2.00pm Lingfield Tips & Betting Preview 13/01/2017

Only seven go to post for the third race at Lingfield but this promises to be an interesting affair with lots of intertwining form lines. See our betting tips and the full race preview below.

IN SUMMARY: The ever consistent and reliable DOCTOR PARKES has work to do to reverse form with some of these but conditions are to suit today and going back up in distance will also help him to no end. He has won under this claimer in the past and should put up a bold bid to notch up his 14th career win. His likely dangers are Illegally Blonde who at her best would be dangerous and Free Zone, who has been running well of late.

1 MONUMENTAL MAN – Had been in good form of late with two places and a win at Chelmsford over 5f, and did have excuses latest on his latest run at Southwell and goes up in trip today. He is however yet to win at the 6f trip, looking very one paced on all his attempts which curbs enthusiasm. Going back into a stakes race isn’t easy, weighted higher than the Illegally Blonde who he is rated much inferior to on handicap terms, and others can be easily preferred today.

2 ILLEGALLY BLONDE – Rated atleast 4lb higher than all other horses in the race but was well held in his latest races at Wolverhampton (6f, Std) and Kempton (6f, Std to Slw). Those were however in higher grade races than this and drops two grades from her latest run. George Baker takes the ride and cheekpieces also go on to continue the list of things in his favour and has to be respected, as at her best she would be difficult to beat.

3 FLEXIBLE FLYER – Yet to win on the all weather despite six attempts and had been poor on his last three starts last year for Chris Dwyer. At his best he’d be entitled to be involved, with his win at Haydock in July 2015 more than enough to mount a challenge against these but it is hard to trust he’ll be back to form today. Most likely best watched on his first start for 6 months but could have each way claims in a very mediocre field.

4 YEEOOW – Was a game winner of the race last year, fending off Doctor Parkes and meets that rival again today on similar terms. Hasn’t been so good this season and his last win came at Goodwood in August (6f, Good), and there didn’t seem to be much excuse for his latest 5th of 7 at Newcastle a few weeks ago (6f, Std). It is easy to build a case for him when looking at his best form, but as he is currently it is quite difficult and he’s possibly best watched despite his good draw.

5 FREE ZONE – Last win came four starts ago at Chelmsford (6f, Std) when beating Doctor Parkes, giving that rival 11lb in that handicap race. Meets him on better terms today and has continued to run well the last thrice, finishing a close third at Kempton when being steadily backed (6f, Std to Slw). Rated 4lb inferior to Illegally Blonde but does race on relatively equal terms, receiving weight from that rival and crucially he is inform, where as his opponent is not. Should make a bold bid despite the widest draw in Stall 7 and has to be respected.

6 CATALYZE – Very modest handicap sprinter when last seen in 2014, and is rated 39lb inferior to Illegally Blonde at the top of the ratings. It is hard to see him landing any sort of blow on these terms and it is hard to find any positives for him either. Cannot be recommended.

7 DOCTOR PARKES – Has a bit to find with a few of these on recent results but is reliable and consistent, finishing a decent enough fourth at Wolverhampton on his latest start (5f, Std). Won under Milly Naseb (claiming 7lb) at Chelmsford in November (5f, Std) and this step up in trip will be perfectly fine. This likeable 11 year old will make another bold bid to reverse the form needed today with conditions in his favour and has to be respected.