'Ryan Moore was keen to ride and we'll be disappointed if he doesn't win'

2.35 Lingfield
Bombardier British-Hopped Amber Beer Handicap | 1m | 4yo+ | ITV4/Sky

It is easy to see why the market has settled on Crackling as favourite. He is by far the least exposed of the six runners and ran a tremendous race on his handicap debut last time, losing a head-bobber at Southwell to a horse that has placed twice since off his revised mark.

He looked set for better than 0-80 company when making a winning debut here on the last day of 2018. He swept by Gin Palace (officially rated 89 now, but a long-term developer) that day as though he was standing still, but missed the best part of two years afterwards.

That absence gives rise to minor doubts here. There were two and a half months between his comeback and Southwell, but only 16 days from that fairly hard race to this. This will be the stiffest test of his constitution, if nothing else.

That would not be to say that he faces a simple task on form. Two of the other five won their latest start, both getting the better of a tight finish. Accomplice beat a similarly unexposed sort to Crackling over this course and distance last Friday, recording her third personal best on RPRs in as many starts. She is unlikely to be improving in chunks aged seven, but nor would it be fair to call her exposed.

Quite a few of the runners tend to be slowly away, including Crackling. On recent evidence, Elmejor is the closest thing the field has to a front-runner and he has been drawn in stall one, so logically Jack Mitchell has first take. Either way, a steadily-run race and sprint for the line over the last three furlongs, a typical Lingfield race in other words, seems a distinct possibility.
Keith Melrose, betting editor

What they say

Tony Carroll, trainer of De Vegas Kid
He's a smashing little horse who's done everybody proud. It's a tight race but he always runs well and I expect him to be involved in the finish.

Martyn Meade, trainer of Crackling
Ryan Moore was keen to take the ride and he should come on a lot for his second at Southwell last time as he was returning from a long time off. He's going back to Lingfield where he won on his debut and we'll be disappointed if he doesn't win.

Jack Mitchell, rider of Elmejor
He's a horse who everything has to drop right for, but he has the ability on his day and likes Lingfield. Hopefully, he can be in the mix.

Dave Loughnane, trainer of Apex King
There wasn't a lot of pace on last time, which didn't suit, so hopefully they go a good gallop. He's the sort of horse who runs well in a better race, which is why he's up in grade.

Michael Blanshard, trainer of Accomplice
She's been in good form there lately and won at the track only last Friday. She's up in grade but it's all about how the race pans out as she needs plenty of cover, so we'll see how it develops.

Simon Pearce, trainer of Noble Peace
He's up in grade and back in trip but the owner assures me on the speed figures this is the right thing to do, instead of running him in the mile and a quarter race. We're claiming off him and if he's ridden how he was last time, there's no reason why he can't be bang there.
Reporting by David Milnes

Read more Saturday previews

Ryan Moore ready to take centre stage with a fantastic five at Lingfield (Members’ Club)

Five punting tips to help you stay one step ahead of the action at Lingfield

Ex-jockey George Baker on how to successfully ride the Lingfield all-weather

The Saturday Jury: 'I'm expecting a big run' – George Scott has high hopes for his Lingfield runner (Members' Club)

1.40 Naas: Festival favourite Elimay ready to take centre stage for Cheltenham rehearsal

2.00 Lingfield: 'Exciting' sprinter Charlie Fellowes takes first step towards Royal Ascot target

2.15 Naas: 'He has a nice race like this in him' - many in with a shout in red-hot contest

3.10 Lingfield: 'She's on a winnable mark' - Ed Walker hoping Capriolette can boost course form

3.45 Lingfield: Mike Murphy believes Garth Rockett has 'every chance' of continuing yard's form

Did you know you can bet with your online bookmaker without leaving the Racing Post website? Simply sign in to your existing bookmaker account via the accounts button and tap the odds buttons on a racecard to place bets. Update or download the latest app here