With all of the attention focussed on the National Hunt racing, it’s difficult to devote any time to the all-weather flat racing in the UK. I must admit it has never really been a favourite of mine, although it does at least guarantee some entertainment should racing be hit with a cold snap.
Much of the racing is modest, although the bigger stables are much more involved than they used to be. The likes of Gosden and Cumani frequently run their maidens on the all-weather and even Sir Michael Stoute is not averse to the odd runner or two.
Wednesday’s card at Lingfield is notable for a race featuring several decent sprinters. Back in the spring I was firmly on the side of Hawkeyethenoo as Jim Goldie’s veteran tackled Group races. He was far from disgraced either, being unlucky when fourth in the Duke Of York Stakes.
Graham Lee has been a big success since switching from the jumps to flat racing but his quiet style can be frustrating in these sprint races. He wouldn’t be my first choice for riding something that needed a bit of hustle and bustle in a race.
Hawkeyethenoo ran at Lingfield last month, the first time he has raced on the all-weather since 2009. He was sent off 4-1 favourite in a Listed race over six furlongs. Lee had him in rear from the start and never really got that busy on him, making late headway into fourth behind Valbchek. I don’t think the word “panic” is in Graham’s vocabulary!
Tomorrow he returns to handicap company and is drawn one in a decent field. His biggest threat could be Lancelot Du Lac who finished just ahead of him last time and has since won a handicap. My own view is that Hawkeyethenoo should finish wherever Lancelot Du Lac does, having more or less followed his run through.
Another familiar name is that of Hoof It, like Hawkeyethenoo a former Stewards Cup winner, trained by Mick Easterby. He’s shown glimpses of form this season after a layoff through injury and this is his first outing on this surface. The multiple winner Forest Lodge also has to be considered along with the bottom-weight Noble Deed.
I’ll take some of the 9-1 each-way about Hawkeyethenoo but will be hoping to see him ridden more prominently this time. If Lee drops him in from the one stall he could be left with too much to do yet again.
Hawkeyethenoo 2.30 Lingfield (each-way) 9-1 Coral
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