We may be in the middle of the jumps campaign, with the Express and Star predictably predicting a long, hard freeze and the bookmakers shortening the odds on a white Christmas on a daily basis, but the focus of attention on Wednesday is Flat racing.
It is the action at Lingfield that catches the eye with Toast Of New York, the horse that finished second in a Breeders’ Cup Classic on his latest racecourse appearance, reappearing in the Betway Conditions Stakes. Frankie Dettori will be rocking up to the Surrey venue and clearly if his mount can reproduce anywhere near the level of form he showed when runner-up at Santa Anita three years ago, he should win with ease here.
However, the Jamie Osborne-trained runner is unlikely to be wound up first time out after such a long absence and Intern (1.10) is the one to take him on with.
The selection was highly tried but well beaten in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot when last seen, racing far too freely that day. He had previously been beaten just a head in the Sandown Classic Trial and could find the switch to all-weather action to his liking.
Dettori will be arriving early at Lingfield to take the mount on the very well-bred Mordin (11.40) in the opening mile maiden race. The jockey booking is one to note here as is trainer Simon Crisford’s recent record with three-year-old newcomers. Mordin is certainly one to keep a close eye on in the betting.
Summer Icon (12.10) on the same card looks to have been readied with this seven-furlong contest in mind. Mick Channon’s runner was third in the equivalent race last year and can run off a lower rating than when successful over track and trip earlier this year.
The best bet on the two National Hunt cards is at Haydock where Rolling Dylan (1.20) who raced as if the step up to three miles he faces this time when winning at Worcester last month.
Wednesday’s tips
Haydock 12.50 Pop Rockstar 1.20 Rolling Dylan (nap) 1.55 Joke Dancer 2.25 Morney Wing 3.00 Ravensdale 3.30 Quids In
Lingfield 11.40 Mordin 12.10 Summer Icon (nb) 12.40 Lady Jayne 1.10 Intern 1.45 Attain 2.15 The Yellow Bus 2.50 Dashing Poet 3.15 Dibloam
Ludlow 12.30 Iniesta 1.00 Red Square Revival 1.30 Maria’s Benefit 2.05 Wicked Willy 2.35 Gayebury 3.10 Schnabel 3.40 Lilliput Lane
Newcastle 3.25 Zabeel Star 4.00 Grace’s Secret 4.30 Move It Move It 5.00 Ruffina 5.30 Rock Warbler 6.00 Bobby Joe Leg 6.30 Borough Boy 7.00 Excellent World
