Racing Tips: Thames Boatman to go well at Lingfield again on Friday

Flat racing holds sway across the UK and Ireland on Friday with three meetings taking place across the afternoon and into the evening.  First off is Lingfield before we go to Newcastle and Dundalk under the lights. Jumps racing has been abandoned at Huntingdon and Doncaster amid the cold snap. 

Amongst our Friday fancies is one for trainer Chelsea Banham who has dropped below his last winning mark and returned to form last time out.

Horse Racing Odds

Today's Horse Races

11.45 Lingfield - Watermelon Sugar @ 9/2

WATERMELON SUGAR shaped as if he was back in top form at Wolverhampton last month, finishing well to take third and pulling clear of the remainder  He is handicapped to strike from 1lb below his last winning mark, which came over course and distance in a higher grade race last April.

He should go close if reproducing the form of his last start and may have most to fear from the lightly weighted Fai Fai, who ran well in a higher grade over course and distance last week but looks likely to be a short price.

13.45 Lingfield - Giant @ 3/1

Later on at Lingfield GIANT is of some interest despite remaining 6lb above his last winning mark. That came when fresh so this could be the time to catch him as he is returning from a two-month break.

This consistent operator was narrowly denied when last on this mark in May and has since  run well in better races than this. He is well drawn for an attacking ride and could be suited by this track on his first visit.

Monsieur Beaulieu looks likely to go off favourite having shown progressive form recently, including a win over course and distance in December, however he didn't appear to have any excuses when held from his revised mark last time.

14.20 Lingfield - The Thames Boatman  @ 11/4

Course specialist THE THAMES BOATMAN looks set for another big performance at Lingfield under his ideal conditions.

The son of Havana Grey came up short in his attempt to make it four wins from as many starts at the track last time out. However that effort came in a Class 2 race after nearly three months off the track, he is entitled to step forward from that and his contest represents a drop in class.

There looks to be plenty of pace on here with his main market rivals Mc Loven and Michaela’s Boy usually ridden prominently, hopefully it set up for The Thames Boatman’s closing style.

Horse Racing Tips from Betfred Insights.