It was no great secret when we advised followers in. early January that Eternal Force was the likely Haggas Lincoln contender for 2026 – Maureen had suggested the same after the colt had won impressively at Haydock in October.

However, six months is a long time in Racing but on the eve of the race it looks very likely that the plan will at least have a big chance of succeeding.

The early 12/1 Ante-Post wasn’t great but following the final declarations and the draw it seems unlikely that 5/1 or bigger will be on offer.

There remains a myth that a high draw in the Lincoln is beneficial but 6 of the last 7 winners have ben drawn 10 or lower and with the pace in the 2026 race drawn low that recent trend looks set to continue. Had they continued with the thankfully defunct lottery where trainers could select there favoured stall position I am pretty certain William Haggas would have drawn the stall he has been allocated – stall 6. Not only is it perfectly positioned to sit behind the pace setters drawn in 2 and 3 but coincidentally it happens to be the winning most draw in modern times.

Lets be honest last seasons win of Godwinson was extremely fortuitous and Eternal Force goes to post with a much higher degree of confidence that has only been enhanced after the draw and the forecast Good to Soft ground conditions.

The main danger could be the possible strong westerly wind which will push the runners towards the centre and stands side off the track that could mean a number of the hold up horses having major traffic problems. With the pace likely to come from those drawn low, it looks likely to be very congested up the stands rail and if Fallon can work across following the early pace he can get first run on those sitting further back.

There has been some tipping reports that Eternal Force should not be backed because of the form of the Haggas horses, they have been made by pundits completely devoid of how the stable functions and he will be 100% ready to run to form.

The bookmakers again took liberties with ante-post punters shortening up the yards other remaining entry Sea Force after it was publicly announced early this week that Eternal Force will be their only runner in the race. He was duly ruled out on Thursday and looks ready to give us further opportunities at Musselburgh and Newmarket in the coming weeks.

Already confirmed 2pt ew Eternal Force 6/1

Montassib back for more…

Victory in the Cammidge Trophy of 2024 proved to be the turning point in the career of Montassib who sticking to Sprint distances subsequently won the Group 1 Betfair Sprint at Haydock in September of that season.

I recall having a small interest on the gelding that day, who was backed from a price of 6/1 and he was given a peach of a hold up ride by Cieren Fallon to beat Marshman by a neck.

He had a particularly frustrating season in 2025 unable to get on the track until September and then being slightly disappointing in the 3 outings he managed to take part in. The first of which suggested that he retains his ability and significantly was another occasion when he ran well fresh. That bodes well for Saturday. He has Won 3 times out of 5. The two defeats were on his seasonal reappearance the 3rd at Newbury in 2025 and an unplaced run when he failed to stay over a 1m in the Lincoln.

There has to be a question mark as to whether he can run to the form he showed when winning the Group 1 event in September 2024. On that day he recorded a career high RPR of 119. On his 3 outings in 2025 his numbers gradually declined from a start point of 107 on seasonal debut down to just 96 when disappointing as 9/4 favourite here at Doncaster in November. He was beaten over 4l by Spycatcher that afternoon who reposes Saturday on only 3lb worse terms, which makes it surprising that the early markets put Montassib in at 7/2 and Spycatcher 4/1.

When winning the Cammidge in 2024, Montassib recorded a rating of 116 which would be good enough to win this year’s renewal. However, although it is entirely possible that Haggas, who is a genius with maintaining the form of his older horses, will get him back to near his best, his performances over the last 12 months have declined significantly, – however Haggas issued an upbeat report this week suggesting he believes the 8yo is back to his best.

The forecast strong westerly wind will force Fallon from stall 1 to miss a beat at the start and tuck in behind the pace before delivering him late in the final furlong. His price of 4/1 is skinny given the luck he will need in running and the fact that he probably needs slightly softer ground. In previous years I would have thrown a point each way at him as an official bet. This year though with the planned vastly reduced number of Bets and a policy based on a belief that the horse can win and is not just an each way steal I will watch without financial interest. Although I certainly wouldn’t advise backing against him.

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