Shining hopes fade as Stoute's well-backed colt unlikley to make Lincoln field

Ninety entries are tilting at the 22 starting positions and Lang Shining is No 45.

Booked elsewhere: Jamie Spencer is not down to ride Lang Shining

The pessimism about his chances of running is reflected in the fact that Ryan Moore, Stoute's new stable jockey, has been booked for the Ger Lyons-trained Irish entry Little White Lie.

Hills spokesman Kate Miller said: "It looks like a speculative punt because backers will get their money back if he is declared but doesn't make the field, but plenty of punters wanted him this morning."

Barry Hills-trained Zaahid is 6-1 favourite for the new turf Flat season's first big race. He also needs others to drop out to make the line-up but, at No 29, is in a much better position.

Top weight on 9st 10lb is 2006 winner Blythe Knight, a well-beaten 11th behind Katchit in last week's Champion Hurdle.

Prince Forever (10-1 from 16s) was the biggest market mover yesterday.

Meanwhile, it has emerged that The Queen boosted her team for the new Flat season by splashing out 610,000gn on two purchases at Tattersalls yearling sales at Newmarket in October.

Both the filly, by Montjeu who has since been named Enticement and was knocked down for 310,000gn, and a colt by Sadler's Wells named Harvest Song, will be trained by Stoute.

Her Majesty has had a lean time of it on the Flat in recent years but is expected to have 36, including National Hunt horses, in training this year.