This Class 5 0–68 handicap for older horses is staged over Lingfield’s sharp 7f, on the all-weather. A fair even pace is expected, though low draws are historically disadvantaged here. The setup should suit those drawn middle to high with natural tactical speed, particularly prominent runners who can slot in without covering too much ground.

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Contenders, Dangers & Profiles

Touchwood (Ruth Carr / Oisin Murphy) – Rating: 84
A rather inconsistent sort but posted a solid third last time at Leicester (7f, firm) and returns to a track where he’s a previous C&D winner. Oisin Murphy is a notable jockey booking (21% strike rate here). Tends to pull and can start slowly, which always brings some luck-in-running risk, but on balance he looks one of the likelier players if breaking cleanly.

South Dakota Sioux (John Butler / Grace McEntee) – Rating: 83
In good nick this winter, winning well at Wolverhampton in January and second on his last two starts. Has a forward style, which suits this pace/draw setup. However, Timeform flags a tendency to trade short in defeat – an indicator that he’s vulnerable late. Still rates a key player on recent adjusted figures.

Mount Mogan (Laura Mongan / Luke Morris) – Rating: 80
Back on the upgrade at 8 years old, having won twice at this venue already in 2025. Latest third over C&D reads well, and he races prominently which is advantageous here. Solid record at Lingfield (form figures: 1183 at 7f AW in 2025). Ticks a lot of boxes.

My Mate Mike (J.R. Jenkins / Silvestre De Sousa) – Rating: 81
Won at Chelmsford in April, then ran poorly back on turf. Has form at the track and is a former C&D scorer. De Sousa takes the ride, and trainer stats show a level stakes profit when sending a single runner to a flat meeting. However, the stable is cold, and he’s inconsistent.

Tea Sea (Tony Carroll / William Carson) – Rating: 80
Well built and has been on the up this winter with back-to-back wins. Slightly flat last time but returns fresh after 66 days. Will need to be sharper from a wide draw but is fairly treated if reproducing his Southwell form.

Tronido (Simon Dow / Paddy Bradley) – Rating: 78
Returns to Lingfield where she is a past C&D winner, though recent turf effort was tame. She’s a habitual front-runner drawn wide – which could suit if she breaks well, but needs to bounce back from that Brighton run.

Thoughtful Gift (Martin Dunne / Katrine Holm) – Rating: 80
Not without form – a 4-time scorer in 2024. Ran better than odds suggested last time at Leicester (50/1, 4th). Her hold-up style might need luck from mid-pack, especially if the even pace isn’t overly testing. One to monitor for market interest.

Thorntonledale Max (David Simcock / Callum Shepherd) – Rating: 81
Returns from 165 days off. Slow starter and hold-up type, so may need breaks to fall right. Win in 2024 was a dead-heat. Lacks consistency but would be a danger if getting a strong gallop and a tow into it. Trainer doesn’t have a previous winner in this race. Market move would be significant after the layoff.

Okami (Laura Mongan / Josephine Gordon) – Rating: 77
Handicapped on much better efforts for Roger Varian, but little spark shown in 2025. Still early days with new yard, and Mongan has had success at this venue. Best watched unless attracting support.

Jackson Street (Michael Attwater / Nicola Currie) – Rating: ?
Down the field repeatedly in 2025, including a last of eight at Yarmouth most recently. Dropping in the weights but has it all to prove. Trainer currently cold. No adjusted rating available – safely opposed unless money arrives.

Cill Mocheallog (Dean Ivory / Zacharia Clarke) – Rating: 80
Ex-Irish winner now 0-5 since switching to the UK. Poor recent form, though has had wind surgery. Likely pace angle, but overall profile suggests he’s vulnerable late.

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Runner Ratings Out of 10

• Touchwood – 8
• South Dakota Sioux – 7
• Mount Mogan – 7
• My Mate Mike – 6
• Tea Sea – 6
• Tronido – 6
• Thoughtful Gift – 6
• Thorntonledale Max – 6 (market watch after 165-day break)
• Okami – 4
• Jackson Street – 3 (watch for support but confidence very low)
• Cill Mocheallog – 4 (may get loose early but looks unreliable)

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Each-Way Angles (11 runners declared)

• Mount Mogan and Tea Sea look solid each-way plays with favourable track form and draw positions.
• Tronido also has track form and might be worth a small each-way saver if bouncing back.

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Private Tissue Estimate

• Touchwood – 4/1
• South Dakota Sioux – 9/2
• Mount Mogan – 6/1
• Tea Sea – 15/2
• My Mate Mike – 8/1
• Thoughtful Gift – 10/1
• Tronido – 10/1
• Thorntonledale Max – 14/1
• Cill Mocheallog – 20/1
• Okami – 25/1
• Jackson Street – 50/1

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Summary

This is a competitive 0–68 handicap where the pace setup and draw bias will play a key role. Touchwood returns to a track he handles well and looks solid with Oisin Murphy up, though his racing style remains a small concern. South Dakota Sioux is consistent and races handily, but has tended to flatter. Mount Mogan is another with strong recent track form, and could go well again. Each-way players should note Tea Sea and Tronido, both returning to favourable conditions. Monitor market moves, particularly for Thorntonledale Max on his seasonal return.