UK Horse Racing Tips: Lingfield

EPIC EXPRESS returned from a 128-day break to be victorious by two and a half lengths over track and trip last month, and a 7lb rise may not be enough to prevent him from going in again. Arctician has been thereabouts at class 4 level on each of his last three starts, but he will need to prove he is as effective over this shorter distance. Saturnalia is another to consider after his third at Chelmsford over 7f.
Prediction : 1st Epic Express 2nd Arctician 3rd Saturnalia

SURVEYOR showed plenty of promise when fourth at Newmarket on debut and built on that at Leicester, filling the runner-up spot. James Fanshawe's filly could improve for this step up in distance and looks the one to beat on her return. Battle Queen has also run to a good level in both of her career starts so far, including when third at Wolverhampton last time, and she could progress further to have a say. Of the remainder, 170,000-euro purchase Seamore appeals most.
Prediction : 1st Surveyor 2nd Battle Queen 3rd Seamore

PRINCESS IN ROME beat Havana Force by just under two lengths to shed her maiden tag over C&D. The daughter of Masar renews rivalry on 4lb worse terms, but can confirm her superiority and make a winning handicap debut. Havana Force also goes handicapping for the first time and it would be no surprise to see her improve further. Any market support for Lumiere d'Or in a first-time hood would be interesting.
Prediction : 1st Princess In Rome 2nd Havana Force 3rd Lumiere dOr

Cosmos Raj is a strong contender and should make a bold bid to complete a hat-trick after a couple of wins over the extended mile at Wolverhampton. However, he is likely to find this more competitive and there may be a bit of value in siding with LANDLORDTOTHESTARS, who is also best when on the front end. With Joe Leavy taking 5lb off his back, James Evans' four-year-old has a notable chance at the weights and can launch a bold bid from a favourable draw. Desfondado is also considered.
Prediction : 1st Landlordtothestars 2nd Cosmos Raj 3rd Desfondado

Crimson Sand is an interesting one to note in the betting on his first run since undergoing wind surgery, while Lil Guff and Star Of Lady M are a couple of others with solid claims at this level. However, MOULIN BOOJ has started this year with a couple of sterling efforts and on the back of a relatively cosy victory over this trip at Southwell, a 7lb higher mark may not be enough to prevent this still low-mileage four-year-old from going in again.
Prediction : 1st Moulin Booj 2nd Crimson Sand 3rd Lil Guff

MAHBOOB rewarded the patience shown by connections when making a successful introduction over C&D in December. He won with something to spare and the Gosdens' four-year-old has been found an excellent opportunity to continue his education. Lakota Brave benefited from his debut third at Newcastle when returning to the same venue to break through 11 days later, although stepping up in trip may not suit on pedigree. With that in mind, the main danger could be Hurtle Wallop, who showed a lot more on his second start when fourth at Ascot in October.
Prediction : 1st Mahboob 2nd Hurtle Wallop 3rd Lakota Brave

CHIEFMAN built on the promise shown as a juvenile when successfully stepping up to this trip on his handicap bow at Newcastle last week. The son of Cracksman is 2lb well-in under a penalty and further improvement appears likely. Road To Wembley is bred to improve as he gets older and has to be respected following his Wolverhampton triumph on Saturday, while a return to Lingfield could see Dire Wolf in the mix once again.
Prediction : 1st Chiefman 2nd Road To Wembley 3rd Dire Wolf