Dragon can roar to win in first race of season

Dragon Icon can breathe fire on the opposition when he lines up in the At The Races App Form Study Novice Stakes at Lingfield.

Roger Varian’s son of Lope De Vega created a deep impression at Kempton on debut when scorching to a clearcut three-and-a-quarter-length success over seven furlongs.

That victory was in November and the form has a strong look to it with the third beaten a neck in a good Salisbury contest next time, while the fourth has also acquitted herself well among useful company since.

The 360,000 guineas buy now makes his seasonal bow up at a mile and as a fullbrother to Breeders’ Cup winner Aunt Pearl, another above-average performance can be expected from this exciting colt.

John Butler’s Solanna romped to victory at Yarmouth last week and could prove tough to stop under a 5lb penalty in the Sky Sports Racing Sky 415 Handicap if transferring that form to the all-weather with Oisin Murphy booked to ride once again.

Also at Lingfield, the in-form Kensington Agent looks the one to side with in the Follow @attheraces On Twitter Handicap, while course-and-distance scorer Devizes made all at Kempton last month and can give another bold show from the front in the Watch Chester On Sky Sports Racing Apprentice Handicap.

On the synthetics at Newcastle, Lion’s Pride looks an interesting newcomer in the At The Races App Expert Tips Maiden Stakes.

John and Thady Gosden’s Roaring Lion colt is owned by Derby and Arc-winning owner-breeder Anthony Oppenheimer and is related to a plethora of winners that have worn the famous black and while silks.

But what is of real interest about this debutant is that he holds an entry for the Group Two King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot – so he must be giving connections the right vibes to have that ticket ready to be stamped.

Experience could be the order of the day in the Free Tips Daily On attheraces. com Maiden Fillies’ Stakes at Gosforth Park where Snafiya gets a tentative nod in a race which could possess some useful sprinting youngsters.

George Boughey’s filly looks another fast learner from the first crop of Blue Point and gave a more than adequate account on her first start at Nottingham.

She bumped into a welldrilled rival with a run under her belt that day, but was only beaten a neck following a sluggish start and if she is sharper away here, she could build on that encouraging first outing to open her account.

It is also worth keeping an eye on Graham Lee in the north east as he links up with a pair of in-form runners.