Hi all,
Inside today’s main piece I’m looking at the best of the ITV action on Lingfield Classic Trials Day.
This weekend brings more Classic Trials on both sides of the Irish Sea. Today, Lingfield takes the spotlight, hosting the Listed Derby Trial Stakes (3.00) and the Listed Oaks Trial Fillies' Stakes (2.25).
The colts' race at Lingfield has seen nine winners go on to triumph at Epsom, with the 2021 runner-up, Adayar, clinching victory in the Derby. While the Oaks Trial hasn't been as reliable a guide, several fillies have achieved the double, the latest being Anapurna in 2019.
Ascot is set for a Premier Racing meeting, featuring Saturday’s big betting handicap, the Victoria Cup (2.40) which has £100,000 in guaranteed prize money.
Over at Haydock, a unique mixed flat and NH card awaits, highlighted by the Pertemps Network Swinton Handicap Hurdle (3.15) and the Listed Spring Trophy Stakes (3.50) on the level.
For those tuning in, ITV Racing cover four races from Lingfield, three from Ascot, and one from Haydock on Saturday afternoon.
Lingfield
As you can see from the above Racing Post map of Lingfield’s turf track it’s both sharp and undulating with real similarities to Epsom. It makes Lingfield Classic Trials Day an ideal prepartion for the Derby & Oaks.
1:50 – William Hill Epic Value Handicap (Class 2) – 1m 3 ½ f
Aimeric notched up a fourth win from ten starts with a victory at Beverley last September. Despite a 6lb rise in the weights, he looked strong at the finish, thriving on a sound surface. While he might prefer a stiffer track, he's the one to beat. True Legend showed early promise last season, clinching three victories, including a successful seasonal return. With a mark of 88, he could still be competitive this season. If Not Now impressed on his handicap debut at Sandown last season and wasn’t disgraced when fifth in the German Derby, today's better ground might work in his favour.
2:25 – William Hill Oaks Trial Fillies' Stakes (Listed Race) – 1m 3 ½ f
Ante post favourite Danielle, a best priced 8/1 for the Epsom Oaks, showed her potential with an easy win at Wetherby on her return to action. While she needs to prove herself on quicker ground, she looks promising and a strong contender. Rubies Are Red might have needed her Leopardstown reappearance and, being a full sister to Found, could improve over a longer distance and on quicker ground. Molten Rock, showing promise in her recent Longchamp outing, could also be in contention if Danielle doesn't deliver as expected.
3:00 – William Hill Lingfield Derby Trial Stakes (Listed Race) – 1m 3 ½ f
Defiance showed promise with a close second in the Epsom Blue Riband Trial, hinting at further progress over 1m 4f. Aidan O’Brien's duo, Illinois and The Euphrates, both have potential over 1m 4f, with Illinois showing promise despite struggling on heavy ground in his recent outing. The Euphrates, ahead of his stablemate last time, also looks competitive over today’s longer distance. I'm favoring Illinois but there might not be much between the O'Brien pair.
3:35 – William Hill Chartwell Fillies' Stakes (Group 3) – 7f
Remarquee, finished runner-up in two Group 1 races last season and is 10lb ahead of her rivals on official ratings. Though she might prefer a mile, this is a drop-in class for the 4-year-old and she’s a worthy favourite on seasonal return. Great Generation showed promise as a juvenile, securing victories in two out of three starts. Demonstrating clear improvement, she finished fourth by three lengths in the Group 3 Prix Imprudence at Deauville recently. The subsequent performances of the second and third-placed horses in that race, both finishing well in the 1,000 Guineas, add weight to that form. The prospect of better ground should suit and she’s the favourites biggest rival.
Saturday Selection:
Friday's pick, Passenger, delivered a triumphant return in the Group 2 Huxley Stakes at Chester. Despite the narrow margin of victory, his dominance was evident, breaking the course record and displaying a performance of a Group 1 horse. With potential over 1 mile 2 furlongs or a bit further, the 4-year-old promises an exciting season ahead. This success further underscores Sir Michael Stoute's prowess, even in the twilight of his career.
In the earlier race on Friday's card, Percy's Lad, highlighted as an eyecatcher in a previous Daily Punt column, justified the gamble in the opening handicap. Recommended at 9/1 for Victor Value subscribers, he proved his worth with a good front running performance from a wide draw.
Victor Value subscribers also partook in one of the standout ganbles of the flat season with Too Friendly in the Chester Cup. Backed from 20s into 4s. He was just to keen in a modestly run race and didn't see out the marathon trip but is on a good mark.
Here's my Lingfield Classic Trials Day selection which is Illinois in the Derby Trial.
3:00 – Illinois – 5/2.
I'll be back on Monday with all the fall out from the recent Classic Trials.
Good luck with your Saturday bets.
John