Azrael drops into claiming company for the first time in the 2.00 at Lingfield and looks decent value at 4/1 to take advantage and score an overdue success.
Alan McCabe’s charge hinted at a revival over course and distance three starts back when 5th of 9 to Kung Hei Fat Choi in a class 5 handicap and has since run two cracking races in the same grade to be placed in handicaps at Wolverhampton.
On the first of those occasions he finished runner-up to Silverware. chasing the winner throughout in the hands of 7lb claimer Nora Looby and sticking to the task well to be beaten 1/2 lengths.
The five-year-old then got beat just a length into third behind Toga Tiger last time out, where he attempted to make all and was unable to quicken in the closing stages.
The winner has since gone on to score again, and the form looks strong in the context of this contest.
Although the selection has not won since scoring twice over 7f back in 2010 he is now 11lb lower than when winning on his handicap debut at Newmarket.
He also went on to be placed in 2011 in some decent handicaps off marks of 93 and 95, and posted some solid efforts last year when fourth on three occasions off marks of 85, 85, and 84.
There is little doubt that the son of Makbul is more than capable of winning a claimer like this and with Shaun Levey in the saddle he looks sure to take all the beating.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 3pts win Azrael (4/1 bet365, BetVictor – BOG)