February 25 / 12.55 Lingfield (AW)

12.55

Standard

BetUK’s Acca Club £5 Free Bet Handicap

  • Prize money: £4291.88
  • 1m 4f 0y
  • Class 5
  • 10 runners
SKY
View Course
BetUK’s Acca Club £5 Free Bet Handicap

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Polytrack

Weather: Partly cloudy

2/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.20
  • Place: £1.50

Form: 126-71 CD

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
C&D winner last summer who was having his third start back from six months off when battling on well to score over 1m2f here last time; 2lb rise puts him back on a career-high mark, but still one for the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(7)

23rd Jan 2025

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 6

20:30 Southwell (AW)

Forge Valley Lad

10st 1lb

J: Luke Morris

T: David Simcock

Was snapping a losing run when prevailing narrowly at Lingfield (1m4f) but then followed up over the same C&D ten days ago, defying a 4lb penalty without being overly pressed; only 2lb higher for this despite another penalty, but stamina for 2m is unproven.

4/1

1

(7)

23rd Jan 2025

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 6

20:30 Southwell (AW)

Forge Valley Lad

10st 1lb

J: Luke Morris

T: David Simcock

Was snapping a losing run when prevailing narrowly at Lingfield (1m4f) but then followed up over the same C&D ten days ago, defying a 4lb penalty without being overly pressed; only 2lb higher for this despite another penalty, but stamina for 2m is unproven.

4/1

1st

1

(1)

13th Jan 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 4f 0y

Class 6

15:30 Lingfield (AW)

Forge Valley Lad

9st 11lb

J: Luke Morris

T: David Simcock

took keen hold, prominent, steadied into midfield with one circuit to go, hung left over 1f out, pushed along and ran on well inside final furlong, led final 110yds, comfortably

15/8

8/1

  • Place: £2.10

Form: 3355/3 CD

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Three-time C&D winner who was returning from 495 days off when third of nine at Kempton (1m4f, Polytrack) this month, finishing just over a length behind the winner Later Darling (would have gone even closer with a clear run); 2lb better off with that rival and remains 4lb lower than for his last success on the Flat; much respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(6)

24th Jan 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 5

20:00 Kempton (AW)

Renardeau

9st 11lb

J: Ross Coakley

T: Ali Stronge

Ran well over C&D one year ago (after 495 days off) and also went close at Lingfield last winter; not quite as persuasive subsequently but he's had a wind operation since last seen and is not discounted at this level.

12/1

8th

8

(9)

5th Dec 2023

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

14:05 Lingfield (AW)

Renardeau

9st 5lb

J: Ross Coakley

T: Ali Stronge

Three-time course winner at 1m4f; respectable fourth over 2m and 1m4f the last twice; won over 1m2f early in career but doesn't appear to be crying out for the return to this trip.

33/1

16/1

  • Place: £2.90

Form: 1-5665 D

Last run: 5 days

W: 9st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Won five of his last seven starts in 2022, all on Tapeta (1m4f/1m6f), but out of the frame in four outings so far this year including when a well-beaten fifth of six at Newcastle (1m4f, Tapeta) on Monday; needs a resurgence now returned to Polytrack.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

2

29th May 2024

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 5

18:20 Cartmel

Victory March

11st 9lb

J: Aaron Anderson

T: Rebecca Menzies

Started off for Rebecca Menzies with two poor AW runs in February/March (started very slowly both times) but his sixth of 15 over hurdles at Perth (2m4f, good to soft) this month gives him something to build on here.

14/1

6th

3

15th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

20:22 Perth

Victory March

11st 12lb

J: Aaron Anderson

T: Rebecca Menzies

Five-time winner on Tapeta but he's been out of sorts on AW in two runs for new yard this year; still unexposed over hurdles but his last run in this sphere was in December 2021 and it is not hard to have reservations; reapplied cheekpieces replace a visor.

25/1

6th

3

15th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

20:22 Perth

Victory March

11st 12lb

J: Aaron Anderson

T: Rebecca Menzies

Five-time winner on Tapeta but he's been out of sorts on AW in two runs for new yard this year; still unexposed over hurdles but his last run in this sphere was in December 2021 and it is not hard to have reservations; reapplied cheekpieces replace a visor.

25/1

12/1

Form: 308-94 C

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Both turf wins have been in France, but his other success came on this surface (1m2f) early last year; beaten just over a length into fourth of ten behind Forge Valley Lad over the same trip back here this month (attempted to make all), but is yet to prove he wants this far; cheekpieces return.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

(2)

25th Feb 2023

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 5

12:55 Lingfield (AW)

Chateau dIf

9st 5lb

J: Stefano Cherchi

T: Amy Murphy

Both turf wins have been in France, but his other success came on this surface (1m2f) early last year; beaten just over a length into fourth of ten behind Forge Valley Lad over the same trip back here this month (attempted to make all), but is yet to prove he wants this far; cheekpieces return.

12/1

4th

5

(6)

3rd Feb 2023

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

15:20 Lingfield (AW)

Chateau dIf

9st 8lb

J: Stefano Cherchi

T: Amy Murphy

C&D winner last January and added a soft-ground handicap in France to his tally in the summer; inconsistent of late but down in the weights and new headgear is given a spin today.

20/1

9th

7

(2)

8th Jan 2023

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 5

13:00 Southwell (AW)

Chateau dIf

9st 5lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Amy Murphy

Two of his three wins have been in France, the other coming at Lingfield (1m2f, Polytrack) a year go; just behind Star Shield when third of ten at Newcastle (1m, Tapeta) in October, but this may be an insufficient test for him now.

20/1

14/1

Form: /V4-00 C

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 0lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Veteran whose six AW wins include two over 1m5f here; 10lb lower than when last successful, but he hasn't figured in either start since returning from 313 days off last month; best watched for now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

(6)

2nd Jul 2024

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 6

18:30 Lingfield (AW)

Murhib

9st 9lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: Lydia Richards

in touch with leaders

14/1

4th

1

(4)

16th Sep 2023

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 6

14:33 Lingfield (AW)

Murhib

10st 2lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: Lydia Richards

Triple winner here, including over C&D when 3lb lower in March; unseated rider when stumbling leaving the stalls here on his return from a break latest; back again after more than three weeks off but hasn't won when fresh since 2019.

11/2

0

6

(10)

21st Aug 2023

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 5

17:10 Lingfield (AW)

Murhib

9st 12lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: Lydia Richards

Successful in 2m contest here when last seen 170 days ago, showing that he retains plenty of ability aged 11; drop back to 1m4f looks a negative, with last five wins at 1m5f+.

12/1

OUR TIP

Form: 803-21 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Has done well since stepped up to this trip under positive rides on Polytrack the last twice, going down narrowly over C&D before getting off the mark at the 12th attempt at Kempton this month (Renardeau and Largo Bay behind); only 2lb higher and may still have more to offer over middle-distances; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(5)

24th Jun 2023

Good

1m 3f 133y

Class 5

18:20 Lingfield

Later Darling

9st 9lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Amanda Perrett

prominent

9/2

4th

3

(1)

9th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

1m 3f 218y

Class 5

20:10 Goodwood

Later Darling

9st 8lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Amanda Perrett

took keen hold, in touch with leaders, went second under 3f out, weakened and lost two places from over 1f out

7/2

1st

2

(1)

23rd May 2023

Good To Firm

1m 3f 198y

Class 5

15:53 Brighton

Later Darling

9st 10lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Amanda Perrett

took keen hold, prominent, raced in second 8f out, led under 3f out, ridden from over 1f out, kept on well

10/1

Form: 133-78 CD

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Two wins here (one over this trip) and just 1lb higher than for his latest success at Kempton (1m4f, Polytrack) in September; has finished behind a couple of these in his last two starts, though, so needs a turnaround; usually blinkered, but cheekpieces return today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

5

(4)

24th Mar 2025

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 6

16:47 Lingfield (AW)

Largo Bay

9st 9lb

J: Fred Daly

T: Michael Madgwick

Four course wins, latest two over C&D and 1m5f early in 2024 (both with no headgear; cheekpieces refitted today); creditable return from break at Kempton and no blame attached to his third over C&D since; not far away.

8/1

3rd

3

(5)

24th Jan 2025

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 6

13:08 Lingfield (AW)

Largo Bay

9st 9lb

J: William Carson

T: Michael Madgwick

midfield, headway and in touch with leaders over 4f out, bit short of room over 2f out, went third over 1f out, no impression

5/1

3rd

3

(5)

24th Jan 2025

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 6

13:08 Lingfield (AW)

Largo Bay

9st 9lb

J: William Carson

T: Michael Madgwick

midfield, headway and in touch with leaders over 4f out, bit short of room over 2f out, went third over 1f out, no impression

5/1

6/1

Form: /2100- D

Last run: 194 days

W: 10st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
2-26 under rules with both wins coming on the Dundalk Polytrack, the latest over this trip last July; hasn't shown much on the Flat or over hurdles since and makes his stable debut after 146 days off; market may be informative.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(9)

24th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:25 Goodwood

Crescent Lake

9st 7lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Acts on good to firm and good to soft; respectable third off this mark at Sandown (1m6f) most recently; has form figures of 113 over this C&D and holds a solid chance back here.

13/2

3rd

4

(3)

26th Jul 2024

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:05 Sandown

Crescent Lake

9st 7lb

J: Tom Queally

T: Gary & Josh Moore

led, raced in second after 4f

6/1

4th

2

(6)

3rd Jul 2024

Good

1m 4f 6y

Class 4

20:00 Epsom

Crescent Lake

10st 2lb

J: Tom Queally

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Creditable third twice in May; form dipped when he tried front-running on latest start (had a good record at Goodwood before that) and it had looked as if 1m6f-2m was more his thing these days.

10/1

Form: 50633-

Last run: 80 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Was back off the same mark as for his sole win in 22 starts when third of eight in a steadily run event over C&D in December; endured a wide trip there so his effort can be marked up and he holds each-way claims if in the same form after 80 days off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

27th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 5

18:38 Cartmel

Zhang Fei

12st 0lb

J: Fern O’Brien

T: Fergal O’Brien

Has struggled over hurdles since rejoining this stable but his penultimate Flat run was encouraging and this is his first time in a seller.

12/1

5th

3

(6)

14th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 5y

Class 5

17:03 Salisbury

Zhang Fei

9st 6lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: Fergal O’Brien

He's struggled over hurdles since rejoining this stable but he ran a respectable race at Windsor (1m2f, good to firm) 10 days ago; needs to build on that effort now stepping back up in trip and he's without a win on the Flat since 2022.

5/1

4th

2

(7)

4th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

17:53 Windsor

Zhang Fei

9st 9lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: Fergal O’Brien

8yo who has struggled back over hurdles since rejoining Fergal O'Brien in the autumn; his sole Flat win came at this track (11.4f, good to firm) but that was in 2022 and he has something to prove back in this sphere; hood reapplied.

16/1

Form: 671-76

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Off the mark at the ninth attempt in a Goodwood seller (1m3f) last August when trained by Amanda Perrett and won over hurdles for this yard in November; hasn't shown much in a hurdle and two outings on the AW since (underwent wind surgery before penultimate start) and others appeal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(7)

7th Mar 2023

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 6

20:30 Southwell (AW)

Borntobealeader

9st 12lb

J: J F Egan

T: David Pipe

Hooded for the first time when scoring over hurdles at Ludlow (2m juvenile, good; favourite) in November; slowly away on both AW starts since wind surgery; easing steadily in the weights but others are more convincing.

16/1

9

(10)

25th Feb 2023

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 5

12:55 Lingfield (AW)

Borntobealeader

9st 2lb

J: J F Egan

T: David Pipe

Off the mark at the ninth attempt in a Goodwood seller (1m3f) last August when trained by Amanda Perrett and won over hurdles for this yard in November; hasn't shown much in a hurdle and two outings on the AW since (underwent wind surgery before penultimate start) and others appeal more.

16/1

6th

4

(4)

17th Feb 2023

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 5

19:15 Southwell (AW)

Borntobealeader

9st 11lb

J: J F Egan

T: David Pipe

Dual-purpose performer whose sole Flat win came in a Goodwood seller (1m3f) last summer and he was last of seven back in this sphere at Lingfield (1m4f; first run after wind surgery) last month; now drops back in grade but he's untried on Tapeta and others are preferred.

20/1

Non-runners

Borntobealeader

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £21.70
Straight Forecast £27.78
Tricast £197.11
Trifecta £129.40

Selections

POSTDATA:

Forge Valley Lad

SPOTLIGHT:

Renardeau

Telegraph:

Later Darling

The Times:

Zhang Fei

TOPSPEED:

Largo Bay

D Express:

Later Darling

The Guardian:

Zhang Fei

NEWMARKET:

Forge Valley Lad

Daily Mail:

Forge Valley Lad

The Star:

Forge Valley Lad

Daily Record:

Forge Valley Lad

RP Ratings:

Renardeau

Daily Mirror:

Renardeau

The Sun:

Renardeau