Saltonstall Makes His First Appearance in the Unibet Lincoln at Doncaster
Trainer Ado McGuinness is hopeful of a big performance from yard debutant and ante-post gamble Saltonstall in Saturday's Unibet Lincoln, but has warned softer ground would be preferred for the five-year-old.
A 33-1 chance on Monday with some firms for the Doncaster handicap, Saltonstall's price has tumbled to a general 10-1 behind 7-2 favourite Auxerre.
Formerly with Mick Halford and owned by Godolphin, Saltonstall was acquired for €44,000 at the sales last November and boasts an enticing profile for the Lincoln, having finished second in the Irish equivalent last season off a 5lb lower mark.
But McGuinness issued a word of warning on Tuesday when he said: "This has been the plan for a while but I would prefer softer ground for him.
"I was nearly crying when I had to take him out of the Irish Lincoln, judging by how well [stablemate] Master Speaker ran, but our yard sponsor [Bart O'Sullivan] is based in England and they wanted a runner in the race so that's why he's going here instead of Naas.
"I'd be very hopeful of a big run but, like I said, the ground would be the only worry. He's a smashing big horse and it's great to have quality like him in the yard."
The ground at Doncaster was on Tuesday described as good to soft, good in places, and no rain is forecast before Saturday's meeting.
Unfortunately it wasn’t to be for Saltonstall in his bid for the Lincoln as he finished well down the pack, but it sure was a memorable experience.
