Zero Tolerance tops Lincoln possibles
David Barron’s seven-year-old will have to defy top weight if he is to add to his eight career wins at Newcastle on Saturday after both Dunelight and Kalderon were taken out.
Dermot Weld’s Bawaader, who ran disappointingly in the Irish Lincolnshire on Sunday, will also miss the race.
However, Charlie Swan’s Crooked Throw, who chased home impressive winner Deauville Vision at the Curragh, has stood his ground in the one-mile handicap.
Karl Burke’s German import Raptor is next in the list followed by Blue Bajan, who finished fifth behind Gentleman’s Deal in the Winter Derby at Lingfield last Saturday.
That Mick Easterby-trained possible is still engaged at Newcastle but his handler is set to walk the track before deciding whether the six-year-old will go for the race.
Easterby also has Blue Spinnaker and Mezuzah among the confirmations.
Raptor had Group-class form from Germany, while Bazart has joined from Pascal Bary’s yard in France.
“They are obviously new horses to the stable, but they are well-rated horses,” said Burke.
“Raptor doesn’t look too harshly treated if you take his form literally, but it is obviously a tough race for a horse having only his seventh run.”
Ante-post fancy Rio Riva is still engaged for Julie Camacho while Impeller, a winner at the Dubai Carnival for Stan Moore, could also take his chance.
Among the notable absentees are Illustrious Blue, third behind Gentleman’s Deal at the weekend, Brian Meehan’s Acheekyone and the Richard Hannon-trained pair Orchard Supreme and Red Spell.
