2.35 Lingfield - For this Class 4 handicap race I've gone each way on Sir Pedro. I really would have preferred there to be at least eight runners but I do think it's a two-horse race. Early pace will come from either Fair Value or Gregori. Fair Value has recorded a really good figure over this distance but on good to firm going. But its times on the all-weather are no where nearly as good and it also might need a run having been off since November 20th. Gregori is the other possible pace setter - this comes out second on my ratings - so has to be respected and even more so if it gets an uncontested lead. I'm going with the top rated Sir Pedro. It is a hold-up type, and has to have a chance if they go too fast. I'd have saver on Gregori.
3.45 Lingfield - A very nice Class 2 handicap. Three horses have been known to lead: Nocturn, Perfect Pasture and Iptism. Although none of them are what I would call a natural front runners. Perfect Pasture would have a chance of leading all the way but could just as easily employ different tactics. Four of today's runners ran on January 4th where Perfect Pasture won with Rivellino, Diamond Charlie, and Noble Deed in behind. Rivellino is weighted to reverse the form but Diamond Charlie lost his position that day and it cost him quite a bit. With a clear run he could prove victorious. Also, this gelding recorded the fastest figure over course and distance on November 20th. At odds of 14/1 he could be a good each-way bet.
4.20 Lingfield - Rigolleto and Haadeeth have tried to win from the front before. But the confirmed front runner is Mac's Power. He's not drawn best in stall nine but to counteract that he's dropped in class. Hopefully he can get to the front. If so, he has the speed to keep all at bay for the win. (E.R.I.C.)
2.35 Lingfield - Sir Pedro 11/2 ew 5th
3.45 Lingfield - Diamond Charlie 14/1 ew Unp
4.20 Lingfield - Macs Power 11/2 ew 2nd
Evens Stevens hasn't run on the course before but has done a decent time at Southwell but I'm not convinced it can give weight away to the rest. Trinityelitedotcom looks like being the favourite but only comes out 4th of the 6 runners on my ratings. It's likely to track the leaders but I don't think it will be able to catch them. Caspian Prince is 2nd rated by me but that rating did come at Kempton so not 100% convinced but if it takes to the slower surface could have a chance. Diamond Charlie comes out top and at this course and distance. Another hold up or track leaders type. Tax Free hasn't run on the course and is also likely to want to track the leaders. I'm not sure if it will like the course but I never say no with this horse, he's not as good as he used to be and not as consistent and now runs in lower class races but when he wants he can be a live contender. Nafa may not be good enough to win this class. It comes out 4th on my ratings and another that likes to track the leaders. Summary firstly I wonder where the early pace is going to come from and could end up being a very tactical race. You can never discount Tax Free even though I don't think it will win. My idea of the likely winner is Diamond Charlie but wouldn't be betting big in the race.
