3.15 Lingfield: tipster analysis and trainer quotes for the day's highlight

Betway Handicap (Class 3) 1m2f, 4yo+ | Live on Sky Sports Racing

Tipster Analysis

Sky Defender recorded a big career best when bolting up by three and a quarter lengths over course and distance last time, but it's possible he is flattered by the bare form of the victory.

The tactical nature of that contest meant the race could not have panned out better for Mark Johnston's four-year-old, who was able to dictate the fractions under a well-judged ride from Joe Fanning. He had the run of the race up front and that is unlikely to be the case again here.

Michele Strogoff is a trailblazer who has only one way of running and that's blasting away from the front. Trainer Mick Appleby has fitted a visor for the first time in the seven-year-old's 74-race career, and from a good draw in stall four he looks certain to lead.

The big question is can he hold on? He was readily brushed aside when fifth behind the reopposing El Ghazwani over course and distance last month, but a 7lb pull in the weights gives Michele Strogoff a good chance of reversing those places and he is taken to make all.

Humbert was fourth behind Sky Defender over course and distance last time, but that can be ignored as he lost all chance by stumbling at the start and was poorly positioned throughout.

Humbert will face six rivals in the Betway Handicap at Lingfield on FridayCredit: Grossick Racing

A strong-finishing third on his first run over this ten-furlong trip on his previous start, Humbert shaped as though he would be suited by a stronger pace on that occasion and is 9lb lower than for his last win. He should get a good gallop here and is the biggest danger from off the pace.

Graeme Rodway

What the stats say

It's hard to get away from the fact that all four of El Ghazwani's career successes have come at Lingfield, with his sole reverse at the track coming when getting struck into in November.

It is interesting that Appleby turns out Michele Strogoff nine days after he was well beaten at this venue given he is due to drop a further 3lb in the handicap.

What the trainers say

Hugo Palmer, trainer of El Ghazwani
It's been a track that has worked out well for him. He's got a pig of a draw and we'll probably have to drop in from wide so I hope they go an even gallop.

Charlie Johnston, assistant trainer of Sky Defender
He made his debut in a Glorious Goodwood maiden and he's a horse we've always liked. He got injured in the London Gold Cup last year which is why he missed six months. I thought he ran a nice reappearance race and then flopped at Lingfield, which I can't really explain. He bounced back to what we were hoping for last time and won convincingly. It's the same course and distance again and hopefully he should go very close.

Alan King, trainer of Lexington Law
He showed up well until inside the final furlong at Wolverhampton a fortnight ago, on his first run since August, but will probably be suited better when stepped up in trip later in the year.

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