Hi all,
Inside today’s main piece I’ll mark your card for a cracking all-weather card at Lingfield on Friday.
The quality of racing steps up a gear on Friday as Newbury’s two-day February/March meeting gets underway.
There’s arguably even better all-weather action at Lingfield, which hosts a series of trials for All-Weather Championships Finals Day. In fact, only the first race of the seven-race card isn’t a Class 2 handicap.
It’s also St David’s Day in Wales, and Ffos Las marks the occasion with a six-race card in celebration of the country’s patron saint.
I still watch as much racing as possible, but I can cheerfully go days without having a bet. I respect those who enjoy a daily punt, and a 5/1 winner on a Wednesday night at Kempton pays more than a 4/1 winner at the Cheltenham Festival.
But regular readers know I rarely focus on midweek racing outside of the festivals or an occasional noteworthy contest. My attention is usually on the big weekend races and festivals. Well Friday’s Lingfield card firmly into the ‘noteworthy races’ category and it’s one to watch.
Newbury Going Update
Yesterday, I predicted good to soft ground for Newbury on Saturday. That’s now unlikely after 13mm of rain hit Newbury on Wednesday. The going is now heavy, soft in places on the hurdles track and soft, heavy in places on the chase course. It should stay dry, but don’t expect any “good” in the description.
Lingfield Preview
I’m taking a different approach to this card. Focusing on horses who ran well here last year and trainers likely to target this meeting.
Here’s an abridged version of the preview I sent out to Victor Value subscribers on Thursday.
2:25 – BetMGM AWC Fillies & Mares Trial Handicap (7f, Class 2)
Harry Charlton had one go close at this meeting last year. He’s 3-9 (+10.60) at Lingfield. His filly Rosa Applause makes her stable debut. If she stays 7f, she has claims, but a wide draw (stall 11) is a concern. Aramis Grey, last year’s runner-up, also has a tricky draw (stall 10) but can’t be dismissed.
3:00 – BetMGM AWC 3-Y-O Trial Handicap (6f, Class 2)
Michael Appleby had a close-up third in this race last year. He runs Coul Angel, an improving Kempton novice winner. Stall 8 isn’t ideal for a prominent racer, but he’s unexposed. Majestic Wave, now with Simon Dow, won a Navan maiden in November. He’s one to keep an eye on.
3:35 – BetUK AWC Sprint Trial Handicap (6f, Class 2)
Rohaan isn’t the same horse who won the 2022 Wokingham, but his mark of 87 reflects that. He finished strongly when second at Southwell last Friday and is well handicapped. If they go hard up front, he can pick them off late. Intervention, a C&D winner, was behind Rohaan last time but could hit the frame. Shartash, a classy sort, won first time out last season and is worth a second look on his all-weather debut.
4:10 – BetUK AWC Marathon Trial Handicap (2m, Class 2)
Red Flyer was fourth in this race last year but is now 10lb lower and well handicapped. He ran well here last month and should go close. Ted Hastings, representing Gordon Elliott, needed his recent Dundalk run and will be sharper here. Tom Marquand is an eye-catching booking.
4:45 – BetUK AWC Middle Distance Trial Handicap (1m 2f, Class 2)
Charlotte’s Web is 2-2 over C&D and bids for a five-timer. A 3lb rise makes this tougher, but she was a game winner of the Winter Oaks Fillies' Handicap last time. Irish challenger Genoah is another on the up after a Dundalk win. He’s well drawn in stall 3. Penzance, last year’s winner, returns from a break and is just 2lb higher this time around. Youthful King was poorly positioned when third in this race last year and could go well at a price. Civil Law, sixth last year, is now 6lb lower and wears a visor for the first time.
5:20 – BetMGM AWC Mile Trial Handicap (1m, Class 2)
Andrew Balding had last year’s runner-up and could go one better with Cynosure. The 4-year-old won a C&D novice last April and was in good form before a poor run over further last time. The cheekpieces go on, and Joe Fanning is an interesting booking for the light weight.
Good luck with your Friday bets!
John