Hot Prospect Set for Winning Handicap Debut
The race of the day on Friday is the MansionBet Proud Partners Of AWC Handicap (6.15) at Newcastle when the unbeaten TYRRHENIAN SEA (Nap) puts his burgeoning reputation on the line.
Roger Varian’s exciting grey has won two novice races over the same mile, the latest by six lengths under a penalty from a rival with a solid rating of 77.
Making his handicap debut off a workable mark of 87, I expect the big imposing son of Dark Angel to take another step towards a possible tilt at the Mile Final over the same course and distance on Good Friday.
Dragon Fired up for Repeat Success
There was plenty to admire about DRAGONS WILL RISE when he won a mile and a quarter handicap at Newcastle last month so a follow-up is within his grasp over course and distance on Friday (4.10).
Robert Havlin has won five times on Micky Hammond’s six-year-old, who stuck on gamely off a 6lb lower mark last time and makes the long journey from Newmarket for this one ride.
Despite racing off this new higher mark, Dragons Will Rise has fewer questions to answer than his largely out of form rivals. Hooflepuff is the exception but the Wolverhampton specialist is 0-6 at this track.
Promising Palmer Colt out to Impress
HOW IMPRESSIVE looked a smart prospect when I saw him score on debut at Newcastle last month and I expect him to overcome a penalty when he drops back in trip on Friday (5.15).
Ross Coakley, who rode him in that 7f novice, told me he was convinced he had enough natural speed for sprint trips so switching to this demanding six-furlongs is no negative.
The one he has to beat appears to be course and distance scorer Sip And Smile who also got the job done at the first attempt but taking on How Impressive off level weights demands more.
Benzema Can Score in Lingfield Sprint
I expect the speedy BENZEMA to be bang on target in the five-furlong handicap (3.20) at Lingfield Park on Friday.
Named after the Real Madrid striker, David O’Meara’s three-year-old hasn’t hit the target yet but hit the crossbar in no uncertain terms at Wolverhampton last time and can gain compensation.
Jason Watson’s mount is well drawn in stall two and remains well treated off just a 1lb higher mark. I prefer him to likely favourite Fair And Square, the probable trailblazer who is more exposed than Benzema and needs the first-time visor to have the desired effect.
Simon’s Best Bets:
Lingfield Park (Friday):
3.20 Benzema
Newcastle (Friday):
4.10 Dragons Will Rise
5.15 How Impressive
6.15 Tyrrhenian Sea (Nap)