Lingfield 23rd January

[alexmac]

Desert Light, the horse I have a small stake in, runs again tomorrow, so I have the following information from the stable: LINGFIELD 1.20pm

Desert Light runs in the opening race on the card at Lingfield on Wednesday, race time is 1.20pm. It's an Amateur Riders' Handicap over 6 furlongs on the All-Weather and Desert Light goes from stall 5 in a seven runner race with Margaret Morris in the saddle. Margaret works and rides out at the yard and has ridden him around Lingfield before which will be beneficial. Trainer Derek Shaw said this evening "Desert Light goes into the race in good form and has a solid chance in an open looking race. I think we were a bit unlucky last time, and hopefully we'll get a better run through in the closing stages". Derek added "We will be aiming to sit just off the pace and will be looking to make our move entering the straight. With luck we may be able to scoot up the inside rail and get to the front before some of the other Amateurs wake up." "We know he is well handicapped and with Margaret knowing him well having won at Wolverhampton over this trip last April so we go into the race confident of a good run." he concluded. Desert Light was unlucky last time out when hampered entering the straight over this course and distance under Kelly Harrison and hopefully things will fall right on Wednesday. Margaret had an excellent 21% strike rate in 2007 when riding for Derek Shaw (3 winners from 14 rides) so is more than capable of getting the job done. For those of you who like to have a bet, a win bet is advised with just seven runners which negates an each way bet. The forecast SP in the Racing Post is 4/1. The race is off at 1.20pm and is live on Attheraces. Owners Badges will be allocated on Tuesday. Good Luck!

The next quote is from the form guys from the company who own the horses:

The race looks an ultra competitive Amateur riders handicap with some in-form horses along with some inconsistent sorts taking part. The key to the race may be to side with the horses who are accompanied by more experienced jockeys. Top weight Strike Force is taking a drop in trip tomorrow which based on his last two runs would not seem to be beneficial. However, he has won and run well at the trip in the past and is on a lenient mark if back to best after a dismal effort finishing last of eleven runners last time. Arfirmit and Mulbery Lad are inconsistent sorts who on their day could quite easily be there at the finish, but could not easily be trusted to put their best feet forward! A horse that still shows plenty of sparkle at the age of nine is Savile’s Delight. He has been in decent form this All-Weather season and is on a low handicap mark compared to his best form a couple of years ago. Another positive is that his trainer, Tom Dascombe, is in tremendous form with two wins and a second from his last four runners. Even with these positives a place could be on the cards for this old veteran. Two of the other runners met last time in an Apprentice rider’s handicap with Desert Light coming home just under a length ahead of Majestical. Desert Light was denied a clear run at a crucial stage in the duo’s last meeting so should come out on top again. A major positive for Derek Shaw’s gelding tomorrow is the booking of Mrs M. Morris who has ridden in many races and has won three for Derek Shaw in the past. Majestical seems again to be running over an adequate distance as his best form seems to be over seven furlongs. Crimson Fern could well be the one to side with in tomorrow’s race. Mrs Saunders filly has only had six races in her career but is improving and could end up being quite useful. Also, Mrs Saunders won this corresponding race two years ago with a similar progressive type who has subsequently won Listed races as well as a Group race, so Mrs Saunders certainly knows the time of day with her improving sorts and has booked the vastly experienced Mr S Walker for the ride. Overall, Desert Light and Savile’s Delight look set to scrap for the places with Crimson Fern looking likely to continue his progressive form with the aid of his experienced pilot.

Looks like Desert Light has a chance of a place, with the most likely winner being Crimson Fern.

[friskyfitz]

Re: Lingfield 23rd January

Event	Ling 2.50
Selection	Cyril The Squirrel (Each-Way)
Strength	4/10
Date	23/01/2008
Bookmaker/Price	Stan James @ 7.50 (Back)
Reasoning	Meeting - Lingfield Race - 2.50 Selection - Cyril The Squirrel A very poor maiden in which we have an odds-on favourite with little decent form and a second favourite who has yet to place on the surface. Enter into the equation, Cyril the Squirrel. Mickey Fenton on board for a second bite at the cherry. LTO, it was a front-runner at Wolves and it hung badly a long way out. Today, I expect it to sit back in this field and strike the front later given the relative lack of quality on show. While, not a confident bet, it has more scope for improvement over this distance than any of the others in my eyes. As for the other 3 horses in the race ?? I just can see any of them competing. Looking for one of 2 places here