Cjimes a solid each way bet in Lingfield sprint

Make it Manifestation in the Maiden Stakes over seven furlongs of Lingfield polytrack today. Blinkers are declared for only his second racecourse appearance! They used to be known as a ‘rogue’s badge’ but American trainers don’t necessarily hold with that theory. Its interesting, therefore, that John Gosden spent the early days of his life on the USA circuit where he was successful. So, too, was his famous father, ‘Towser’ who was based at Lewes throughout, from where he sent out hundreds of winners, many of which were well-backed by an owner, Alex Bird, the legendary professional punter.

Manifestation shaped well when fourth over course and distance to unchallenged Mark Johnston-trained winner, Hurricane Higgins, earlier this month, when hampered two furlongs out before weakening. ‘Big John’ doesn’t make decisions lightly. Presumably, jockey Nicky Mackay advised him accordingly and it will be intriguing to see the outcome. With three places on offer, Manifestation justifies an each-way bet. Eight go to post for the ‘aged’ sprint handicap over six furlongs. Chjimes is one them. Judged on recent time-handicap marks, under Hayley Turner, this consistent, course and distance winner is weighted to go close.

Obviously, if all run Chjimes represents a solid each-way betting proposition. Though luck can sometimes play a part in sprints, Conor Dore’s charge would have to be unlucky not to make the frame. Hayley has obviously decided to grasp the nettle and build on her portfolio during this all-weather season and rightly so. Plenty of trainers are booking ‘daily earner’ whose percentage this past fortnight has been impressive. The harder your work, the luckier you become, eh? 2010 was somewhat of a ‘messy’ year for Hayley but time dims the memory. Life is all about ‘here and now’ and her determination is there for all to see. There are three fully-fledged, experienced jockeys I’m always keen to follow, betting-wise—Hayley, stable-companion, George Baker, and Graham Gibbons.  Jockeyship is so important. Never underestimate it for one moment.

SELECTIONS

RACE 17 (#5) CHJIMES (e.w.)
RACE 21 (#9) BLACK BACARRA (e.w.)
RACE 29 (#4) MANIFESTATION (e.w.)
RACE 35 (#3) FULL BLOOM