By Charlie McCann
There is a fascinating fillies' maiden to start the proceedings at Lingfield with debutantes Winter Queen and Peace And War (2.10) of particular interest and it is the latter that gets the vote for Olly Stephens. The filly cost $300,000 as a yearling and is certainly bred to be smart and act on an artificial surface.
The yard, at the time of writing, have not had a juvenile winner this term but they saddled the runner up in the Irish 1000 Guineas at the weekend and whilst Peace And War might never reach the heights of stablemate Lightning Thunder she can make a winning debut.
There is plenty of pace in the 5f handicap with Royal Acquisition bidding to go one better than when runner up in a first time hood over C&D earlier in the month, but I just favour Marmalady (2.40) back at the minimum trip. The form of her 3rd to Intrinsic at Ascot last time has been franked by the winner scoring again at Goodwood last week and she should be spot on for this decent prize.
Secret Success (3.10) was all at sea on the soft ground at Salisbury last time and will appreciate the return to an artificial surface although he has never raced at Lingfield. He is only 2lbs higher than when scoring at Kempton back in April and the form of his third to Lawmans Thunder is top class polytrack form. He is 1lb lower today and his apprentice Duilio Da Silva takes off a valuable 5lbs.
Elpida (4.40) can break her duck at the second time of asking for David Simcock whose Newmarket yard are in such good form after a slow start to the campaign. The selection, who cost $310,000 as a yearling, went off 4/1 when runner up in a modest contest over C&D back in March but the stable were not firing at the time and I expect to see a better filly this afternoon.
John Gosden's exposed Toast Of The Town sets a high standard and her second to Marsh Daisy at Ascot was franked in no uncertain terms last week when the Hughie Morrison filly won Goodwood's listed Height Of Fashion Stakes. She deserves to win a race but there are any number of potential improvers with Colourful, Sibling Honour and Carnevale others likely to come on significantly for their first outing.
It is interesting to see Sail And Return (6.50 Huntingdon) drop back in trip after disappointing at Towcester last time over the extended 3 miles. He has never won going right-handed but did run well over today's C&D off a 12lb higher mark back in October. Regular pilot Kielan Woods replaces AP McCoy and he can reward each way support with Neverownup likely to go off a very short price as he chases a quick hat-trick for the Grand National winning yard of Dr Richard Newland. Rain is forecast at Huntingdon and the favourite might be worth opposing if the ground is softer than good.
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