As the barren winter for followers of the William Haggas stable extends into March, a potential top handicap winner steps onto centre stage on Saturday at Wolverhampton. First Principle is currently the least favoured of the three entries in the Ante Post market for the Lincoln on the 28th March 2026, prices at around 20/1. That price will plummet should he win the Wolverhampton trial, but anyone listening to jockey Cieren Fallon after another master class from the front after winning on Goldmoyne on Friday, will think that to be unlikely.
Fallon stressed the 4yo will come on for the run and will be a better horse on Turf. Hardly an indication of an imminent victory in what looks a very hot renewal of the 1m contest. This year’s race looks to be the best in recent years with La Botte, The Lost King and Regal Ulixes just three highly rated opponents in a field of 12.
The market though has ignored Fallon’s views with early support for First Principle from 8/1 into 11/2. There have been several positive overnight moves for Somerville Lodge runners this winter and in nearly every case they have drifted markedly near post time.
Listening to the jockey’s overnight comments punters will be confident that the horse will run a big race in the Lincoln and if he heads to post that is highly likely, given the record of Haggas horses that line up running a big race.
As stated earlier in the week my feeling is this race and the performance of First Principle is as much about gauging the prospects of current Ante-Post favorite Eternal Force.
Due off at 2.42 its a fascinating race that will provide a real clue to the main event on the 28th March 2026.
REFA HAG TAG 2026
Chrysalis Consortium 
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