NOMINATOR LAD, priced at 25-1 this morning with Ladbrokes, is taken to win the £50,000 Worthington Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster tomorrow.

Indeed, the first major race of the new Flat turf campaign, which is always such a tricky one for punters, promises to produce a big upset in my book, with Tom Dougal (33-1), plus 16-1 shot Raheen and Wild Sky fancied to figure among the finish.

Nominator Lad, though, gets my outright vote. Yesterday's rain on Town Moor turned the ground soft and has come at just the right time for the six-year-old, who scored on similar going at Ayr last September.

A horse who gets the mile really well, is used to competing in big fields and is handily weighted at the foot of the handicap, Nominator Lad makes stacks of appeal.

Add to that the fact that he is trained by Bryan McMahon, who won the Lincoln in 1994 with Roving Minstrel and who had a winner on the course yesterday, and the appeal grows.

Tom Dougal won a brace of useful handicaps last season and subsequently ran well in defeat before losing his form at the backend.

He has been shown some leniency by the handicapper and should run a big race.

Raheen, winner of a competitive handicap at Newmarket last October, represents Richard Fahey, whose Night Flight was just touched off in a valuable sprint at Doncaster yesterday.

Although something of a character, Raheen is reported to have been flying in his work at home and must have a major chance.Wild Sky, runner-up in last year's Spring Mile, and a horse who comes to himself early in the season, is another who looks over-priced.

But I take Nominator Lad to win this 24-runner cavalry charge in the hands of Norton jockey Lindsay Charnock.

The £20,000 Cammidge Trophy offers Tedburrow the chance to start the season on a high note.

Eric Alston's smart sprinter had a fine campaign last year and enjoys some cut in the ground, which he will get tomorrow. He should give Michael Hills a good ride.

In the Mitsubishi Diamond Vision Stakes, a note should be made of Gold Academy.

The three-year-old, who showed a fair amount of ability last season, is trained by Richard Hannon, a man who invariably has his team well forward for the start of the season. The selection is unlikely to fail because of lack of fitness.

Salmon Ladder can lift the Konica East Doncaster Shield Stakes for Paul Cole and Jimmy ortune.

Formerly based in Thirsk as number one jockey for the now retired Lynda Ramsden, Fortune has moved south this season to ride for Robert Sangster. He will also come in for plenty of rides from Cole, and Salmon Ladder can get the partnership off to a good start.

The seven furlongs March Handicap looks a nightmare for punters, but Amaranth appears to figure on a reasonable mark after showing promise last season.

Tomorrow's televised action also embraces the jumping programme at Newbury, where Tempestuous Lady can defy top weight in the featured Hoechst Roussel Novices' Hurdle Handicap Final.

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