'Rivers' to flow for punters in the 3-y-o Maiden Stakes over a mile and a quarter of Lingfield polytrack today, despite an absence of 118 days!
As previously mentioned getting throughbreds fit enough nowadays isn't a concern for experienced trainers and Phil McBride comes into such category; you can bet 78-rated Rivers Of Asia will be straight enough when he attempts to make it fourth time lucky.
All runs to date have been over seven furlongs and though this represents considerable 'extra' Rivers Of Asia is by one of my 'favourite' sires, Medicean, whose progeny are invariably quality sorts, which operate best over middle distance.
There is a reason why Adam Kirby has been booked to ride Rivers Of Asia for the first time, he'll be a fancied trier!
Cachao, also 78, and once-raced Ragner will collar plenty of support; there is a 'word' for Charles Hills-trained High Grounds, one of three well-bred newcomers from 'fashionable' yards, but I'll rely on my time-handicap which indicates Rivers Of Asia justifies support at decent odds.
Championship-chasing Kirby should add to his considerable tally aboard Broughton's Fancy, one of six 'decs' for the Claiming Stakes over seven furlongs; by process of elimination there can only be one winner!
Custard Of Dragon will be backed to retrieve recent losses and Richard Fahey runners can never be completely discounted but you're advised not to oppose Broughton's Fancy.
Useful hurdler Ballyglasheen finished second for the third successive time (on the flat!) at Kempton earlier this month and under the same female jockey will be hard to beat in an amateur riders' handicap over twelve furlongs; probably the best bet of the day!
Wolverhampton looks extremely difficult, don't bother!
SELECTIONS
9.50 Rivers Of Asia
11.25 Broughton's Fancy
12.30 Ballyglasheen