Smullen is Lincoln Knight rider

Paul d’Arcy is delighted to have secured Pat Smullen for Edinburgh Knight in the William Hill Lincoln at Doncaster on March 31.

D’Arcy has snapped up the Irish ace as his first choice, Jim Crowley, will be in action at Meydan on Dubai World Cup night.

“Jim is going to Meydan to ride Prohibit. Pat’s ridden for me before and won a Listed race on one of mine at Haydock,” said the Newmarket handler.

D’Arcy has recently stepped up the work of the five-year-old ahead of the big handicap over the straight mile that kicks off the Flat turf season.

He added: “He’s in good form and is exactly where I want him at the moment.

“He’s been in work for a while and has started to do some fast work.

“I’m very pleased with him.”