MURTAGH CAN RULE

,%,, The decision to up DASHING POET (nb) to a mile paid dividends at Lingfield. She tracked the pace and quickened nicely to put the race to bed approaching the final furlong. She was probably value for more than the winning margin, so she appears to be well treated off just a 2lb higher mark. Balgair has not won since springing a 20-1 surprise on his debut at Sandown last year. However, he has posted two solid placed performances since switched to his present trainer and if building on that can make his presence felt. Top-weight Lacan had been out of sorts but there was a glimmer of a return to form when fifth over course and distance last time. -%,, This looks a competitive heat with several course and distance winners. Denmead is one of them and he makes plenty of appeal off a mark just 3lb higher than when scoring here back in June. Golly Miss Molly boasts three track and trip victories and is a bit of a standing dish at this venue. She is another for the short list but the consistent INNOKO (treble) gets the nod. This is a slight drop in grade after his excellent second in a valuable Yarmouth handicap. That was on turf but he returns to the all-weather on a 2lb higher mark. .%), There has been staggering improvement from Hajaam, winning his last four races and by a comfortable margin on each occasion. One of those victories came over track and trip and he has soared up the ratings and now sits 26lb higher than when starting his winning spree. There is every chance he can improve again but YAMARHABA MALAYEEN is suggested on his debut for Michael Bell. He made a winning start here over seven furlongs and has posted a couple of fair efforts over a mile since. The step up to this trip should play to his strengths judged on his pedigree and he is the least exposed in the field and open to improvement. .%,, It is difficult to look past CHAMPAGNE RULES (nap). He absolutely bolted up last week at Newcastle in the hands of Connor Murtagh, pictured, and escapes a penalty for that easy success. Murtagh keeps the ride and it will take a good’un to beat him if in the same mood. Epsom Secret broke his duck at Windsor, off a 2lb lower mark, and should make his presence felt on a surface he handles and Babette is of interest in a first-time visor.