Fine Form
Lingfield stages a classy afternoon of action and
Brave Empire LI – 2.37
can take a starring role in the BetMGM AWC 3 Year Old Trial Handicap.
Roger Varian’s charge has a fine record of three wins in five starts, winning twice as a juvenile last term before adding another triumph on his most recent run.
The Dark Angel colt suffered a short-priced defeat on his first start of 2024, but he put that well behind him when prevailing by a head in a thrilling finish over the same six furlongs he faces here at the start of the month.
While Rosario would be the pick on his Group-race placings of last year, top-weight and a lack of a recent run could had the initiative to Brave Empire.
Stalemate
Dragon Icon LI – 4.22
showed signs of a return to form with a recent fourth, which looks an excellent springboard for the BetUK AWC Middle Distance Trial Handicap.
Two novice wins prompted Varian to raise his sights to Group Two level in the German 2000 Guineas, where he ran well for a long way before fading in the finish on what transpired to be his last three-year-old start.
He looked in need of his return in January and clearly took a step forward as he was subsequently beaten half a length in fourth at Kempton, when he was staying on all the way to the line over a mile.
Switching up to 10 furlongs here could bring about further improvement, with his mark of 93 also looking quite appealing.
Batal Dubai LI – 3.12
should be in the mix once again in the BetUK AWC Sprint Trial Handicap.
A third place on New Year’s Day was followed by a narrow second at Kempton in mid-February and he is clearly capable off his current perch of 92.
Spartan Army LI – 3.47
can bring up his hat-trick for Alan King in the BetUK AWC Marathon Trial Handicap.
He was twice a winner in February, scoring by a neck at the start of the month before following up off a 2lb higher mark, with seemingly plenty in hand.
His 5lb penalty here puts him marginally wrong off his revised rating, but the son of Highland Reel appears to have a bit up his sleeve.
can oblige for the title-chasing duo of Paul Nicholls and Harry Cobden in the Download The BetVictor App “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle at Newbury.
A winning pointer in Ireland, he made a successful start under rules in an Exeter novice hurdle in December and while the form of that has not worked out brilliantly, Toss Of A Coin was a convincing victor.
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