11.40am Lingfield Tips & Betting Preview 28/12/2016

8 runners go to post for a selling stakes at Lingfield to kick off their all weather card on Wednesday, see our betting tips and the full race preview below.

IN SUMMARY: A very poor race to start off proceedings and the vote goes to GAELIC SILVER  who has form at a much higher level than this and the drop back into Class 6 company should get him back onto the winning trail. Now a 10 year old he’s clearly seen his better days but should still have enough about him to beat his rivals today and namely Hepplewhite whose trainer has reached for the cheek pieces in a bid to get him back and firing.

1 BARREN BROOK – Has been on the downgrade since a decent 2nd at Epsom back in August (1m 2f, Good), not getting involved in his last 5 starts. Has a tough task on these terms and best to look elsewhere.

2 GAELIC SILVER – Has some respectable form in the book including a win at Windsor back in August (1m 3f, Good to Firm) but has been out of sorts in his two starts since, making no impression in either run. Based on his form earlier this year however he’d have a brilliant chance in this and his last start in Class 6 company came at Chelmsford last December where he was just beaten in the final strides (1m 2f, Std). Has to have a leading chance in this.

3 BURNING DESIRE – Tailed off at Wincanton over hurdles two weeks ago and still a maiden on the flat, so looks to have lots to prove today. Much more convincing options on offer.

4 FORCED FAMILY FUN – Has leading claims if judging upon his peak flat form including a good 2nd at York in September last year (1m 4f, Good), but hasn’t shown much this year and previous all weather starts haven’t inspired any confidence. Seems a risky proposition but has to be respected nonetheless in this company.

5 VALANTINO OYSTER – Multiple winner on the turf but wasn’t firing on all cylinders towards the end of last year when last seen 439 days ago, so has quite a few risks attached. If returning at his best he’ll have good each way claims so needs a second look.

6 ARTFUL MIND – Showed some promise on stable debut for John Flint when a staying on 4th at Lingfield on his last start (1m 2f, Std) and the step up in trip makes sense after that run. Pedigree suggest better can be expected so needs a lot of respect for the inform jockey Daniel Muscutt.

7 HEPPLEWHITE – Was in good form earlier this season but has lost his way somewhat of late, finishing tired at Huntingdon over hurdles in October (2m, Good) and was no better when 5th of 8 at Chelsmsford in November (1m 2f, Std). Headgear is changed which gives some hope and has each way claims on his earlier form.

8 MEDICEAN QUEEN – Has been consistent of late without shattering the class ceiling, but her best two runs came over this C&D which gives some hope. Probably will run her race but doesn’t strike as the likeliest type.