Thursday’s Lucky 15 Tips: There is nothing like a Dame

An interesting spread of racing on Thursday - just one day then to go, before Friday's Betfred Epsom Oaks launches the Betfred Derby Festival weekend.

There's a mix of all-weather and turf racing at leafy Lingfield on Thursday, kicking off at 14:20, and some stellar names from the weighing room are in attendance. As are we, for our Lucky 15 tips ..

14:20 - Daaris @ 8/1

This one's on the sand - a Class 5 handicap staying test over 2m.

Daaris has finished second, and narrowly at that, on each of his last three runs. Kevin Frost's five-year-old gelding is in great heart then, and the outstanding Saffie Osborne is engaged for the first time.

I think he represents excellent value and could see him being backed. Stays the trip, and finishes with purpose. He's creeping up the handicap slowly, courtesy of those three recent close shaves, and steps in to Class 5 company from Class 6. But, he's in form - a priceless commodity. Great chance in my book.

14:50 - Trueman @ 4/1

A one-mile claimer, again scheduled for the all-weather.

Trueman is a very lightly-raced five-year-old Wootton Bassett gelding, in the care of Epsom trainer Laura Mongan. This one's been off for the small matter of 357 days, but has gone well fresh in the past.

He's quite well treated by the race conditions and at the price as I write, the layers are certainly not taking any great chances. This is more than a little speculative, but there were definite signs of talent before his last, tailed-off effort nearly a year ago at Yarmouth.

Let's hope connections have got to the bottom of whatever was wrong, and that he can start over.

16:00 - Dame Darcey @ 9/4

On the grass now, as most of the field will doubtless do that 'Lingfield' thing and make a run for the near rail, closest to the view afforded by the TV coverage.

Dame Darcey is owned by Lord Lloyd Webber, and trained in Upper Lambourn by Ed Walker. Kieran Shoemark rides. The three-year-old Kodiac filly is modest, but this is a very lowly affair indeed.

These famous colours have graced horses like The Fugue - and I'm hoping Mr Walker has found a nice little opportunity for this one to break her maiden for her notable connections on career run number seven.

The handicapper has dropped her a handy couple of pounds from last time (beaten 4.5l, running on), and this might just be a cracking potential opening. She's very nicely bred, and a win at some point would certainly boost her own breeding prospects.

17:00 - Milliethemollie @ 3/1

Dropping in now on an old 'friend' - the brilliant Rossa Ryan, who rides Milliethemollie for trainer Tony Carroll.

This is a basement handicap, but the selection is a class-dropper from last time and undoubtedly has a modicum of talent. Another Kodiac filly, too, for this 5f dash on the turf.

'Millie' has only been with Carroll since March, and the filly won at Dundalk for her old connections before coming to Worcestershire. Drawn eight, Rossa has the option if trapping nicely of heading for that near rail 'golden highway,' and perhaps making all.

In any event I'm more than happy to leave it to the young maestro to fashion a first UK success for the little lady and her new connections.

If you're playing, have fun, take care, and good luck.

This is an example of a Lucky 15. If you can improve upon my selections (of course you can), then go for it!

The odds can fluctuate between publishing our pieces and race-time. As a guide, a £0.50p win Lucky 15 on today's selections, at the prices, and assuming all four won, would return around £630 for your total £7.50 stake.

Fred, 'The Bonus King,' invented the 'Lucky' series of bets and their bonuses. My colleague Adam has set out all you need to know with this handy guide - take a look by clicking here.

Lucky 15 tips from Betfred Insights.