Day 2 Lincoln (Family fun day)- Sunday 31st March 2019

The ground had changed so much since declaring runners which resulted in 24 horses being non-runners but this did not stop Silvestre De Sousa having a treble on the day. The change in weather was also beneficial as it was Wild West Family Fun with fairground rides, glitter face paint and outdoor fun. Remarkably, unlike day one, there was some huge outsiders making it difficult to predict which horses would win. 

The second race had Fox Champion leading the race with Cool Exhibit, Guiding Spirit and Franz Kafta not far behind. Fox Champion was ridden along, with two furlongs to go Franz Kafka made headway alongside Kodi King and Country. The final stages were messy with a few being squashed. This did not effect Fox Champion as he went on to win by 1/2 a length with Franz Kafka second and Cool Exhibit 4 lengths behind as he only managed to maintain the same pace. 

The 4:20 had Falmouth Light leading from early on with a few horses chasing like Grandee, Indomeneo, Shareeff Star and Bacacarat. Yet Stonific and Employer were held up in the rear but with two furlongs to go they both started making head way alongside Hulcote. Shareef Star had to be pushed early on. At three furlongs out Falmouth Light lost the lead and began to weaken, the lead was taken on by Grandee with Employer, Stonific and Cote D'Azur soon tracking the leaders. Although Stonific was switched one furlong out and ridden along battling with Employer for the lead, Employer had no more to give keeping on at the same pace. Hulcote also was badly hampered but once having a clear run she stayed on well. First was Stonific by 1 length, second was Employer by 1 1/4 lengths, third was Hulcote by a neck. 

The star of the day for me came in the sixth race with Good Birthday going smoothly throughout the race, definitely one to watch for the future. 

Lincoln meeting Day 1- Saturday 30th March 2019

The surprisingly gorgeous weather resulted in a wonderful day at the races for the start of the season. Four of the winners were favourites and there were some very close finishes but also some easy wins like Auxerre in the 3:35. Unfortunately there was a faller in the Brocklesby, Anna Fallow, thoughts are with all the connections.

The third race had Hells Babe leading the race tracked by Gabrial, Red Starlight and Sharja Bridge. Circus Couture was held up but in touch with the rest of the field. Headway was made three furlongs out by Sharja Bridge with Circus Couture who was switched right. The leader Hells Babe only was questioned two furlongs out by Red Starlight as she began to lead but was quickly joined by Sharja Bridge who lay down a challenge. At the same time Gabrial was squashed and had to be switched, eventually managing to get a clear run alongside Remarkable. However Sharja Bridge kept on stronger than Red Starlight and managed to beat Red Starlight by 2 lengths. Gabrial kept on for third in the final furlong by 3 3/4 lengths with the rest of the field not too far behind.

The 3:35 the Unibet Lincoln had three non-runners due to a change in the going. The leader was Auxerre with Silver Quartz and Masham Star close up. The chasers were Raydiance, Humbert and Saltonstall. But due to the size of the field many horses ended being hampered in their running, switching for more room which included Beringer and Breden. When other horses were struggling Auxerre went well clear from early on avoiding getting boxed or stopped. In the final furlong more horses began to challenge including Kynren, Beringer, Ripp Org and Breden. Auxerre was chased by Kynren who towards the end did not have enough strength to challenge. Auxerre kept on unquestionably winning by 2 1/4 lengths. Second was Kynren and a dead heat for third between Beringer and Breden who were clear of fifth by a length. Perhaps if Beringer and Breden had clearer runs then maybe they would have been even closer. Auxerre undoubtably has a bright racing future due to his form and ease of win. Definitely one to watch this season.