Fashion Line to turn on the style in Lincoln Trial at Wolverhampton

The Lincoln Handicap may not be upper-most in the minds of punters with Cheltenham starting on Tuesday, but Wolverhampton stages the Trial at 2.55 on Saturday. The favourite is Michael Bell’s hat-trick seeking filly Fashion Line.

The daughter of Cape Cross finished runner-up in two maidens in the summer before opening her account on the all-weather in January. She only had to be pushed out to beat Nasijah by two and three-quarter lengths under Jamie Spencer.

Louis Steward was in the saddle last time when Sky Khan arrived fast and late to force a dead-heat over course-and-distance. Sky Khan made up a lot of ground that day but Richard Guest’s gelding is more exposed than Fashion Line.

Star Links and Noble Citizen arrive here in peak form and both should go well. Noble Citizen is seeking a fourth straight victory at the age of nine and his cause is helped by Joe Doyle’s seven pound claim.

Whispering Warrior shaped encouragingly on his first start of the season but may need a longer trip. Global Village was beaten a short head in last year’s Lincoln after finishing sixth here behind Strictly Silver.

The Listed Lady Wulfruna Stakes at 2.20 will also be screened live on Channel 4. There are several familiar names running here including seven-furlong specialist Bertiewhittle.

David Barron’s six-year-old looked a shade unlucky when third in a competitive handicap won by Grey Mirage at Lingfield. That was a fine effort coming so soon after his return from Dubai and he holds Hasopop on that evidence.

Tom Dascombe’s Kenny Powers was just collared on the post by Solar Deity here a year ago after some decent efforts at Meydan. Chookie Royale had been tremendously consistent before being outclassed behind Grandeur.

Gabriel’s Lad ran in some of the top six and seven furlong handicaps last season including when second to Redvers at Ascot. He will be a threat if he’s fit for his first outing since October.

Selections: 2.20 Bertiewhittle, 2.55 Fashion Line, 3.30 Anipa, 4.05 Come On Dave, 4.40 Joe Eile, 5.15 Sagesse, 5.45 Euro Charline