Michael Bell gives vote of confidence to Lincoln favourite Fire Brigade
Bell's Fire Brigade has received strong market support in the lead-up to the 32Red Lincoln following the news that Ryan Moore will ride the four-year-old at Doncaster.
MICHAEL BELL believes Fire Brigade can justify the sustained market support by going well in the 32Red Lincoln at Doncaster on Saturday.
The four-year-old thrived in 2017 and, after Ryan Moore was booked to ride him earlier in the week, is the 5-1 favourite for the straight mile handicap on Town Moor.
"He's ready to go. I can't make head nor tail of the draw, personally, but I don't think he's inconvenienced by it and what will be will be," said Bell.
"Provided the ground is not gluey, I think he will be fine. We know he goes on soft ground.
"We don't know about really tacky ground. We can't look for excuses before the race. We wanted 'soft' in the going description and we've got it so no complaints there.
"He hasn't had any training issues at all, so we're in good shape."
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William Haggas runs Addeybb as he bids for a joint-record fourth Lincoln success and he is pleased with stall number 10 for his unexposed four-year-old.
"We're happy with where he's drawn and he's ready to go. We just have to hope he's good enough now," said the Newmarket handler.
"I think he'll cope all right with the ground and we'll see what happens."
Templegate's Treble
NAP 2.10 Lingfield - Pulsating: 'Has been consistent at Chelmsford recently and this track promises to suit better'
NEXT BEST 9.15 Kempton - Argyle: 'He won over hurdles in January and looks nicely treated back on the Flat '
TREBLE 7.15 Kempton - Pak Choi: 'Has been gradually progressive in novice races and he should take another step forward today'
David O'Meara has opted for the Lincoln over the Listed Doncaster Mile for Lord Glitters, who will carry the top weight of 9st 10lb.
"I was contemplating whether I would run Lord Glitters or not with top weight on soft ground," said the North Yorkshire handler.
"We've opted to go. He's in good form and his preparation has been good."
Last year's winner Bravery just made the cut for the maximum field of 22, an unexpected bonus for O'Meara.
"Bravery, who won it last year, is in there as well. I didn't think he'd get in off 95, so that is a surprise," he said.