William Hill Lincoln Betting

With over £60,000 to the winner, the William Hill Lincoln is the highlight of the racing weekend. With much being made about racing prize money, this heritage handicap is welcome respite after the meagre pickings of the all weather season.

Leading the betting is John Gosden’s Taqleed at 4/1 with the sponsors. The lightly raced four year old fits the profile of recent winners; who have used the Lincoln as a spring board on to Group company. A sixth place finish in the Cambridgeshire was a good result for a three year old and his mark remains unchanged at a workable 95.

Last year’s runner up Prime Exhibit is second favourite at 10/1, with connections hoping he can go one better. Factored into his odds is the supposed plum draw in stall 1.

For trend followers, the Lincoln has gone to progressive horses in the last ten years. Four year olds have won 6 of the last 10 renewals and only three horses have carried more than nine stone to victory. Apart from Taqleed, horses to fit that profile are: Our Joe Mac at 16/1 and Fremont at 12/1.

With trends popular with the public it can often be rewarding to go against them. The last two six year old winners have returned at odds of 22/1 and 33/1. With bookmakers paying ¼ the odds for the top 4 places, each way betting on outsiders will be popular.

One man who makes a habit of picking up these valuable handicaps is trainer Dandy Nicholls. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see one of his new recruits, Light From Mars at 25/1, perform above their odds.

*If your selection finishes 2nd, 3rd or 4th in the Lincoln, Victor Chandler will refund your losing win stake as a free bet on the Grand National meeting at Aintree or the US Masters.