Spirit Of Xaar is potentially nicely treated on the pick of his form in the 5.45 at Lingfield and makes plenty of appeal at 11/1.
The gelding is on a long losing streak having not scored since landing a Fairyhouse handicap back in June 2010, but that win came off a mark of 81 and he now gets into this off just 60.
Linda Jewell’s charge has also posted a series of solid efforts this year, including when beaten a neck by Mubtadi over course and distance off a mark of 58 and and finishing a 3/4 length third of 10 to Hereford Boy here over 7f off 59.
The seven-year-old then ran a really solid race to finish second of 14 to Flamborough Breeze at Kempton off today’s mark of 60 and backed that up with another decent effort when a 1 3/4 length fourth of 12 to Greyfriarchorista at the same venue of 62.
On all four of those occasion she was ridden by Robert Havlin who seems to have struck up a good understanding with him without so far getting his head in front.
He is now back in the saddle having not partnered him in his last two runs on the level (in which he was far from disgraced), and the selection comes into this on the back of a fair effort over hurdles when fourth to Sea Lord at Huntingdon.
The gelding could also get the race run to suit this afternoon, and although clearly not the easiest to win with he is weighted to go close and looks to have plenty in his favour to hopefully register a long overdue success.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way Spirit Of Xaar (11/1 Betfred, Boylesports, BetVictor – BOG)