4.15 Lingfield – BetMGM Supports Safer Gambling Handicap (Class 4)
The feature on Lingfield’s Thursday card is a proper puzzle. We have a hat-trick seeker in red-hot form, a course specialist returning to his favourite patch, and a top-rated hold-up performer looking to spoil the party. Here is the no-nonsense breakdown.
The Protagonists
Lexington Jet (11/4)
David Loughnane’s 4-year-old is the one they all have to beat on recent evidence. He’s looked a different animal since the blinkers went on, winning his last two at Chelmsford with plenty to spare. He’s up 7lb for his latest 3¾ length romp, and while this is a deeper Class 4 contest, he arrives with the most momentum. He’ll likely try to dominate from the front.
Hitched (5/1)
If you follow the numbers, this is your winner. David Simcock’s charge sits nearly 20 points clear of the field on the Timewise Master Ratings. His win at Wolverhampton last month was a textbook “won going away” performance in this grade. He’s a course winner, he handles a contested pace, and his trainer is operating at a 44% strike rate this fortnight. He is the most clinical play in the race.
Foreseen (9/2)
You can never ignore a Tony Carroll runner at Lingfield, especially one with a 1m course-and-distance win already in the bag this year. He ground out a tough victory here in January and remains fairly treated on a mark of 76. He’s solid, reliable, and likely to be in the shake-up turning for home.
The Wildcards
Tribal Wisdom (12/1): The “data” horse. He’s rated second-best in the field but is priced like an outsider. He has a habit of finishing strongly when the race is over, but if Lexington Jet and Mr Baloo cut each other’s throats up front, he could pick up the pieces.
Mr Baloo (14/1): Richard Hannon’s runner is on a losing run but is starting to look dangerously well-handicapped. He’s a Class 4 winner on a mark of 81 today; any market support should be noted.
The Verdict
Lexington Jet will be popular, but jumping from Class 5/6 wins into a gritty Class 4 handicap is a different test. The value lies with HITCHED. He has the superior speed figures, the best trainer form, and a proven ability to win at this level when the gaps appear.
Selection: Hitched (Win)
Danger: Foreseen