13:25 Lingfield – Blue De Vega
Blue De Vega won four handicaps throughout last year and went up over a stone in the weights in the process but I think he’s still capable of winning in this sort of grade. He had his first run of the season in a Listed race just seven days ago and ran on really credibly to finish an encouraging third. He was noticeably weak in the market beforehand suggesting he was in need of the run.
The switch from a conditions race to a handicap is an inconvenience to him but Benoit De La Sayette’s 7lb claim is crucial. His claim has been carefully managed so far and remains brilliant value for it. After the claim is factored in, he comes out really well at the weights with Ornate and Royal Birth, who were behind him last weekend and carries the same weight as the likely favourite Tone The Barrone.
There’s sure to be a good gallop here with Tone The Barrone drawn inside of Ornate which should suit Blue De Vega who will be strong at the end of the race. He’s sure to run his race as always but a smart 7lb claim might just give him the edge in this contest.
DON’T MISS
- CHECK OUT OUR BRAND NEW SNAZZY RACECARDS FOR EVERY SINGLE RACE TODAY
- … THEN GET ALL THE WINNERS BEFORE ANYONE ELSE WITH OUR FAST RESULTS
14:00 Lingfield – Thank You Next
A few exciting horses make their seasonal reappearance in this Listed contest and Thank You Next is a filly I’d expect to be capable of winning at this level in the coming season. She was unfortunate not to win the group three Oh So Sharp Stakes at Newmarket at the end of last year and that looks to be a season she can build on. Every start she seemed to be getting better and has got scope to progress this year.
El Drama and Megallan are a formidable task for her on seasonal debut but I’m not sure either of them will be at their best over seven furlongs. Bar those three, it doesn’t look a brilliant race even for the time of year. Thank You Next may just be in the best position to capitalise if either of the big two aren’t fully fit and could well be part of another good Saturday at Lingfield for Ryan Moore.
15:46 Lingfield – Caribeno
A Mark Prescott stayer going through the handicaps with a string of wins in their formline isn’t quite a left field pick but Caribeno looks one that has plenty of scope still off a mark of 80. All three of his wins on the all weather have plenty of substance to them.
The first of them he beat Casa Loupi of Gary Moore’s, who’s gone on to finish second behind Triumph Hurdle favourite Tritonic over hurdles in his two subsequent starts and looks very well handicapped on the flat.
In the second of those wins he beat Little India eased down by four and a half lengths. She went on to win a handicap off a 2lb higher mark on her next start. On Caribeno’s last start he beat a potentially very well handicapped horse in Cleonte who was rated over 100 in the summer but has now dropped to a mark in the 80’s.
Caribeno is off a 4lb higher mark here, has Morgan Cole claiming 5lb off him and whatever way you look at it he is the banker on Saturday.
Lingfield betting tips summary:
13:25 – Blue De Vega
14:00 – Thank You Next
15:46 – Caribeno
CHELTENHAM TIPS
- Cheltenham Festival: Ruby Walsh names the horse he would love to ride at 2021 Festival
- Cheltenham tips: National Hunt Chase antepost best bets from Ruby Walsh
- Cheltenham tips: Mares’ Novice Hurdle antepost picks from Frank Hickey
- Cheltenham tips: Champion Bumper antepost pick revealed by Ruby Walsh
- Cheltenham Festival: Dates, race times and antepost tips from our experts
- Cheltenham tips: Mares’ Hurdle antepost picks from Frank Hickey
- Cheltenham Festival: Gold Cup or National Hunt Chase for Royale Pagaille?