TARRY TOPS LINCOLN WEIGHTS The Dermot Weld-trained Tarry Flynn (9-10) heads the weights published today for the Lincoln at Doncaster on March 24th. Weld, who sent out Saving Mercy to win the race in 1984, also has Creux Noir (8-8), who finished runner-up in a handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse on New Year`s Day, in the #50,000-added contest.John Ferneley and Mastermind, Lynda Ramsden`s two entries, have both been allotted 9st 4lb. The duo were bought for 130,000 guineas and 100,000 guineas respectively by John Martin at Tattersalls last October and will bid to give Ramsden, who returns to the training ranks this season after a two-year absence, her second Lincoln following the victory of High Premium in 1993. John Ferneley has 8lb more to carry than when he won the Lincoln in 2000. Trainer David Nicholls, who has yet to add the Lincoln to his haul of big handicap victories, has eight entries headed by Bradford & Bingley Handicap winner Peartree House on 8st 12lb. Last year`s runner-up King Priam has been set 8-8 to carry with fourth-placed Pantar on 9-1. Other notable entries include Cambridgeshire fourth Man O`Mystery (9-8) and Group-race winner Crimson Tide (9-4). A total of 68 of the 108 entries are in the handicap proper and Tim Betteridge, Doncaster`s general manager, said: 'The 2001 renewal of the Lincoln is set to be both a high-quality and ultra-competitive race with so many horses in the handicap.'
