Ripp Orf good value in Lincoln

Charlie appleby has earned a reputation as a masterful trainer and auxerre could once again enhance his standing in the lincoln today.

Newmarket maestro appleby ( below) has enjoyed incredible success across four continents courtesy of a Derby success, Melbourne Cup victory and high-profile wins in Santa anita and Dubai.

Godolphin-trained four-year- old auxerre appears to have been targeted at today’s Flat season curtain-raiser for some time.

Factor in the decision of jockey James Doyle to partner the son of iffraaj rather than head to Dubai for tonight’s glamorous World Cup meeting and it looks ominous for the gelding’s Town Moor adversaries this afternoon. however, those looking to take on auxerre may question his lack of form in big-field handicaps and the fact he has beaten a sum total of 30 rivals in his four starts to date. he is also a miserly price this morning so RIPP ORF (Doncaster, 3.35), Saltonstall and humbert make a little more appeal at their odds. The former really comes alive in the hurly-burly of a competitive handicap, with two of his four starts in fields of 17 or more resulting in wins. The prospect of drying ground on Town Moor should also play to ripp Orf’s strengths and his stats at a mile (2212) also make impressive reading given he often plies his trade in tough handicaps.

While his canny trainer, David elsworth, may well have his eye on ascot’s Victoria Cup in May as a primary early- season aim, the gelding’s record following a break of more than four weeks reads 12112 so he should post a bold show.

both Saltonstall and humbert make their debuts for new connections today and are feared, given the respective skills of their handlers for freshening up underachievers.