Lingfield - (3rd May 2006)

Two selections on the Lingfield card today

3:00 - V Drinks Transylvanian Wines Paradise Stakes (Listed Race) (Class 1) 4yo+

Short List: Mostashaar, St Andrews
Selection: Mostashaar

St Andrews seems better over 8 furlongs. Mostashaar looks open to further improvement & already looks well up to winning in Group class based on the modus operandi of Sir Michael Stoute’s previous runners.

4:00 - Hesmonds Stud Sagaro Stakes (Group 3) (Class 1) 4yo+

Short List: Hearthstead Wings, Tungsten Strike, Cover Up, Alcazar
Selection: Hearthstead Wings

As a 9yo Cover up is exposed (improvement unlikely) and prefers extreme distances to get the best out of the old stager. Conditions of “Good (good to firm in places)” eliminates the chances of Alcazar who prefers soft ground. Tungesten Strike is yet to win at this level and on form is held by Alcazar.

It’s interesting that Mark Johnson has decided to run Hearthstead Wings 4 days after his condition stakes win (Saturday). It’s a shame I did not look at his entries prior to this race as this event may be on the long term plan for Hearthstead Wings. Form book comments suggest that his recent improvement may be due one of those magic wing operations I hear about after the horses has bolted up by a “dist” after showing no form previously. Maybe a Group class horse in sheep’s clothing? My only concern is the dreaded “bounce factor”.