Silver out to strike Lincoln gold

Trainer Alan Bailey is convinced Strictly Silver will take some hauling back in the William Hill Lincoln at Doncaster on Saturday - as long as conditions are in his favour.

The four-year-old colt booked his place in the esteemed handicap on the first day of the Flat season with a convincing victory in a trial race at Wolverhampton earlier in the month.

"As long as the ground is not heavy, Strictly Silver will be hard to beat," Newmarket-based Bailey told The Sun.

"He's absolutely bouncing at the moment and I am just praying we have good ground.

"He had to win at Wolverhampton to be sure of a run in the Lincoln.

"He picks up a 5lb penalty, but my apprentice Robert Tart will be able to use his 5lb allowance to offset that.

"You need the luck of the draw in the Lincoln but I am convinced he is a better horse on grass and he has won at Doncaster."

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Market leaders Nine Realms, Lahaag and Captain Bertie all stood their ground among the 71 remaining at the five-day stage.

Nine Realms has had just three lifetime starts for William Haggas while Lahaag has had four for John Gosden.

Captain Bertie finished fourth in the consolation race 12 months ago before winning the Spring Cup the following month for Charlie Hills.

Richard Fahey's Majestic Myles is currently top weight and the Malton trainer could also field last year's winner Brae Hill, Justonefortheroad and a newcomer to his yard Garde Cotiere.

Roger Varian's Gladys' Gal, Chapter Seven, Hit The Jackpot and Swiftly Done are all still in the mix, as is the Marco Botti-trained Solar Deity.