Lingfield stages the All-Weather Championships on Friday with a seven-race card offering excellent prize money. I am not a particular fan of the all-weather and I’m not convinced that this meeting with improve the level of competition. Dubai World Cup night it is not but you have to applaud them for trying.
At the last big meeting here we had hopes of a double with Grandeur and Ertijaal. Unfortunately the former let us down as Ryan Moore was unable to get cover from his wide draw. Both horses are back for more and have been treated much more kindly by the draw on this occasion.
Ertijaal has drawn four in the 3-year-old championship as he bids to follow up his course and distance victory over American Hope. The winning margin was only a head that day but it is worth remembering that he was drawn 13 and was having only the third run of his life. In the circumstances he did well to hang on under a determined drive from Paul Hanagan. Talk of a tilt at the 2000 Guineas seems to have been shelved and I see no reason to desert him here.
I am not quite sure what to make of Grandeur after his disappointing defeat last time. I had concerns, not just because of his being drawn in the car park but also the fact that he was fitted with cheek pieces for the first time. Ryan Moore felt that he had been lazy when hitting the front on his previous start but it is impossible to say whether they had any effect.
Robin Hoods Bay seized his opportunity to win well and Rebellious Guest continues to run well for George Margarson. John Gosden’s winning machine struck on the opening day of Newmarket with a double and he relies on Dick Doughtywylie. I’ll stick with Grandeur who should be able to settle nicely from stall 2.
Roger Charlton has faith in Captain Cat despite being edged out by Robin Hoods Bay last time. The five-year-old son of Dylan Thomas was on a few short-lists for the Lincoln at Doncaster but Charlton withdrew him due to the soft ground. He could be worth a bet in the mile race with his form working out nicely.
Perhaps the toughest race on the card is the Sprint with many old favourites joined in combat once again. I’m not convinced that Hawkeyethenoo is completely in love with this all-weather lark while Stepper Point goes beyond five furlongs for the first time. It may be worth taking a chance with Valbchek for the Noseda and Moore combination at the available odds.
Lingfield
2.55 Ertijaal
4.05 Valbchek at 7-1 Coral
4.40 Captain Cat at 6-1 Ladbrokes
5.20 Grandeur at 5-2 Bet365
