Saturday selections: It’s all systems go at Lingfield and Leopardstown

It is the action over the other side of the Irish Sea which will have racing enthusiasts salivating this weekend as the Dublin Racing Festival gets under way, but it would be naive to overlook the opportunities on offer at Lingfield Park. Here are my best four selections from both venues.
There's Saturday action at Lingfield Park / Picture: GettyThere's Saturday action at Lingfield Park / Picture: Getty
There's Saturday action at Lingfield Park / Picture: Getty

The opener of the day (12:00) at Lingfield presents a fascinating handicap over seven furlongs.

Indeed, the well-fancied favourite Talking Point appears the one to beat on paper - having finished a very respectable second ahead of subsequent winner Desert Boots - but at such a short price, it seems wise to look elsewhere for one to fill the frame.

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That is why it may be wise to opt for Richard Fahey’s HALWA AZYAN, who has been going the right way on his previous two appearances.

His penultimate start came over six furlongs at this course when finishing sixth of twelve, but, his placing didn’t justify his performance, as he had to overcome a multitude of hindrances to hit the line strong.

Drawn in stall eleven, the son of Dandy Man was slowly into stride and had to settle at the rear of the field - coming five wide round the first bend. From that position, he travelled strongly into the home turn and was met with traffic before switching right and finishing with a flurry.

His most recent appearance at Southwell saw him dictate the pace, before kicking off the bend and looking the likely winner (going 1.11 in-play) - but ultimately being stretched by the track’s long home straight and slower surface.

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He’ll undoubtedly benefit from the return to this sharper track, and is 3lb lower than his last run here. Now drawn in stall three, the Fahey-trained three-year-old looks poised to mount a strong challenge to the well-fancied favourite.

Selection: HALWA AZYAM 11/2 EW

It appears many people have kept the faith with Mums Tipple (1:11), despite only beaten six rivals since his emphatic win at York as a two-year-old, and the re-introduction of Ryan Moore (who was in the saddle that day) will no doubt see punters flocking to give him one more chance - although they most likely said that on his previous three runs.

Instead of hoping for a Jesus-like reincarnation of Mums Tipple’s form, it could pay dividends to side with last year’s Stewards’ Cup winner, SUMMERGHAND.

I’m always very sceptical with candidates returning from a lengthy break, but it seems the David O’Meara-trained gelding could be the exception, boasting figures of 1212 when fresh and a tidy two from two on Polytrack.

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After his success in Goodwood’s staple event, which dates back to 1840, the seven-year-old has been tried in tough company including the Group 1 Haydock Sprint Cup. In his return here, he is dropped into an easier affair, and may make the most of being best in at the weights - now rated 6lb superior to the favourite Misty Grey.

Of course, Tom Dascombe’s red-hot contender needs to be respected now on the search for a four-timer, but it seems his optimum trip could be seven furlongs, so he may be found out by the sharp six furlongs that Lingfield has to offer.

Selection: SUMMERGHAND 4/1

Now, we travel across to Leopardstown for a rather different scene to Lingfield Park’s flat action as we witness a star-studded opening to Leopardstown’s glorious festival.

It’s rather hard to look at the Dublin Racing Festival in its entirety without Cheltenham in the back of your mind, and I’ll be hoping GAILLARD DU MESNIL takes his first step to Ballymore glory in the opener of the day (1:05).

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Tipped up in my Cheltenham ante-post article at 10/1, the son of Saint Des Saints has since seen his price shorten to 7/1 after Mr Incredible, whom he dismissed by nine lengths, subsequently bolted up at Naas last weekend.

The decisive distance of nine lengths from his last win by no means flattered this five-year-old, who made light work of his nineteen laboured rivals, and whilst this trip on testing ground may stretch him, he could be a touch too classy for his opponents.

Of the rest, Cape Gentleman will hope to mount a challenge to the favourite having jumped foot perfect on hurdling debut, but of course there are risks attached with him on only his second appearance over obstacles.

Selection: GAILLARD DU MESNIL 9/4

The final selection of a fine day comes in the Ladbrokes Hurdle (3:50), where Advanced Virgo sets a good standard for trainer Charlie Byrnes - who will be hoping to win this affair for the fourth time in as many years.

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Indeed, his six-year-old demands favouritism having won under hands-and-heels in November, and it would be hard to put anyone off backing him, but it seems DROP THE ANCHOR could prove better value at double the price.

Pat Fahy’s recruit was last seen in the same affair as the favourite, but didn’t have luck on his side when finishing an ever-closer third.

On that day, he went off a well backed favourite and was settled in mid-division, before looking to make a strong challenge two out. Simon Torrens threw him at the hurdle and on landing, was horrendously hampered by Eclair De Beafeu falling, losing all momentum in the process. From there, he rallied valiantly to stay on very well after the last and was closing quickly on the winner.

Today, he is 8lb better off with Advanced Virgo and, granted he gets a clear run, may be poised to reverse that form at a good price.

Selection: DROP THE ANCHOR 12/1 EW