Good times are in prospect for Watson and Charlton backers

Association expected to reap dividends

BREATHLESS TIMES can become the first noteworthy winner for the new Roger Charlton and Jason Watson axis in the Sun Racing Handicap at Lingfield.

When news of their association broke it came as something of a surprise but nobody can deny Watson has earned the post as main rider for the master of Beckhampton.

Champion apprentice, he also provided Luca Cumani with his final Group One winner before retirement on God Given. His rise has been meteoric but he looks booked for stardom.

Breathless Times arrives in great heart, winning over six furlongs at Chelmsford in September, followed by a third at Kempton in October before winning last time out over seven at Lingfield.

CASPAR THE CUB arrives on a winning roll, bidding for a fivetimer in the Betway Boost Handicap after his successful Kempton spree over the last two months.

The switch round the M25 is unlikely to stop Alan King’s gelding, but no one is going to get too rich too quickly backing him at expected prohibitive odds.

Instead, it may pay to be a little more adventurous and chance a few pennies on SILCA MISTRESS extending her winning knack in the sunracing.co.uk Handicap.

Clive Cox’s filly has won twice here of late, and is up 7lb in all for her efforts.

She saw out the seven furlongs well last time to see off a shortpriced favourite – and sticking to the same course and distance, she may have what it takes again in this very similar grade.

Over jumps, MERRY MILAN may be able to unlock the Local Parking Security Handicap Chase at Warwick.

Nicky Martin’s six-year-old was a decent novice hurdler last spring, having bagged an Irish point-topoint the previous summer.

He appeared all set to make an encouraging start over fences in a decent race at Ascot on his return until taking a fall as he tried to stay in contention at the business end.

Merry Milan then got stuck in the Chepstow mud last time, and is sure to find this sharper track and anticipated slightly quicker ground more to his liking.

SARTORIAL ELEGANCE gets the vote in the Elite Reception Handicap Chase at Uttoxeter.

SELECTIONS: PUNCHESTOWN: 12.15 Ballyward, 12.50 Barna Venture, 1.20 Scarpeta, 1.55 Gardens Of Babylon, 2.25 Jake Peter, 3.00 Hughies Bay, 3.30 Golden Glory.

LINGFIELD: 11.40 Aleeka, 12.10 Paddy’s Pursuit, 12.45 Silca Mistress, 1.15 Deeds Not Words, 1.50 BREATHLESS TIMES (NAP), 2.20 Caspar The Cub, 2.55 Holy Tiber, 3.25 Impart.

UTTOXETER: 12.35 Delface, 1.05 Ardlethen, 1.40 Sartorial Elegance, 2.10 Turangi, 2.45 Aintree My Dream, 3.15 Costante Via, 3.45 Farne.

WARWICK: 12.25 Head Lad, 12.55 Printing Dollars, 1.30 Lightentertainment, 2.00 Merry Milan, 2.35 Captain Cargo, 3.05 Lady Master, 3.35 Nobby.

DOUBLE: Breathless Times and Silca Mistress.

Picture: PA. Richard Johnson rides I’m A Game Changer to victory in the Betway Heed Your Hunch Handicap Hurdle at Newbury on Saturday.