Alan Thomson takes a close look at the 12-man race at Lingfield on Monday, with every option selected, live on Sky Sports Racing.
There are 12 healthy runners for Lingfield’s Follow AtTheRaces On Twitter Handicap Chase (3.25)the fifth grade race is run over a distance of just under three miles (live on Sky Sports Racing).
GROUND WORK
Lingfield has been a happy hunting ground for Gary Moore for many years and, as he was designed, he raised two trips here on November 24. Chris Gordon was also in the winning position and both trainers are represented in the events selected today. The track was running on the soft side at the time but the ground conditions must have been less. The elder’s departure was said to be soft, soft in places on Sunday.
ADVANCED
Echo Watt
He made an impressive return following a 262-day absence by beating Coolvalla at Fontwell in early November. Richard Hobson’s grey, Lilly Pinchin’s mount, was placed here at the Surrey National on heavy ground last January when running from a 5lb handicap. This is one of the best features of the feature on display.
Supreme Authority
He has only beaten one horse at home in his last three outings but the performance is very real, with the assessor dropping him 11lb. He won the Irish title 12 months ago and could give Conor Ring a good spin if he is prepared to come off a 194-day holiday.
Waikiki Waves
He won here in a trial challenge last December, showing some of the classic form that saw him win five times in 2019. Ramore Will raced here 20 days ago. One of the most visible winners.
Celma Des Bois
Back from a long layoff and 10-year-old Richard Rowe has had wind surgery since his ride at Chepstow. He won at Leicester last January on his return from a 293-day layoff, so we can’t be written off.
William Philo
Stan Sheppard’s mount caused a 33/1 scare when he arrived in the Fontwell novices’ handicap hurdle last December (soft) and was sent to Wincanton in February when he was unbeaten third. William Philo was successful over fences at Exeter three weeks ago, following a slightly wide course and seeing off his hurdles before finishing fifth behind Alan King’s Midnight Glance and the favorite Bob’s Representative. He’s still only five years old, so there is potential for change.
Ramore Will
Chris Gordon’s gray was hit and miss but he tried the Waikiki Waves here 20 days ago, taking the lead before the house turned and staying in the game. The 11-year-old won on soft ground at Plumpton in January 2020, but was promoted three times. Fred Gordon confirms his price of 7lb.
The Real Jet
He surpassed his starting price of 80/1 when winning a novice challenge at Plumpton last January and Andy Irvine’s bets were shot at 28/1 when chasing 18-year-old winner White Hart Lady here almost three weeks ago. The cheek pieces worn for the first time that day have also started.
Percy Veering
Kim Bailey’s five-year-old started at high prices in all five of his starts at stakes last season, showing little to inspire public confidence. It was a surprise to see him go to the well-backed odds of 4/1 on debut and he was still in contention when he fell at fence seven in a race won by Ramore Will. This sign can limit his hidden abilities, so no one can write this at the beginning of his career.
A poet
He began his racing career with Nicky Henderson, picking up a Sandown bumper and a maiden at Chelmsford City. He was placed several times before being joined by Danni O’Neill and he continued to collect more money without getting his head down. It’s been 227 days but it’s gone well before, so there’s no hope for hope under 5lb rider Caoilin Quinn. He is coming off his lowest work today.
Allardyce
I pulled the back of Coolvalla at Fontwell last month but he ran very well in trouble at Plumpton (third) just 10 days later. The handicapper has also lowered his mark, so not quiet under Tom O’Brien.
Milk Abbey
He will have to deal with a 306-day absence but Anthony Honeyball and Rex Dingle have done it in the past. The six-year-old has been winded since hitting just one home run at Exeter and the former pointer has not featured much in Ireland after being trained by Henry de Bromhead. They should come on a bundle but today the tongue tie can change.
Eaton Miller
Races from 5lb from handicap and 10 year old Ryan Potter was beaten 38 lengths at Ffos Las 10 days ago. He performed extensively at Uttoxeter and Warwick in February 2021 and completed the previous run. Little find.
SECTION
Five-year-old Robert Walford WILLIAM PHILO they have a chance to control fences and can swing when wearing the first cheek. They must leave at any cost.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see Echo Watt make more appearances.
