Singapore Sling can be in the mix

Singapore Sling can make the most of his mark of 73 by winning the John Kemp 4 X 4 Centre Of Norwich Handicap at Yarmouth, writes Glendale.

The four-year-old has seen limited action for James Fanshawe so far, with just four runs, hitting the frame on three of those occasions.

Unraced as a juvenile, he made a late start last term when lining up for the first time at Windsor last June and there seemed to be plenty of promise as he was not beaten far in third.

Singapore Sling could not build on that run when fourth at Windsor in October and he then went for a spin over hurdles at Warwick before Christmas, when he took a keen grip and never looked like playing a part before being pulled up. A subsequent all-weather outing saw him hit the bar again when behind a horse who has won again since, so perhaps he was a bit unlucky to bump into a decent contender that day.

Singapore Sling really has been knocking on the door and Fanshawe might have found a winning opportunity.

Merlin looks a good shout in the Lakes Luxury Lodges At Far Grange Handicap at Wetherby. He hit the mark at the fourth time of asking in a Nottingham maiden last month, winning by two lengths.

He was probably value for a bit more than that official distance, so a mark of 79 might leave Michael Bell with a something to work with.s