Lingfield Park Race Meeting: All-Weather Selections

11:07 Read Meg Nicholls’ Blog At betmgm.co.uk Nursery Handicap

The card kicks off with a Class 5 nursery handicap for two-year-olds over a sharp 6 furlongs. With a total prize fund of £7,100, this presents an early test for a field of developing juveniles on the Standard All-Weather surface, where early pace is often key.

Top-Rated Selections

Based on our proprietary TimeWise ratings, two contenders stand out from the field:

Horse	TimeWise MASTER RATI
Green Dame	266
Akabusi	243

Form & Analysis of Top-Rated Runners

• Green Dame arrives in consistent form following two solid efforts in nursery company. After finishing a close second to Akabusi at Wolverhampton, she put in another commendable performance to be runner-up over 5 furlongs at Newcastle last month. While gradually climbing the weights, she remains a competitive force.

• Akabusi demonstrated his quality when getting the better of Green Dame at Wolverhampton in October. However, a subsequent run at Kempton was disappointing; he raced far too freely and pulled his chance away. He needs to rediscover his spark to feature here.

Assessment of Chances

This looks like a rematch with a twist. Green Dame’s consistency makes her a reliable contender, and she is now 1lb better off for a half-length defeat to Akabusi in their previous encounter, which could be enough to turn the tables. Akabusi, meanwhile, has shown winning potential but must bounce back. The key question for his trainer is whether they can get him to settle; if he channels his energy correctly, he has the raw ability to confirm the Wolverhampton form.

Race Statistics

Race-specific statistics such as ‘Age Groups’ and ‘Fate of Favourites’ are not provided in the source documents for this race.

Spotlight Verdict

Green Dame looks booked for another prominent showing, while better was expected from Lord Harcourt on his nursery debut and he could take a step forward having been gelded.

Credit Forgedd It was another who was a beaten favourite on his nursery debut but he has plenty to find with DAVVY on that Kempton run and David Evans’ 2yo, who rallied well when challenged in that race, can win for the third time.

[Paul Smith]

From the unexposed juveniles, we move to a fascinating novice stakes where experience over the course clashes with untapped potential.

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11:37 Bet £10 Get £40 With BetMGM EBF Restricted Novice Stakes

The second race on the card is a Class 5 Restricted Novice Stakes for two-year-olds, designated as a GBB Race. Contested over 7 furlongs on the Standard All-Weather track, it carries a total prize value of £6,300 for some lightly-raced prospects.

Top-Rated Selections

Our TimeWise ratings identify a clear top two with significant scope for improvement:

Horse	TimeWise MASTER RATI
Oracle Mission	250
Five Cay	232

Form & Analysis of Top-Rated Runners

• Oracle Mission made a pleasing start to his career when finishing third over this course and distance (C&D) 18 days ago. He looked as though the experience would bring him on, and with the second-place horse from that race having won since, the form has been franked.

• Five Cay attracted market support on debut at Newcastle (6f) and made a promising start, finishing fourth. Notably, he raced more towards the middle of the track than the three who finished ahead, suggesting a less-than-ideal track position. The step up to 7 furlongs is a major plus.

Assessment of Chances

Oracle Mission sets the clear form standard and benefits from prior experience over this specific course and distance. However, Five Cay is open to considerable improvement. The circumstances of that debut run, combined with a pedigree that suggests this step up in trip will suit, mean he’s entitled to take a significant leap forward and could prove a serious threat to the more experienced rival.

Race Statistics

Race-specific statistics such as ‘Age Groups’ and ‘Fate of Favourites’ are not provided in the source documents for this race.

Spotlight Verdict

Market support for one of the newcomers would be worth heeding in a race where the standard to aim at isn’t daunting. That said, Marra Donna, Oracle Mission (second choice) and FIVE CAY have all shown promise and remain capable of better. The selection had a poor track position when fourth at Newcastle on debut and he can take a good step forward now upped in trip.

[Paul Smith]

Next, we analyze a competitive one-mile handicap featuring a host of last-time-out winners.

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12:07 Best Odds Guaranteed At BetMGM Handicap

This is a competitive Class 5 handicap over 1 mile for horses aged three and older, with a prize fund of £7,100. As the Spotlight Verdict indicates, the race features a host of in-form runners and others with persuasive claims, making it a tricky puzzle to solve.

Top-Rated Selections

The TimeWise ratings highlight the in-form Ernie’s Valentine as the one they all have to beat:

Horse	TimeWise MASTER RATI
Ernie’s Valentine	285
Sheikh Raj	273

Form & Analysis of Top-Rated Runners

• Ernie’s Valentine arrives at the top of his game, with recent victories at Chelmsford and Wolverhampton sandwiching two narrow defeats. Today, Darragh Keenan takes over in the saddle from a 7lb apprentice, a significant change in the weights.

• Sheikh Raj remains an expensive-to-follow maiden after nine starts but has proven competitive at this level. The application of first-time blinkers is a clear signal of intent from the yard and could provide the spark needed to finally get his head in front.

Assessment of Chances

While Ernie’s Valentine holds obvious claims based on his recent purple patch, it’s critical to note the jockey change. He loses the benefit of a 7lb apprentice claim, meaning he is effectively 7lbs higher in the weights. This makes his task significantly more demanding and could be the deciding factor. Sheikh Raj presents a different puzzle; while his maiden status is a concern, the introduction of blinkers is a classic move to sharpen focus and could unlock the improvement required to be a serious threat.

Race Statistics

Race-specific statistics such as ‘Age Groups’ and ‘Fate of Favourites’ are not provided in the source documents for this race.

Spotlight Verdict

This looks competitive with half the field last-time-out winners and some of the others also having quite persuasive claims. Ernie’s Valentine looks pick of the former category but Sheikh Raj and VIRTUE PATIENCE appeal more. The selection has undergone wind surgery during his 102-day absence and he looks well treated on his best form.

[Paul Smith]

A true test of stamina now awaits in a two-mile handicap, a contest where astute pace judgment will be just as crucial as staying power.

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12:37 Midnite A Next Generation Betting App Handicap

This 2-mile Class 5 handicap for three-year-olds and upwards promises to be a thorough examination of stamina. The race offers a total prize value of £7,100 and will require both resilience and tactical nous from horse and jockey.

Top-Rated Selections

Our ratings point towards the hat-trick-seeking Young Endless as the one to beat:

Horse	TimeWise MASTER RATI
Young Endless	257
Fascinating Shadow	239

Form & Analysis of Top-Rated Runners

• Young Endless is in imperious form, having recently completed a three-timer at Southwell over 1m6f and 2m. The key question now is whether he can transfer that excellent Tapeta form back to the Polytrack surface here at Lingfield.

• Fascinating Shadow carries a long losing streak but showed significant promise when finishing a close second over 1m5f at this track on Wednesday. That was his first run on this surface since April 2024, and the step up to a new trip is worth exploring.

Assessment of Chances

Young Endless is an obvious player based on the sheer dominance of his recent victories. However, a 4lb higher mark and the switch of surface present new challenges that could halt his winning sequence. Fascinating Shadow emerges as a major contender. That promising recent run suggested a return to form is imminent, and this new trip could unlock further improvement, making him a significant threat to the favourite.

Race Statistics

Race-specific statistics such as ‘Age Groups’ and ‘Fate of Favourites’ are not provided in the source documents for this race.

Spotlight Verdict

Fascinating Shadow looks well worth a go over the new trip after keeping on well over 1m5f here last week but YOUNG ENDLESS is taken to complete the four-timer despite the inevitable question as to whether he’ll be as effective back on Polytrack as he’s been on Tapeta of late. The Truant has at least won twice on turf in Ireland this year and may prove best of the remainder.

[Emily Weber]

Attention now turns to a quality Class 4 sprint handicap packed with established performers.

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1:07 Make The Move To Midnite Handicap

This is a quality Class 4 handicap sprint over 6 furlongs for horses aged three and older. With a total prize fund of £9,500, it has attracted a competitive field of seasoned handicappers and an intriguing unexposed type.

Top-Rated Selections

The TimeWise ratings have two horses tied at the top, suggesting a close contest is in store:

Horse	TimeWise MASTER RATI
Coronado King	261
Whenthedealinsdone	261

Form & Analysis of Top-Rated Runners

• Coronado King returned from a mammoth 510-day absence to record an easy maiden win on his stable debut. While visually impressive, that victory came against a disappointing rival in what looked a weak contest.

• Whenthedealinsdone was in fine form in early 2025, winning three All-Weather races, including one over this course and distance. Despite being lumbered with the widest draw of all, he has the class to feature if overcoming that significant obstacle.

Assessment of Chances

The market will likely latch on to Coronado King‘s impressive stable debut, but savvy punters should be wary. A literal interpretation of that form may be misguided, and he now faces a significant class test against proven handicap performers. Whenthedealinsdone, a C&D winner, has the proven ability at this level but must overcome the major inconvenience of stall 11 and a recent midfield finish at Windsor.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 3yo 2-2-12, 4yo+ 1-4-22

• Fate of Favourites: 042

• Trainers in this Race (w-pl-r): Mark Pattinson 0-1-1

Spotlight Verdict

There is a chance that Coronado King is a cut above this level but basing that on his defeat of a disappointing rival in a weak race at Wolverhampton six weeks ago may be misguided. Way To Dubai and Harry Brown (second choice) are capable of going well off their current marks but this could be the day for SERGEANT PEP to prove he is as effective on AW as turf. He is 7lb lower than for his good third at Haydock in May.

[Paul Smith]

We conclude our Lingfield analysis with an intriguing handicap over a middle distance.

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1:37 Midnite Aint Your Grandads Bookie Handicap

The final race at Lingfield is a Class 5 handicap over 1m4f, offering a prize fund of £7,100. The race has attracted a fascinating mix of unexposed, progressive types and consistent, battle-hardened performers.

Top-Rated Selections

The ratings highlight two runners who have shown strong recent form and look set for a duel:

Horse	TimeWise MASTER RATI
Crackalackin	278
Gifted Angel	270

Form & Analysis of Top-Rated Runners

• Crackalackin is clearly on an upward curve in handicaps, registering a first career success over this course and distance just 18 days ago. As a three-year-old, he remains unexposed at middle-distances and looks highly progressive.

• Gifted Angel has returned from a 12-month absence in excellent heart, posting two good runner-up finishes. The most recent of these came over this trip at Southwell, confirming his fitness and aptitude for the distance.

Assessment of Chances

This sets up a compelling clash between a rising star and a solid yardstick. Crackalackin is high on the list, as the 4lb rise for a commanding C&D victory seems perfectly justified for a progressive and unexposed type. Gifted Angel‘s consistency since returning to action is a major asset, and a mere 1lb rise in the weights shouldn’t prevent another bold bid.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 3yo 6-7-35, 4yo+ 3-13-82

• Fate of Favourites: 602015224

• Trainers in this Race (w-pl-r): Tony Carroll 2-0-2, Denis Coakley 0-1-3, Jack Jones 0-1-1

Spotlight Verdict

Prominent showings from Gifted Angel, Twilight Moon and Brodie’s Boy (second choice) would seem likely but the unexposed CRACKALACKLIN [sic] (nap) got off the mark over C&D 18 days ago and he remains capable of better over middle distances.

[Paul Smith]

Our focus now shifts to the evening’s All-Weather card at Wolverhampton, where more competitive action awaits.

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Wolverhampton Race Meeting: All-Weather Selections

4:30 Read Meg Nicholls’ Blog At betmgm.co.uk Nursery Handicap

The evening action kicks off at Wolverhampton with a Class 5 nursery handicap for two-year-olds over approximately 1 mile and half a furlong. This event, held on the Standard All-Weather surface, has a total prize value of £7,100.

Top-Rated Selections

Our TimeWise ratings suggest a significant gap between the top-rated contender and the rest of the field:

Horse	TimeWise MASTER RATI
Emmas Letter	273
Zipwire	220

Form & Analysis of Top-Rated Runners

• Emma’s Letter has been a different proposition since the application of blinkers, with form figures of 221 in the headgear. The latest win in a Newcastle novice race suggests there could be further progress to come now she returns to handicap company.

• Zipwire is a largely consistent maiden who is clearly “moving steadily in the right direction” on the All-Weather. Recent form figures of 432, including a good second at Kempton last week, confirm his reliability and liking for synthetic surfaces.

Assessment of Chances

The transformation of Emma’s Letter since being fitted with blinkers is striking, and that decisive novice win makes her the one they all have to beat. In contrast, Zipwire offers solid place claims based on proven All-Weather form and consistent placed efforts, giving him clear possibilities to be in the mix once again.

Race Statistics

Race-specific statistics such as ‘Age Groups’ and ‘Fate of Favourites’ are not provided in the source documents for this race.

Spotlight Verdict

With improvement highly likely, handicap debutante ANGELIC RASCAL looks particularly interesting. Emma’s Letter (second choice) and Zipwire are solid-looking dangers.

[Steve Boow]

Next up is a maiden stakes for two-year-olds where a couple of interesting prospects are set to lock horns.

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5:00 Bet £10 Get £40 With BetMGM EBF Maiden Stakes

This Class 5 maiden stakes is for EBF eligible two-year-olds and is also a GBB Race. Contested over 1 mile and half a furlong, it offers a prize fund of £6,300 and a good opportunity for one of these juveniles to get off the mark.

Top-Rated Selections

The TimeWise ratings point to a very tight contest between the top two, who are separated by just a single point:

Horse	TimeWise MASTER RATI
Double Combo	232
Tewkesbury	231

Form & Analysis of Top-Rated Runners

• Double Combo has demonstrated clear ability in two 1-mile turf contests, most recently finishing second to a wide-margin winner at Haydock. He stands out as a “leading player on the figures” and is bred to handle the surface.

• Tewkesbury showed plenty of promise on debut at Southwell, finishing fourth despite taking a good hold through the race. That experience is likely to bring him on, and natural progress is expected.

Assessment of Chances

This is a fascinating matchup between two different profiles. Double Combo‘s strength lies in his proven ability and strong official figures, setting a clear standard. This is contrasted by Tewkesbury, whose potential for significant improvement makes him highly respected. If he settles better with the hood retained, a bold showing is anticipated in a race that could go right to the wire.

Race Statistics

Race-specific statistics such as ‘Age Groups’ and ‘Fate of Favourites’ are not provided in the source documents for this race.

Spotlight Verdict

The most solid contenders on form are TEWKESBURY (narrowly preferred) and Double Combo. A few others, notably Saxophonic, are likely to show improvement second time out. Sassicaia is a particularly interesting type among the newcomers, about whom the market signals should offer further guidance.

[Steve Boow]

The final race in our analysis is a Class 4 handicap featuring several lightly-raced contenders with scope for improvement.

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5:30 Midnite Are Upping The Betting Game Handicap

The card concludes with a Class 4 handicap over 1m6f for three-year-olds and older, featuring a prize fund of £9,500. The presence of several lightly-raced and progressive types makes for an intriguing puzzle to round off the day.

Top-Rated Selections

Our ratings identify a clear top pick based on recent, progressive All-Weather form:

Horse	TimeWise MASTER RATI
Mersea Island	286
Appier	240

Form & Analysis of Top-Rated Runners

• Mersea Island has shown marked improvement since being switched to All-Weather handicaps. This includes a ready win at Southwell (1m4f) followed by a close second over this course and distance, suggesting there is more to offer from this progressive type.

• Appier is a proven performer with nine previous wins, the most recent of which came over this C&D in October for his previous yard. On that form, he is difficult to dismiss, though this is only his second start for a new stable.

Assessment of Chances

Mersea Island‘s progressive profile and excellent recent C&D form make him a major player. In contrast, Appier is a course specialist and cannot be dismissed lightly, but he is only on his second run for a new stable. This ‘bounce’ factor can work both ways; while he could improve for the new scenery, he is not yet as reliably profiled as the progressive Mersea Island.

Race Statistics

Race-specific statistics such as ‘Age Groups’ and ‘Fate of Favourites’ are not provided in the source documents for this race.

Spotlight Verdict

The new trip may well enable CRACKERGEE to find some improvement and open his account. Mersea Island, who went close over C&D last time, is feared most ahead of Moon Sniper to complete a shortlist of 3yos.

[Steve Boow]