Racing: Pasternak 12-1 favourite for the Lincoln

Pasternak, who landed gambles in the Cambridgeshire and the Magnet Cup last year is a top-priced 12-1 favourite with the Tote for the Lincoln Handicap after the weights were published yesterday. Three previous Lincoln winners - Kuala Lipis (1997), Roving Minstrel (1995) and High Premium (1993) are among the entries.

An international flavour is added by the French-trained Punishment, who represents the Chantilly handler John Hammond. The last overseas winner of the Lincoln was Saving Mercy, who won in 1984 for Ireland's Dermot Weld.

Eric Alston yesterday confirmed Gulf Shaadi a likely starter. He said: "He comes to hand early. He won twice on the all-weather in January last year and will have a run on the all-weather before Doncaster, probably at Wolverhampton."

Hunters Of Brora is also an intended runner. James Bethell, her trainer, said: "She comes to hand early and looks marvellous so the plan is to go straight for the Lincoln with her."