Fox Power pick of the weights in Lincoln Trial but don't rule out Another Touch

1.35 Wolverhampton
Bombardier Golden Beer Lincoln Trial Handicap | 1m½f | 4yo+ | ITV/SKY

As the race title suggests, this valuable all-weather handicap can provide a stepping stone to the first big contest of the turf season, the Lincoln, which takes place in three weeks at Doncaster.

Indeed, the last four winners of the Wolverhampton race graduated to Town Moor, but with no success.

Last year’s hero Zwayyan finished seventh in the Lincoln, 2018 winner Big Country could manage only 16th, while the previous two scorers, Nimr and Keystroke, finished 20th and 12th respectively in the Lincoln consolation race, the Spring Mile.

A guide to betting at Wolverhampton

As for this year's clash, old foes Via Serendipity, Fox Power, Arcanada and Another Touch –the first four home in a Wolverhampton conditions race last month – are set to renew rivalry.

You don’t have to delve too deep to conclude that the clear pick at the weights is the Richard Hannon-trained Fox Power.

The mount of Silvestre de Sousa, who was beaten half a length in that conditions race, is 9lb better off with Via Serendipity, 8lb better off with Another Touch, and 3lb better off with Arcanada.

It’s no surprise that bookmakers quote Fox Power the clear favourite, and he does appear to hold strong claims from a decent launchpad in stall five.

After winning a Listed race at Newcastle last April the son of Dark Angel was off the course for eight months, but his effort last time was a career-best and sets the standard. There is no reason why he cannot progress again.

In terms of visual impression made, no horse in this race can match Red Bond’s eyecatching performance at Newcastle in January.

The four-year-old annihilated a Class 4 field by eight and a half lengths off a mark of 79 on only the seventh start of his career.

The manner in which he eased clear of seasoned performers such as My Target, First Response and Little Jo was very impressive and, while the handicapper has reacted with a 13lb rise, Red Bond emphatically looked a four-year-old to keep on side that night.

He is one of seven course winners in the race, and holds a Lincoln entry at the end of the month.

While Fox Power and Red Bond stand out from a handicapping and rapid-progression perspective, you can argue each-way cases for several other runners.

At the top of that list is the Kevin Ryan-trained Rathbone, who could find the step up to a mile on a flat track ideal after two rock-solid seconds over Newcastle’s stiff seven furlongs.

The five-year-old Kasbaan comfortably landed the London Mile Series Handicap Final at Kempton last September, and it would be foolish to suggest a 9lb higher mark rules him out of the reckoning.

Six-time Lingfield scorer Goring seems sure to give his usual good account, and Nonios looked in fine fettle ahead of this assignment when comfortably beating Smile A Mile by half a length last week.

As a footnote, it could be pertinent to point out that Another Touch performed well below expectations on his latest start in the aforementioned conditions race, having previously won all three of his all-weather starts in some style.

While the figures suggest he has no chance of turning the tables on Fox Power, there remains the intriguing possibility that Richard Fahey's seven-year-old is capable of putting that disappointing effort behind him. Double-figure odds could look generous come the end of the race.

What they say

Stuart Williams, trainer of Via Serendipity and Pinnata
I’m very happy with Via Serendipity. He’s a bit worse off at the weights with Fox Power, who he beat last time out, but goes there in good form. Pinnata is in decent form too. PJ McDonald won on him last time, and he’s as high in the handicap as he’s ever been.

Via Serendipity: carries top weight in the Lincoln Trial at WolverhamptonCredit: Getty Images

Richard Fahey, trainer of Another Touch
I was disappointed with his last run. We got 3lb off Fox Power on that day, who finished second, and now have to give him 5lb! But he’s very fit and very well.

Eve Johnson Houghton, trainer of Goring
He’s never won at Wolverhampton, but that’s not to say he can’t. Lingfield really suits him as he can slingshot off the bend. He’s not got a great draw [ten] so we’ll drop in and then hopefully come fast and late. He’s a dude, and goes there with a chance of a place.

Richard Hannon, trainer of Fox Power
He ran well last time and will hopefully have a very good chance. He’s better off with Via Serendipity from last time, seems to love the trip and track, and is drawn well [five].

Adam Ryan, assistant to Kevin Ryan, trainer of Rathbone
He’s in great form, and goes to Wolverhampton on the back of two good runs over seven furlongs at Newcastle. The step up in trip should suit and I think that could be the key to him.

Charlie Johnston, assistant to Mark Johnston, trainer of Smile A Mile
He has been running consistently well in a lower grade and will need to produce a career-best, but it’s a £50,000 race so we’re taking our chance. He can race a bit lazily so the headgear [visor] is on, and let’s hope that brings about the improvement he’ll need to be competitive in this grade of race.

David Loughnane, trainer of Kaser
He loves the course, the trip is fine, and he’s in the form of his life. It’s a competitive race, but he’s got no weight and should run very well.

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