Plenty going on today, with Lingfield Derby Trials and some great handicaps up and down the country. The first big seven furlong handicap at Ascot takes place, plus the unique mixed card at Haydock too. It’s a four to follow up and down the country.
Lingfield
Smile On My Face
2:25 – William Hill Oaks Trial (Listed) – Danielle @ 6/5 (William Hill)
It’s not often a star is born on the flat at Wetherby, but it looks like it with Danielle. A big 12 length win to break a maiden is nothing short of impressive. And being by Derby winner Cracksman, and with black type running through the family, this Lingfield Oaks Trial looks like it could give us a massive clue for Epsom’s big race on Friday.
The Prairie Horse
3:00 – William Hill Derby Trial (Listed) – Illinois @ 5/2 (General)
This looks a more competitive trial for the fourth Classic of the season. The top two in the market are by Derby winners, but Illinois has the black type to put him over the edge. The better ground might suit him a little better after hitting the frame in a Group One in France. Only Aidan O’Brien has produced a Derby winner from this race in the last 10 years, but Illinois doesn’t look like Derby material on paper. But he looks a good winner of this contest.
Ascot
A Pearle Of A Bet
2:40 – Victoria Cup (Premier Handicap) – Pearle D’Or @ 8/1 (Boylesports)
David O’Meara might not have the best record in the race, but Pearle D’Or looks brilliantly suited. He had two goes at C&D last year and was beaten by a neck and won by three-quarters of a length. He’s up nine pounds in four runs, which is the sign of a nicely improving horse. But then looking at the weights, Pearle D’or is near the bottom. Middle might not be the best draw, but a good break and track to the far side will give Pearle D’or the best option of latching onto the pace.
Ramazan hasn’t been outside the top two in four runs. And whilst 105 might be a bit too high, he has a five pound claimer on board. This brings him down to a similar mark when he was narrowly beaten in the Ayr Gold Cup. Richard Fahey’s stable is always one that doesn’t go off the boil and Northern raiders are always ones to watch at Ascot meetings. Nice each-way value 12/1 (General).
Another O’Meara horse that might give a good showing is Rhoscolyn. He’s up a pound from last year’s run, which isn’t in his favour. But he’ll appreciate the cut in the ground and can improve from a close fourth last time out. Small stakes at 25/1 (Boylesports).
Haydock
Singing Along
3:15 – Swinton Handicap Hurdle (Premier) – Lark In The Mornin @ 9/4 (William Hill, BetVictor, Betfred)
Despite being a little over 2/1, Lark In The Mornin possibly has the best value in the race. After winning the Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham, he’s been risen only eight pounds but is low in the weights for this race. And despite winning on heavy ground, he appreciates better ground, having been pulled twice before Cheltenham. Watch his price as he could go odds-on.
Other nice prices, Mr Freedom will prefer the good ground and has represented some good form throughout the season. He was a long way behind Our Champ in the Sussex Champion Hurdle but finished well ahead of the third. For that, he’s been dropped a pound. Dropping in the weights for finishing second is something I can really get behind and expect a good performance at 16/1 (Betfred).
Last year’s winner Ngolo might not be to the level Lark In The Mornin is. But he’s back to the same winning mark he was in 2022. It should be similar ground as well, but he has only come back from a break of 475 days. He’s also a similar price to his win in 2022 so it could be a case of déjà vu. 25/1 (William Hill).
The very best of luck!
