Winterlude sure to have spring in step

Jennie Candlish’s stayer looks well set to add to impressive streak

WINTERLUDE has been in terrific form on the all-weather and must have realistic claims in the Betway Conditions Stakes at Lingfield.

The seven-year-old has seemingly turned a corner at the beginning of 2017, putting some indifferent efforts behind him to win two of his three starts since the turn of the year.

Indeed in winning his qualifier, he had the reopposing First Mohican behind him and lining up off level weights once again, there seems little reason to expect that form to be turned on its head.

Vettori Rules was second that day and is a shade better off, but now connections know Winterlude stays, they can afford to be a bit more positive.

Jennie Candlish’s charge admittedly had to settle for second last time out, but given he was conceding 5lb to the winner and beaten just over a length, that still rates as a decent performance.

BAYWING was last seen running out a clear-cut winner of the Towton at Wetherby in January and he is the obvious choice in the Liz Adam Memorial Handicap Chase at Kelso.

Milnathort trainer Lucinda Russell takes five to the borders meeting with

BIG RIVER expected to contest the Edinburgh Gin Handicap Hurdle.

The seven-year-old, runner-up to Dadsintrouble at Haydock last month, is partnered by claimer Campbell, who rode Russell’s Sammy B to victory this week at the Merseyside track. SELECTIONS:

KELSO: 2.05 Teo Vivo, 2.40 Big River, 3.15 Baywing, 3.50 Hawkhurst, 4.25 Casual Cavalier, 5.00 Rhymers Stone, 5.35 Carlton Ryan.

LINGFIELD: 2.00 Hippocampus, 2.35 Culloden, 3.10 WINTERLUDE (NAP), 3.45 Start Seven, 4.20 Verne Castle, 4.55 Gnaad, 5.30 Synodic.

DOUBLE: Winterlude and Baywing.

Paul Hanagan: takes the ride on Winterlude today.