Russian Realm shaped well last time out and amkes plenty of appeal at 13/2 in the 3.05 at Lingfield today now stepped back up to 7f.
The gelding was a useful sort in his early days when trained by Sir Michael Stoue, winning twice and finishing a fine eighth of 27 to Bronze Angel in the Balmoral Handicap at Ascot off a mark of 95.
He then joined David O’Meara, and after a couple of eye-cathing efforts won a 7f contest at Thirsk last July off a mark of 96.
Now in the care of Richard Hughes, Russian Realm is able to race off a reduced rating of 93 having run really well last time out when staing on strongly to finish a 1 1/2 length third to Mythmaker over an inadequate 6f at this venue.
It was an effort which suggested he was ready to strike, and the step back up to 7f – over which he has won twice and has a 28.5% strike rate – is a massive plus.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts win Russian Realm (13/2 BetVictor, Coral, Stan James – BOG)