12.25pm Lingfield Tips & Betting Preview 31/12/2016

10 go to post for a competitive looking Class 5 Handicap, see our betting tips and the full race preview below.

IN SUMMARY: Plenty have realistic claims in what looks a tricky handicap. We side with the ultra consistent MUSIC MAJOR who rarely doesn’t make the frame. He steps back up to a mile which is certain to suit on previous form, and with a course win already to his name, this looks a good chance for him to notch a 4th victory of his career. Notable dangers would include German Whip and Byres Road. Polymnia has place claims at what could be a value price.

1 BYRES ROAD – Returned after a break with a respectable effort at Kempton earlier this month. Dropped 2lb since then and should prove sharper this time around. Also takes a drop in class and has a 3rd at this course to his name, strong place claims.

2 TORMENT – Won on debut but not shown an awful lot since then. Was off for 14 months until reappearing at this course in November this year, and then went on to finish 5th of 12 at Kempton after that. Yet to convince a mile is the right trip for him but has dropped in the weights.

3 RIVERS OF ASIA – Not won in 8 starts but has shown enough to suggest he could make a bold bid. Second start after a break wielded a staying on 5th of 15 and with Adam Kirby taking the mount he could be involved at the finish.

4 GERMAN WHIP – Consistent gelding in handicaps and is likely to give a solid run. Went up 6lb’s after winning at Kempton in August and then another 4lb’s after following up with another success. Produced a solid run when 3rd last time and can’t be ruled out easily.

5 FOOTLIGHT – Started the year rated 55, and has slowly make her way up the weights to 71 after some solid efforts. 2 of her last 2 starts have been disappointing runs though and it is likely worth waiting until she slips back to an enticing mark.

6 POLYMNIA – Made a poor start last time so has excuses for only finishing 7th (ran on). Drops back to a mile which shouldn’t be a problem be is yet to win in 12 starts. Likely to be on the cusp again but others look more likely for win purposes.

7 MUSIC MAJOR – Has only failed to make the frame once in all of his handicap starts to date (12 starts). Usually needs a bit of luck in running with him being a hold up horse, but can turn it on with a strong turn of foot. With that in mind, the step back up to a mile and the return to where he sealed his first win are big positives. Has a career high mark to contend with but he shouldn’t find that a problem on today’s terms.

8 EBBISHAM – Has a bit to find with Music Major whom he finished behind when 4th at Kempton his last run. Doesn’t have a great record at today’s track though finishing last of 8 and 7th of 10 on his only starts here. A mile seems to be his trip, but there are others with better claims.

9 PC DIXON – Tackles a mile for the first time in his career (has so far raced over further), but that doesn’t appeal an awful lot considering his pedigree. Has dropped 6lb’s since his last run but is probably best watched on this occasion.

10 KRISTOFF – Very little gives the gelding much of a chance on today’s terms. Only rated 44 and would have to improve hugely to make the reckoning. Best efforts have come in much weaker races and is easy to look over and take on.