield

keep an eye out for harry findlays horse in the brockelsby betting,named after his favourite greyhound Chikita Banana and Ace of hearts could run a big race in the lincoln at a price....

help me pick a winner post your selections...

Interesting stat that the last 4 winners of the lincoln had won their previous race.. and one horse that fits that bill is swop who won in dubia last time seen,unbeleivably luca cumani`s first ever runner in the race..omen???

swop ALL th eway hibby!

Expresso star the favourite for the lincoln is a doubtful runner,and the trainer (john gosden)is leaving his decision as late as possible

Expresso Star lands Lincoln gamble

AFTER much deliberation over the ground, connections of Expresso Star took their chance in the William Hill Lincoln, with the 10-3 favourite coming home by two and a half lengths from Zaahid.

The longtime ante-post favourite was drawn in stall nine with jockey Jimmy Fortune opting to travel with the majority down the far side despite the fact that the first two home in the Spring Mile came from the standside.

Trainer John Gosden had stated that the four-year-old would not run if the ground was unsuitable but after an earlier ride in the Spring Mile, Fortune gave connections the green light.

Afterwards the jockey stated that the Princess Haya-owned colt could be stepped up to Listed company.

He said: "I was very happy all the way as he travelled well and I wanted to settle it from two and a half furlongs out as he stayswell.

"The only concern I had was that the horses on my side couldn't really leave me and the horses on the far side were getting away - I had to kick on a bit earlier than I wanted to.

"He was all out,but he won well and he's a progressive horse. You wouldn't know where he might end up."

The Barry Hills-trained Zaahid, drawn in stall two, was sent off at odds of 11-1 while 16-1 chance Flipando was a length and a quarter back in third.

The fifth favourite to win the race in the last 11 years, Expresso Star landed his fourth consecutive victory to take the £125,000 contest.