Date: Thursday, 5th February 2026
Conditions: 2m Handicap Chase, Heavy Ground
We’re closing the card at Lingfield with a proper slog in the mud. It’s a Class 5 Handicap Chase over 2 miles, and frankly, you can put a line through three of the five runners immediately. This is a match race between a rapidly improving favourite and a course specialist dropping back to her best trip.
Here is the verdict.
The Selection: El Rojo Grande (8/13)
Trainer: Katy Price | Jockey: Sean M Houlihan
You don’t often see horses turn a corner as sharply as this 9-year-old has. He arrives on a hat-trick following a demolition job at Ffos Las just six days ago.
The Case for the Win:
Current Mood: He didn’t just win last week; he strolled it. The comment “eased down close home” tells you he has plenty left in the tank. He is clearly ahead of the handicapper.
The Track: He has a habit of jumping left. On a right-handed track, that’s a nightmare. At Lingfield (left-handed), it’s an asset. He’ll naturally cut the corners and save ground.
Conditions: He revels in the heavy stuff. While others are bogging down, he’s travelling.
The Danger: Bobbis Beauty (5/1)
Trainer: M Keighley | Jockey: Mr Freddie Keighley (7)
If the favourite fluffs his lines, this is the only one picking up the pieces.
The Case for the Upset:
Course Form: She beat El Rojo Grande by 3 lengths over this exact course and distance in December.
Tactics: She is the only natural front-runner in the field. She will bounce out, try to make all, and test the favourite’s fitness on the quick turnaround.
Trip: She’s been getting beaten over 2m4f recently. The drop back to 2m is exactly what she needs.
The Rest (Avoid)
Desert Halo: Carrying top weight (12-0) with form figures of ‘Unseated’ and ‘Tailed Off’. Zero wins in 11 chase starts. Not today.
Angels Dream: Won here in November but has gone backwards since. Pulled up last time out. Too risky.
Chosen Bae: One win in 14 starts. consistently finds one or two too good.
The Bottom Line
El Rojo Grande is simply in a different league right now. The quick return to the track is a positive sign that connections know he’s absolutely flying. Bobbis Beauty will lead them a merry dance, but expect the favourite to reel her in over the final two fences.
Win: El Rojo Grande
Forecast: El Rojo Grande to beat Bobbis Beauty