Lingfield Classic Trials

Hi all,

Saturday throws up a good mix—Classic trials, pattern races, valuable handicaps, and three major meetings at Lingfield, Ascot, and Haydock.

Lingfield – Classic Clues

Lingfield leads the way with its Oaks and Derby Trials. Both races have unearthed future Epsom stars. The Group 3 Chartwell Fillies’ Stakes adds a touch of class to the supporting card.

Over in Ireland, Naas stages a Listed Oaks Trial at 4:20. Worth watching for future clues.

ITV Racing brings you nine races live—five from Lingfield, three from Ascot, and one from Haydock. Plenty to enjoy. Even more to learn.

Here’s my look at the Lingfield ITV races.

Classic Trials

The Lingfield undulations mirror Epsom’s challenges—long climb, sharp descent and sweeping bend. It’s a track that asks tough questions, which is why legends like Luca Cumani and Sir Henry Cecil used it to prepare their Classic horses.

This year’s trials lack depth, but don’t write them off. A good horse could still emerge.

In the Oaks Trial (1:15), Aidan O’Brien relies on Giselle, who faces just two rivals. It’s a poor turnout, but she should handle the ground. If she’s any good, she wins. Light on betting interest but maybe high on future significance.

In the Derby Trial (3:00), O’Brien fields Stay True and Puppet Master. The former looked smart when winning on racecourse debut at Leopardstown. He steps up in trip and looks a nice prospect. But Ryan Moore opts Puppet Master, who’s more exposed. That looks a telling sign as to the chances of the two O'Brien horses.

Chartwell Fillies’ Stakes

The day’s richest race at Lingfield is the Chartwell Fillies’ Stakes (3:35), worth over £50,000 to the winner.

Only six go to post. The sole 3yo in the line-up, Cathedral, makes plenty of appeal. She chased home Merrily in the Group 3 Oh So Sharp at Newmarket last autumn—form boosted by the third that day Flight, who ran second in last Sunday’s 1,000 Guineas. If Cathedral has trained on, she can win this

Last year’s winner Great Generation returns. Even under her penalty she’s a danger with her sharp turn of foot, especially over this quick 7f.

Supporting Handicaps – Small Fields

Quick ground has cut the numbers. Just 14 runners across two ITV handicaps.

In the 1:50, Hamlet’s Night still seeks a first win but shaped well when runner-up last time at Haydock. Not long with the Kubler yard who should find a race for him. Could be his day. I am hoping so I backed him on Friday at 9/2 which I thought were fair odds and he's now around 6/1.

In the 2:25, Candyman Stan might be hard to catch if allowed an easy lead. He made all at Brighton last time and enjoys quick ground.

If you want my York Dante picks and for the rest of the month that includes my Epsom Derby Festival picks, you can get them here.

Saturday Selection

Lingfield

1:50 – Hamlet’s Night.

I’ll be back on Monday to look back at the weekend’s action

Good luck with your Saturday bets.

John