2:50 Lingfield Racing Tips (2nd February) LADBROKES MAIDEN STAKES (CLASS 5) (3yo+)

A Maiden Stakes over 1m 1y on standard going for three and four-year-old colts & fillies. Eight lightly-raced thoroughbreds take part from leading stables. A difficult race to assess with a good few likely to progress with experience - but one horse does have some appeal. Wajeeh should make a bold show after a promising debut over course and distance. This three-year-old chestnut gelding is trained by Richard Hannon, racing in the colours of Al Shaqab Racing. A son of Raven's Pass, he cost 250,000gns at Tattersalls October Sales 2013. This January foal finished a respectable third on debut when ridden by Martin Dwyer and should improve on that first start. It is a plus to see Frankie Dettori takes the ride, his only mount of the day. Silent Thunder is one of the main dangers, being fancied to go well on all three starts to date but chopping and changing distance suggests William Haggis' colt is just ordinary and an official rating of 70 reflects that opinion. Looking at the exchanges, Wajeeh is shorter than the tissue prices suggested (9/4) - most likely odds-on. Remember it pays to look at bookmaker prices and especially free bets. Use this promo code to get a free £25 matched bet at William Hill. The betting suggests this expensive purchase will be very hard to beat. 

Cheltenham Gold Cup Mini Quiz

This Grade 1 National Hunt horse race is run over 3 miles 2 1/2f with 22 fences to be jumped. A steeplechase open to horses five years or older it is the most prestigious of all National Hunt races. This Blue Riband event has a roll of honour featuring household names such as Arkle, Best Mate, Golden Miller, Kauto Star & Mill House. It is the most valuable non-handicap chase in Britain. 

1


This bold-jumping grey won the 1989 Cheltenham Gold Cup but did you know he fell on his first & last start when competing on the National Hunt? Can you name this front runner? 

2

Name the first horse to ever regain the Cheltenham Gold Cup?  

s bay son of Archive was bred at Ballymacoil Stud, County Meath. He won three Cheltenham Gold Cups in the 1960s. It was rumoured his strength from drinking Guiness twice a day. Who was this true equine star?

4

The most successful owner of Cheltenham Gold Cup winners is Dorothy Paget. Golden Miller won on five occasions. However, can you name her two other winning horses? 

A1

Desert Orchid, trained by David Elsworth.

A2

Kauto Star won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2007, then lost to stablemate, Deman, the following year. However, he regained his crown in 2009.

A3

Arkle. Recognised as one of the most talented thoroughbreds ever to race. Timeform rated his achievement higher than any other horse to win this contest.

A4

Roman Hackle (1940)
Mont Tremblant (1952)