Fine Form
Dual course winner
Stateira NC – 2.25
is expected to play a starring role on All-Weather Championships Finals Day at Newcastle.
Andrew Balding’s four-year-old has been hugely impressive twice at Gosforth Park this winter, bolting up over a mile in November and over this seven-furlong distance on her most recent visit in mid-January.
An odds-on defeat at Southwell at the hands of the reopposing Bridget’s View was sandwiched in between, but she is probably more effective over this shorter trip and clearly excels at this track.
Joseph O’Brien’s Irish raider
Andab NC – 1.15
is the pick in the curtain-raising BetMGM Burradon Stakes.
The Saxon Warrior gelding mixed it with some of the best juveniles around last season, running with credit behind the likes of Albert Einstein, Gstaad and Zavateri at Group-race level before signing off for the year with a clear-cut Listed success on the all-weather at Dundalk.
He was narrowly denied on his return in a valuable event in Qatar in February, but he is a high-class operator and can give weight and a beating to his rivals in this Listed event.
The prolific
Ten Carat Harry NC – 1.50
is backed to regain the winning thread in the BetMGM All-Weather 3 Year Old Championships Handicap.
Jamie Osborne’s charge won his first six starts on artificial surfaces, a run which included a victory over this course and distance.
He met with defeat for the first time in the Listed Spring Cup at Lingfield in February, but seven furlongs probably stretched him that day and he deserves another chance back at six and reverting to handicap company.
One-time Classic hope
Chancellor NC – 3.00
is another tipped to defy top-weight in the BetMGM All-Weather Championships Mile Handicap.
The son of Kingman won twice as a two-year-old a couple of seasons ago, but burst through the stalls when well fancied for Doncaster’s Champagne Stakes and his attitude was again questioned after his first couple of starts at three, leading to him being gelded and undergoing wind surgery.
He has looked far more manageable since returning on the all-weather this winter, winning twice and finishing second twice, most recently filling the runner-up spot behind Sky Safari over a mile and a quarter in the Winter Derby.
Coming back to a stiff mile will suit and while it will not be easy to win under 9st 11lb, there is a feeling he still has untapped potential, while the application of cheekpieces could also boost his chances.
Having made a flying start to the turf season by completing the Lincoln-Spring Mile double at Doncaster last weekend, Jack Channon will have high hopes for
Sarab Star NC – 3.35
in the Midnite All-Weather Sprint Handicap, while Gaucher is a fascinating contender for Willie Mullins in the Midnite All-Weather Easter Classic.
The Midnite All-Weather Easter Plate Marathon is the final race on the card and
Duke Of Oxford NC – 4.42
must have every chance following an impressive course and distance success in the trial here in January.
The best bet on a competitive Lingfield card is
Lady Dora Mae LI – 1.30
who following wins at Southwell and Kempton can complete her hat-trick in the BetMGM All-Weather Vase Fillies’ Handicap, with Jack Callan’s 5lb claim a huge help.
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