Casper can hit back at Lingfield
Caspar The Cub had his winning streak snapped on New Year’s Eve, but he can gain revenge in the Betway Handicap at Lingfield.
The four-year-old racked up four wins on the bounce at Kempton between October and December, but then found his fellow Alan Kingtrained runner Cosmeapolitan too sharp on this course.
He was beaten a length and a quarter when in receipt of 1lb from the winner, and the pair meet on exactly the same terms this time.
However, Cosmeapolitan was able to steal an early advantage that day - and despite Caspar The Cub’s best efforts, he just could not quite get there at the finish.
Jockey Martin Harley will surely be a bit more alive to the threat this time, and Caspar The Cub would not have to find too much to reverse that form.
Chica De La Noche has not finished out of the first four in her last eight starts and can be relied upon to turn in another good effort in the Ladbrokes Home Of The Odds Boost Fillies’ Handicap.
The five-year-old is certainly not a world-beater. But her current mark of 64 looks highly workable, and she did in fact triumph off just 2lb lower on her penultimate start.
She could not find an extra gear when needed at the finish last time, but her admirable attitude is a huge plus.
Vandella let down favourite backers on her racecourse bow but should be given chance to redeem herself in the Ladbrokes Home Of The Odds Boost Fillies’ Novice Stakes.
She was a bit keen through the early stages on that initial outing, and just could not reel in the pacesetting winner, but the experience should stand her in good stead now.
Her trainer John Gosden should also be on the mark at Kempton with Trapani.
Related to the likes of Jakkalberry, this Shamardal filly has yet to really shine, finishing out of the frame on both of her starts to date.
The 32Red On The App Store Novice Stakes may not be the strongest event though and a mile and a half might be more her distance.
National Glory cost 25,000 guineas at the sales last autumn, and he might yet turn out to be a shrewd purchase by Archie Watson.
He looks a good bet in the 32Red Handicap.