Unusually the feature race at Lingfield on Saturday is the opener, the 0-80 handicap over 1m2f at 5.10. Strangely northern trainers are well represented in this event including the Faheys’ Mwafaq who comes into this in as better form as anything, but he has never attempted this far before so I prefer to side with CLOTH OF GOLD. Charlie Johnston’s gelding does seem happiest on the AW and although only seventh of 12 at Southwell 16 days ago, that was in a 0-105 contest and he was only just over 4l behind the winner. His sole success came in his only previous appearance in 0-80 company.

The 0-55 handicap for 3yos over 1m4f at 5.40 can go to CRAZY PLAN. Dan Horsford’s filly has improved since going handicapping, finishing runner-up over this trip at Wolverhampton last month and a close fourth of 12 over 1m2f here 11 days ago. He made his effort tight against the inside rail that day, which is a complete no-no at this track, so did well under the circumstances. The return to a longer distance ought to suit her.

HEBRIDEAN NOMAD can take the 0-75 handicap over 1m5f at 6.15. Andrew Balding’s gelding was in good form around here at the start of the year, winning over 1m4f before going down by a head over this trip. He is only 1lb higher and although he has been off for six months since, he has gone well fresh in the past.

DANNICK can gain a deserved success in the 0-75 handicap over 1m at 7.15. The Moores’ gelding was beaten a short head by the reopposing Timely Affair at Southwell last month and the pair meet on the same terms today, but the selection was unfortunate not to win that race having met trouble at a vital stage. He hasn’t shone in two previous tries over this trip at Kempton, but it shouldn’t be a problem on this sharper track and he does have winning form around here. David Bellingham