15:05 Lingfield

Saturday 11 May 2019

All13:2513:5514:3015:0515:4016:1516:50

Millgate Handicap

Off time: 15:07 | Winning time: 2m 55.58s

(1)

Charles Kingsley⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: P J McDonald| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 87

1/1

Bumped into two above average sorts on both starts this term. Nothing of that class in this race so he is the one they all have to beat on just his second start at this trip.

Form: 14-22

(2)

Noble Gift³¹

Age: 9| Weight: 9-8| J: Callum Shepherd| T: W J Knight| OR: 86

18/1

Attempted to make all in a tactical affair at Kempton on seasonal reappearance when finishing fifth. Not beaten far that day but never looked like winning and looks vulnerable again.

Form: 24825-5

(3)

Dance Legend¹⁵⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: David Probert| T: Rae Guest| OR: 85

4/1

Runner-up on only start in a handicap when narrowly denied at Chester last season (1m2f). Out of her depth in Listed contests after that so she should relish the return to this company and could get her season of to the perfect start.

Form: 152706-

(7)

Hollywood Road²²

Age: 6| Weight: 9-4| J: C O'Donoghue| T: G & J Moore| OR: 82| C

9/2

Last career victory came at this track almost a year ago. 3lb below that mark now and although the jockey booking takes the eye, he is more exposed than most in this field.

Form: 3447-23

(5)

Battle Of Marathon¹⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 9-4| J: B Doyle| T: J Ryan| OR: 82

18/1

Has been set some stiff tasks in his last three runs, most notably when finishing ninth in the All-Weather Marathon here on Good Friday. In much calmer waters today (never ran in a class four) so no surprise to see a revival. Does have it to prove.

Form: 0-65397

(6)

Temur Khan⁴²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: George Downing| T: A W Carroll| OR: 80

33/1

Given a 42-day break by his trainer since posting a below-par effort at Kempton (1m4f). In good form prior to that with a couple of victories on the Fibresand at Southwell (1m2f). Has definite place claims if able to bounce back.

Form: 92-1149

(4)

Oi The Clubb Oi's⁵⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 8-4| J: Joey Haynes| T: Ian Williams| OR: 68

8/1

Ran well in warm juvenile hurdle races during the winter without winning. Pulled up at the Cheltenham Festival but returns to this code on a fair mark. Overall profile suggests he should improve again for the step up to 1m5f. Interesting contender.

Form: 06/0013-

Forecasts

Charles Kingsley (1/1), Dance Legend (4/1), Hollywood Road (9/2), Oi The Clubb Oi's (8/1), Noble Gift (18/1), Battle Of Marathon (18/1), Temur Khan (33/1)

A race in which it is best to focus on the more lightly raced contenders. Despite not setting the world alight, it is likely that Oi The Clubb Oi's will improve on what he has done on the Flat so far after enjoying a positive campaign over hurdles. The only filly in the field, Dance Legend, should make her mark in handicaps throughout the year but may have to play second best to the top-weight CHARLES KINGSLEY who has posted two solid efforts so far this season and will prove tough to beat from the front.