Side with Shamameya

RACING: Simcock’s filly showed plenty promise on handicap debut

SHAMAMEYA shaped with plenty of promise on her return from a lengthy absence a couple of weeks ago and is expected to open her account in the Ladbrokes Home Of The Odds Boost Fillies’ Handicap at Lingfield.

The daughter of New Approach looked fairly ordinary after three outings in maiden and novice company in the autumn of 2018, after which she was not seen again in competitive action for more than a year.

She made her comeback and handicap debut at Wolverhampton shortly after the turn of the year, with odds of 14-1 suggesting not that much was expected.

However, there was a lot to like about her performance as she recovered from trouble in running to finish a stayingon second – beaten just a neck – and the handicapper has left her on a mark of 67.

Provided the dreaded ‘bounce factor’ does not take effect, David Simcock’s filly should prove hard to beat.

BADRI is of interest in the Ladbrokes Where The Nation Plays Novice Stakes.

The Dark Angel colt was not disgraced when sixth on his Newmarket debut last summer, since when he has finished fifth behind the useful Smokey Bear at Kempton.

He has been given a bit of time since then to strengthen up and while he looks the type who will prefer further, he may be up to winning a minor event such as this first.

With a total prize fund of £19,000 up for grabs, the most valuable race on the card today is the 10-furlong Betway Handicap in which VICTORY BOND is fancied to defy the burden of top weight.

The William Haggas-trained sevenyear-old has won twice over the course and distance, including a careerdefining success in the Betway Easter Classic on Good Friday, 2018.

His latest triumph in early December is sandwiched by two decent efforts in defeat behind John Gosden’s Dubai Warrior, most recently being put in his place in Listed company.

Back in a handicap with nothing of Dubai Warrior’s calibre in opposition, this looks a good opportunity for him to add to his tally.

SELECTIONS: CATTERICK: 1.20 Evander, 1.55 Ask Paddy, 2.30 Schiehallion Munro, 3.00 Minella Trump, 3.35 Silver Tassie, 4.05 Summer Lightening.

LINGFIELD: 12.40 Mont Kiara, 1.10 SHAMAMEYA (NAP), 1.45 Badri, 2.20 Social City, 2.50 Victory Bond, 3.25 Sharney, 3.55 Roundabout Magic.

WARWICK: 1.00 Blacko, 1.35 Temple High, 2.10 Broadclyst, 2.40 Terrierman, 3.15 Minella Rocco, 3.45 The Raven’s Return, 4.15 Main Fact.

DOUBLE: Shamameya and Victory Bond.