20/1 Blythe Knight can charge in Lincoln Chase

Much of the interest - and the ante-post betting activity - In the build up to Saturday's Stanleybet Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster (3.20) has been centred on the unexposed duo of Divine Gift and Stream of Gold, and, of course, market leader New Seeker. But, paradoxically, the bookies' interpretation of the race has meant that a number of top-notch handicapper's have been overlooked and thus affording a plethora of outstanding punting opportunities, none of which appeal more than BLYTHE KNIGHT, who is ridiculously over-priced at the generally available 20-1.Admittedly there were a number of instances last season when he looked to lack a bit of conviction at the business end of his races. However, his two efforts so far this season have been highly promising, suggesting that he may be turning the corner.On his seasonal reappearance, the son of Selkirk ran a screamer when finishing second to Eccentric in the Winter Derby where he had some really smart sorts behind. And at Kempton on Monday he lost no caste in defeat in running the classy Day Flight to three-lengths in a Listed contest. So he comes into this race with a definite fitness advantage, and, although he faces no easy task carrying 9st 4lb, he will be running off a 7lb higher mark in future handicaps so it's fair to say he's feasibly treated here.Some might point to the fact that he's never won over the Lincoln trip of a mile (all three career wins have been over ten furlongs), but this cavalry charge will be run at a frenetic pace and with the going likely to be on the slow side of good, going which suits Blythe Knight well, therefore his stamina could well prove to be an asset.In addition, Ed Dunlop's charge, whom Frankie Dettori has deserted his previous intended mount El Coto to ride, had his head in front below the distance when coming home a creditable sixth in the nine-furlong Cambridgeshire Handicap at Newmarket in October where he was beaten little over two-lengths. Under a length ahead in fourth was Blue Spinnaker, but Blythe Knight should reverse the placings on 2lb better terms today.Blue Spinnaker was a model of consistency last season but has paid the price with his handicap mark rising steadily, leaving him on a career-high mark at present - a mark 14lb higher than when seventh in this last year and 6lb higher than when he last got his head in front. It is on this basis that he is passed over, although he does command respect.Clive Cox's New Seeker has earned his place at the head of the market, but it's debatable whether he deserves to be as short as 5-1. He was most progressive as a three-year-old, winning the Britannia Handicap at Royal Ascot, before returning to the same venue to land the valuable Tote International Stakes. On a literal reading of the form, he could well win this off just a 5lb higher mark. The concern is, however, that he did not see the racecourse again that season owing to a setback and failed to sparkle in five starts last term, raising questions as to whether he retains the level of ability he demonstrated prior to being sidelined.Divine Gift was impressive when beating some decent rivals in a conditions race over this course and distance last March and one can only assume that he is as short as 6-1 in some places purely on that effort, as his three subsequent outings were alarmingly lacklustre and I cannot recall a horse winning a Lincoln on its first run in a handicap, a feat that Michael Jarvis' charge will attempting on Saturday.Perhaps the most interesting of the first three in the betting is Stream of Gold, a rare Lincoln runner for Sir Michael Stoute. The Rainbow Quest colt has done nothing wrong in four career starts and beat some decent, battle hardened handicapper's with plenty up his sleeve in a seven-furlong handicap at Newmarket in October. Given that he's lightly-raced and open to any amount of improvement, an 11lb hike in the ratings may not prevent him from running well, while Common World and St Petersburg also merit close consideration.Betting verdict: 1pt e/w BLYTHE KNIGHT @ 20/1 (VCBet, Stanleybet)