A Claiming Stakes over 7f. Cristal Gem will be a banker for many punters at Lingfield. However, this daughter of Cadeaux Genereux looks the type to live on her nerves and that cost her dear when beaten by the determined Snowed In at Kempton over 1m. She was subsequently claimed for £12,000 and now owned/trained by Andrew Reid. This drop back to 7f will be more suiting and in what looks to be a moderate affair has a leading chance but a juvenile you may wish to keep an eye on going to the start to make sure she is on her best behaviour. A horse I would much rather watch than bet.
The Name Is Don was given a superb ride by Liam Keniry last time. Making a bold front-running move, he caught the opposition napping and by the time they got organised Mark Gilliard's gelding had caused a 40/1 shocker. In truth, this horse had shown glimpses of ability earlier in the season. He had no luck at all when badly hampered at Folkestone. In many respects, he has similar form to the favourite and if given another enterprising run could well give favourite backers concerns. Gilliard is a talented trainer and I can imagine he will be searching for that winning edge today.
Andrew balding has been in fine form with his two-year-olds on the all-weather of late and Sea Anemone is an intriguing horse. This filly showed next to no ability on debut but the stable often go well on their second start. Dropping to Claiming level could be viewed as a positive or negative. Money has been a good sign with recent runners for the Kingsclere Racing Club. If substantially backed I would take note.
Joe M has proven to be a layer's dream, showing little ability so far. Simon Dow's runner may be no better today but gave the impression that a step up in distance would bring about some improvement. At odds of 50/1 this could be his best run so far but whether he has enough ability to trouble the main contenders is any ones guess.
Conclusion: Cristal Gem has a leading chance but at odds-on wouldn't be my idea of a good bet especially if fired-up before the start. The Name Is Don has been inconsistent but looked a different horse last time. Perhaps Keniry can ride the race of his life once again? This is very much a watching race unless Sea Anemone is substantially backed. That would be a significant pointer. Joe M may have a glimmer of hope at huge odds.
HCE: ''A bad start for odds-on backers with Cristal Gem finishing second. The Name Is Don set the pace with the favourite settled in behind and a battle to line saw Mark Gillard's two-year-old find that little extra.''