More progress to come from Bollin Ace

racing: Easterby’s hope should still have enough to defy top weight burden

There is £20,000 up for grabs in the Betfred Hurdle Series Final at Sedgefield and top weight BOLLIN

ACE can oblige. It is not hard to imagine Tim Easterby’s mood deepening when he found out from the handicapper that his charge had been upped 4lb for his last run, though.

Two wins at Sedgefield showed he was finally getting the hang of things and upped in class for a decent event at Newcastle last time out, he looked like bringing up the hat-trick.

He had just taken up the running when he fell at the final flight so as well as missing out on some decent prize money, he also went up in the weights.

Whether the handicapper now has him in his grasp remains to be seen, but he could just still be improving.

Michael Bell’s BIG ORANGE ran another game race in Dubai and the trainer should be celebrating victory with Comprise in the Betway Maiden Stakes at Southwell.

Third of 12 in a Ascot maiden on debut in September, he was out again quickly at Haydock later that month when he was second.

The Pivotal gelding can be expected to have strengthened up over the winter and should take a great deal of beating.

David Elsworth only calls on Ryan Moore when he thinks he has a chance of winning, so the tip should be taken with

BISHOPS CANNINGS in the 32 Red Maiden at Lingfield.

Placed on all three outings to date, the Cape Blanco filly has been found a very good opening by her veteran handler,.

Not beaten far in any of her races, she would not even need to improve to take the spoils. SELECTIONS: LINGFIELD: 2.20 Bishops Cannings, 2.50 The Special One, 3.20 Hajjam, 3.50 Intimately, 4.20 Sheila’s Palace, 4.55 Equijade, 5.25 Moayadd.

SEDGEFIELD: 2.10 Darsi Dancer, 2.40 Little Miss Poet, 3.10 Lakefield Rebel, 3.40 BOLLIN ACE (NAP), 4.10 Whitsundays, 4.45 Bordeaux Bill, 5.20 Alys Rock. SOUTHWELL: 2.00 Vallarta, 2.30 Comprise, 3.00 Boots And Spurs, 3.30 Seaview, 4.00 Roy’s Legacy, 4.35 Paris Bound. DOUBLE: Bollin Ace and Big Orange.

Form Fancies:

The Prof at Lingfield Best bet: MENELIK (4.55). Each-way Double: SIR JAMIE (2.50) and MUTHRAAB ALDAAR (3.50)

Tim Easterby: saddles Bollin Ace at Sedgefield.