Lingfield stages a decent card on Thursday featuring two well-contested Listed races. The second of these at 3.20 has attracted a field that wouldn’t be out of place in a Group 3 on turf with many familiar names on show.
Banoffee was a popular choice for the Epsom Oaks after she had cut through the field to win the Cheshire Oaks under Kieren Fallon in May. She was only seventh in the classic and has since lost her way with a couple of woeful efforts.
Phiz put up a cracking effort to finish second to The Lark in the Park Hill Stakes at Doncaster and I fancied her to go one better next time at Newmarket. Unfortunately she ran a lifeless race and trailed home eighteen lengths behind Astonishing! It wouldn’t surprise me to see her pop up here at a big price but I cannot support her after that lack-lustre effort.
Astonishing had previously been touched off in the dying strides by Lady Cecil’s Phaenomena and this is the filly that interests me most tomorrow. That was her first run over a mile and a half and she needed every yard of it to get to Sir Michael Stoute’s filly. The fifth home that day was Zipp who just failed to land a gamble in a handicap on Saturday. Whilst it would be a mistake to take her victory over Astonishing too literally, it was still a fine effort and she has a handy draw in stall 2. That should enable Paul Hanagan to keep her handy and kick on round the final bend.
I also like the look of Horsted Keynes in the handicap at 2.20. He was given a good lead throughout by Invisible Hunter last time and picked him off at his leisure in the home straight. He sneaks in off bottom weight and has most to fear from wide-margin Chepstow winner Favourite Treat.
Nursery races have proved quite difficult to pick this season but there seems no reason to desert Spiritual Flame in the 6.00 at Kempton. He battled on to beat Hiking here last time, a horse that is quite highly regarded at home. He is only up 4lbs in the handicap for that success and should go well again.
Horsted Keynes 2.20 Lingfield 13-8 Bet365
Phaenomena 3.20 Lingfield 4-1 Bet365
Spiritual Flame 6.00 Kempton 3-1 Bet365
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
