Vault looks ready to open to collect Lingfield riches
– Buccaneers Vault should feel the benefit of a recent outing as he lines up today in the 188Bet Casino Handicap at Lingfield.
This six-year-old had been off the track since last October before pitching up at Newcastle a couple of weeks ago and turning in a fair effort to finish fourth.
Paul Midgely's charge was a bit keen through the early stages in that 1200m contest and perhaps that showed a little, as he could not find an extra gear at the finish, although a two-length defeat was far from disappointing.
The handicapper has left him on a mark of 79 and the capable Georgia Cox takes off what could be a valuable 1.5kg. Kawasir hit the bar on his only start to date but can get his first win on that board in the 188Bet Up To #75 Cash Bonus Novice Stakes.
Roger Varian's charge is a halfbrother to an American Grade 1 winner and was certainly not a cheap recruit as a £400,000 purchase.
However, he was found wanting at the first attempt when only third in a Kempton heat, beaten 6.5 lengths while having to show a bit of fight to hold on to his minor honour at the line.
The fact he was prepared to knuckle down on his racecourse bow can be counted as encouraging and this step up to 1600m could be another positive move. Pivotal Flame can get back on the right track in the closing Racing Welfare Apprentice Handicap.
She finished stone last on her most recent start, which was a particular blow as she was actually bidding for a hat-trick following two wins at Lingfield.
It later emerged she had stuck into herself though, so that effort can be forgiven.
The Fairyhouse Easter Festival continues in Ireland and while the far on offer lacks the class of the first two days, there is still plenty of competitive racing.
Yet again it looks like the Gordon Elliott and Willie Mullins show but Noel Meade has already enjoyed a couple of winners at the meeting and could enjoy another good day.
His Bonny Kate will relish the testing ground and the small field in the John & Chich Fowler Memorial EBF Mares Chase.
She appeared not to enjoy the big fields in the Paddy Power Chase at Christmas and the Leinster National but fared better when second to Mala Beach last time out.
Meade has gone for blinkers for the first time on the eightyear-old and if she can return to the sort of form she showed as a novice or when third in the Troytown a couple of seasons ago, she might take some stopping.
Meade's Le Martalin has never reached the heights as once looked likely but he holds strong claims in the Mongey Communications Beginners Chase.
As a seven-year-old there is still time for him to build on his early promise, though, and this looks his easiest task over fences to date.- Press Association