With just two horses withdrawn at yesterday’s final declaration stage for tomorrow’s Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster, High Premium, only 14-1 for the race, misses the cut for the 24-runner field by one. The leading ante-post fancies, Kuala Lipis, Grand Musica and Sky Dome are drawn on the stands’ side, in stalls 21, 22 and 23 respectively. The favourite, Alamein, is in 13, with Tumbleweed Ridge (four) the main hope on the inside of the course.
The last four Lincoln winners was drawn on the inside, but three winners of the Spring Mile came from the opposite side of the course in the same period.. Glenn Hoddle unveiled his squad for the Easter Saturday friendly with Mexico yesterday and then told his Premiership counterparts that he would not accept sick notes instead of players.

Seven of those chosen are already said to be doubtful and, with the business end of the season approaching, managers will be looking to make withdrawals. Hoddle appears to have decided it is time to make a stand.
“If a player is injured and can’t play, we will have him report and our medical staff will take a look at him,” Hoddle said. “If they’re playing for their club and someone says they are not fit for us, it is only fair we should have a look.”I wouldn’t like to think managers are pulling their players out for any reason other than injury. You gain so much from playing for your country.”Teddy Sheringham, Tony Adams, David Beckham, Gary Neville, Darren Anderton, Matt Le Tissier and Gareth Southgate are all said to be carrying injuries. Already ruled out are Paul Merson, Andy Hinchcliffe, Alan Shearer, Les Ferdinand and Paul Gascoigne.This skirmish could be the prelude to a major row. England’s crucial World Cup tie in Poland is three days after the European Cup final on 28 May. That could feature Manchester United but, in theory, Hoddle can demand their England players are released to him on 26 May.

“It is not something which will be talked about until it becomes reality,” Hoddle said. “If the problem is there, it would be a nice problem to have and I would converse with Alex Ferguson.”There were four United players in yesterday’s 25-man squad including, for the first time, Nicky Butt. Gary Neville, Beckham and the recalled Gary Pallister make up the quartet.Also recalled, after a four-year gap, are Martin Keown and Nigel Martyn. Missing, dropped for the first time since he came into the England side a decade ago, is Stuart Pearce.