'He held the track record here as a youngster' - who fancies their chances in Lingfield's feature sprint?

Plenty of horses who are well accustomed to Lingfield take to the stage for this 5f handicap on the final day of British racing before Christmas.

Mick's Spirit has picked up six victories from 23 starts at the track, while Diamond Dreamer, Mc Loven, Rainyniteingeorgia have a combined record of four wins from eight outings there. 

Rainyniteingeorgia is the one aiming to preserve an unbeaten course record (1-1), having made all in a maiden here last September on her final start for William Jarvis.

Things haven't gone to plan for Rainyniteingeorgia since she joined Alice Haynes, although perhaps a wind operation and a near four-month break may help to arrest the slide.

Diamond Dreamer, a two-time course-and-distance winner in August, carries some interest back to his happiest hunting ground. Six furlongs is sharper than he would want and his failure to get home over that distance at Wolverhampton last time should not be treated harshly.

A strong pace here seems likely. Twilight Fun has essentially made all on two of his last three outings. Honour Your Dreams and Juicy each almost pulled off those tactics two starts back, while Mc Loven loves to dictate matters.

We cannot rule out the prospect of Mc Loven needing his first run after a 99-day break ahead of a winter campaign, but it is encouraging to see good 5lb claimer Tommie Jakes booked for the ride as he is one from one when teaming up with Simon Dow (+£4.50 level-stake profit). 

Dow trains significantly more winners at Lingfield than anywhere else and Mc Loven generally plies his trade at a higher level. That could count for plenty.
Analysis by Robbie Wilders

What they say

Simon Dow, trainer of Mc Loven
He held the track record around the venue as a youngster and this is the start of a winter campaign for him. He’s back off a break but we took him there for a gallop the other day and he’s ready to start back.

Richard Spencer, trainer of Juicy
She didn’t run very well last time but we may have run her back a bit quick after her previous outing. She’s not got a great draw, so we go there hopeful rather than confident.

Richard Spencer: trainer of JuicyCredit: Edward Whitaker

Michael Herrington, trainer of Catch Cunningham
We don’t have many runners at Lingfield but it looks like a track that should suit him as he likes to come off a fast pace. He’s done us proud this year, winning three races, and he should go well again.

Conrad Allen, trainer of Mick’s Spirit
He’s off a break but he goes well fresh and has a decent draw. He likes to be handy, but so do a few others in there, so hopefully he can run a nice race back in a competitive affair.
Reporting by David Milnes

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