Vale Of Lingfield looks weighted to take all the beating in the 5.50 at Kempton and is of serious interest at 7/1.
Jim Best’s gelding is yet to get his head in front in 10 starts but has run some really solid races and caught the eye last time out when fourth to Michael’s Nook over course and distance.
He was very keen in the early stages that day, and after being held up well off the pace made good late headway on the outside a furlong from home to be beaten 2 3/4 lengths without ever threatening to quite get to the leaders.
The four-year-old now meets the winner on 6lb better terms and has the services of George Baker in the saddle for the first time.
Baker looks the ideal partner for the son of Moss Vale, who clearly needs to be held up and delivered late and gets into this off what looks a very workable mark of 45 judged on the pick of his form.
His best run came on his second start last January where he kept on well under tender handling to finish a never nearer 4th of 12 to Switzerland over 6f at Lingfield.
In the end he was beaten 3 3/4 lengths in what turned out to be a strong contest as the winner has developed into a decent performer rated 94 on the all-weather and the second home Al Freej has gone on to land a handicap off 72.
That is very strong form in the context of this contest, and although the selection hasn’t gone on as expected he has run well in his last four starts and having been given an initial rating of 71 is now running off 26lbs lower.
That gives him outstanding claims in this, and the 7/1 on offer looks far too big for a horse that looks well-treated and has more to offer.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 3pts win Vale Of Lingfield (7/1 bet365 – BOG)
