The winter weather is slowly releasing its icy grip on racing in the UK but the pick of the action on Friday looks to be on the all-weather at Lingfield. The highlight is the £28,000 Ladbrokes Handicap and the class horse in the field is Richard Hannon’s Magic City.
The six-year-old is a real seven-furlong specialist who is particularly effective at Goodwood. He picked up three handicaps in quick succession in the summer of 2013 and his handicap mark shot up from 85 to 102 in the process.
He caught the eye on several occasions last season, particularly when flashing home in third behind Red Avenger in the Betfred Mile at his favourite track in August. That showed that he can get a mile on an easy track but seven furlongs is his optimum trip and he looks primed to run a big race on Friday. He picked up a Conditions race at Kempton in November and looks good each-way value at 8-1 with William Hill. His biggest threat may be Brigliadoro who beat subsequent winner History Book last time out over this trip and is only up 3lbs.
The Unibet Offer Handicap Stakes at 2.35 looks a tricky contest with three of the runners having won last time out. Interestingly, all three came from off the pace and I’m siding with Spray Turn to follow up her Wolverhampton victory. Luke Morris looks as if he is trying to take off at times but it is best not to be fooled by all of the arm-waving. Spray Tan is up 4lbs that win but could Morris could have had a bit more up his sleeve than it first appeared.
No doubt there will plenty of punters happy to combine Spray Turn with Burnt Cream in forecast bets and it wouldn’t be the biggest shock if they finish in that order. Burnt Cream is up just 3lbs while Swendab has gone up 6lbs for his Kempton victory over six furlongs.
The best bet of the day may prove to be Coursing for Sir Mark Prescott and Luke Morris in the 3.40 race. We’ve made a few bob out of Don’t Be in recent weeks for the same combination and Coursing looks like a rapidly improving filly. She showed very little in her first four races but blinkers worked the trick last time, storming home at Wolverhampton by three and a half lengths. She carries a 6lbs penalty here and is much preferred to Grosmont who has shown a tendency to hang under pressure.
Spray Tan 2.35 Lingfield @7-2 Bet365
Magic City 3.10 Lingfield @8-1 William Hill
Coursing 3.40 Lingfield @Evens Paddy Power
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.
