Date: Saturday, 7th February 2026
Race: 2.55 Lingfield – 7f Handicap (Class 5)
Right, let’s cut through the noise and get straight to business. We are at Lingfield on the polytrack for a tricky 7-furlong Class 5 handicap. The “Winter Derby” vibes might be elsewhere, but this is exactly the kind of competitive heat where the value often hides in plain sight.
The draw at Lingfield over 7f is crucial. It’s a sharp turning track; if you are stuck out wide, you are often working overtime before the halfway mark. We have a field of nine, and the pace map looks interesting.
Here is the breakdown of the key contenders and where the smart money should be looking.
The Front of the Market
Serenity Dream (IRE) (11/4)
Jack Doughty takes the ride for Tony Carroll. This 5-year-old gelding finally got his head in front at Kempton last month over 6f, winning by just under a length. The comment “kept on well” is what you want to see when stepping back up to 7f. He’s up 3lbs for that, but his confidence will be sky-high. He’s drawn in Stall 6, which is manageable provided he breaks alertly. A solid favourite, but certainly beatable in this grade.
Monsieur Kodi (IRE) (9/2)
This horse is the definition of consistency—and frustration. His form line reads 3423323. He hasn’t won in over 200 days, but he rarely runs a bad race. He’s top weight (9-9) which is a concern, but he brings Class 4 form into a Class 5 race. The stat attack highlights his consistency on this surface (60% place strike rate). If the pace collapses, he will be finishing strong, but he needs luck in running.
Dandy Khan (IRE) (7/2)
A 4-year-old filly who has been busy and productive. Three wins in her last six starts, including a course and distance win here in January. However, she faded late on over 6f last time out. Returning to 7f at Lingfield—a track she clearly loves—is a big plus, and Stall 4 is a lovely berth. She is a serious player if she doesn’t expend too much energy early.
The Value Angles
Split Elevens (15/2)
Now this is interesting. The 8-year-old veteran is drawn in Stall 1. At Lingfield over 7f, the rail is gold dust. He was 3rd last time out at Southwell, running on well inside the final furlong after being held up. He is sitting on a very dangerous handicap mark of 61 (he has won off much higher in the past). With a featherweight of 8-11 and the perfect draw to sit and stalk, he is the sleeper of the race.
Signcastle City (IRE) (10/1)
Richard Hannon’s runner has talent but is drawn out in the car park (Stall 9). Unless he flies the gates and crosses everyone—which costs petrol—he’s likely to be trapped wide or forced to drop dead last. Recent form comments like “no impression” don’t inspire confidence. One to watch, not bet.
The Verdict
This race likely comes down to track position and current well-being.
Serenity Dream arrives in the best winning form, but I suspect the value lies elsewhere. Monsieur Kodi is the safe each-way play, but he finds winning tough.
The standout bet for me is the veteran, Split Elevens. He has the plumb draw in Stall 1, carries low weight, and showed enough spark at Southwell to suggest he’s ready to strike. If he gets the splits up the rail, he could pick their pockets late on.
The Win Selection: Serenity Dream (Safest option based on recent win)
The Value Play: Split Elevens (Stall 1, low weight, massive each-way appeal)
The Lay: Signcastle City (Horrible draw, poor recent form)
Final Word: Watch the market on Tronido. Returning after 118 days off; if there is money for him, the stable might have him ready to roll, but on form alone, he’s a risky proposition.