Today’s best bets, by Chris Cook
It’s one of those days when, even as a jumps fan, I find myself feeling rather doubtful about my chances over the sticks at Lingfield and Southwell. Perhaps it’s because they’re essentially all-weather tracks that are only playing at jump racing for the afternoon.
I’m shying towards Newcastle, where L’Inganno Felice (2.20) is an interesting proposition at around 7-2. This six-year-old was rated a few pounds higher and was value for it during his first stint with Iain Jardine, who got him back over the summer and now seems to have him going forward once more.
The blindfold was a bit slow to come off three weeks ago, which was a pity as L’Inganno Felice was quite well supported that day and ran on to be second. It was his best run since February by more than a stone, according to Racing Post Ratings.
PJ McDonald returns to the saddle today and a comparable performance could be enough.
An hour later, Merriment (3.20) should be favourite in the staying handicap, carrying a penalty for a course and distance win four days ago, when she seemed to relish this two miles. Her price, 5-2, is shored up by the presence of a Sir Mark Prescott type, Alsacienne, who has looked ponderous for a couple of different riders. Dubawi Fifty has been well backed in the expectation of continued progress but 13-8 is short enough on what we know about him.
Dr Newland could have a good day at Lingfield, where Jaunty Inflight (2.10) could score on his second start for the Worcestershire trainer at 11-8. This seven-year-old ran into a well treated rival from the red-hot Colin Tizzard yard last time.
In the closer, Newland runs Greyed A (3.40), who gets to compete from the same mark as when beaten a neck on his handicap debut at Sedgefield last week. The third horse trailed by 12 lengths, so Greyed A looks handicapped to win when things fall right and he’s 2-1.
