Monsieur Beaulieu 'in cracking form' and fancied to take advantage of inside stall for Littmoden at Lingfield

Two of the first four in the early market for this 7f handicap clashed over course and distance on New Year’s Eve and that race is the logical place to start.

Thapa VC finished with a late rattle to claim the runner-up spot, with half a length back to Monsieur Beaulieu in third. There can be little doubt both of them shaped well and are up to winning this granted in-running luck. 

Thapa VC was fast in the final 2f, almost dipping below 11 seconds in both of those, and that goes down as an encouraging effort following a 78-day break. He is usually kept busy (ran on 17 other occasions in 2024) and may come forward for the outing.

The performance represented a lifetime best from the seven-year-old on his 51st start, although Monsieur Beaulieu, who sat close to the pace, can be marked up a shade.  

He was drawn widest in stall 11 and was rushed up to gain an early prominent position before appearing to go for home soon enough. This time he is in the box seat from stall one. 

Giant is another major player. The topweight is a Kempton specialist, but there is no reason why he won't cope with Lingfield. He is back following 65 days off, but defeated Thapa VC in good style following a 143-day absence last March and has a nice draw (stall four). 

Course-and-distance winner Bell Shot (three) is also likely to grab the attention of punters. He touched an in-running low of 2.02 on Betfair when fading into fourth over track and trip on his most recent run in December.
Analysis by Robbie Wilders

What they say

Richard Spencer, trainer of Giant
He’s had a bit of a break and it will be interesting to see how he handles the track on his first run at Lingfield. This looks a good starting point back and he goes there with a squeak.

Mike Prince, spokesman for Middleham Park Racing, owners of Giorgio M
We had tried him over six furlongs and he messed about in the stalls last time, which cost him. He’s better over this trip and he goes there with a good chance.

Nick Littmoden, trainer of Monsieur Beaulieu
He likes the track but did too much from a wide draw there last time. We are hoping for better from an inside stall and he’s in cracking form.

Joe Parr, trainer of G’Daay
He likes the track and is down to a workable mark once again. He’s not getting any younger or better but has an each-way chance.

Mark Rimell, trainer of Thapa VC
He’s a consistent horse who normally runs to his mark and had a nice run back when second there the other day. Providing they don’t power-harrow the track too deep he should go well.

Reporting by David Milnes

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