Nap of the Day: Three-time Champ can work his magic

I'm standing in for Owen for a few days and and there's plenty of choice, track-wise, regarding Thursday's nap.

We're jumping at Doncaster, Huntingdon and Thurles, with all-weather action taking place at Lingfield, and Newcastle.

Regular readers will know that especially around this time of the year I'm a big sand-fan, so that's where I'm headed. Will it be Leafy Lingers, or Gosforth Park? Hmmm....

15.35 Lingfield - Foinix @ 9/4

We're heading to Surrey then for Thursday's Nap of the Day, and an all-weather contest over 2 miles.

Not many flat horses campaign at this kind of trip, and the selection began life running over 6f. The 4-yr-old gelding joined Jim and Suzi Best from Gaye Kellaway in October, and in four runs for new connections the last was arguably the best - a 1.5l reverse here to the prolific The Craftymaster.

He finished with purpose and gave every indication that the trip was within compass.

It was his first dabble at 2m, took place a mere 6 days ago, and the winner was completing a four-timer. His mark of 51 from that fine effort remains unchanged, and he now gets the huge benefit of Oisin Murphy on top for the first time.

Coming hot on the heels of that last run I'd say the stable are looking to make hay while the horse is evidently in great heart.

Ms Kellaway ironically opposes with a live chance of her own in the form of New York Bay, ridden by Tom Marquand. Hollie Doyle rides Bailey's Warrior, another to run The Craftymaster close recently, and it will be a surprise to me at least if the winner doesn't come from this trio.

There's plenty of room at this modest level for improvement, as it was his first try at 2m, and Murphy is just the man to bring it out. The yard could do with a winner and the booking of the three-time Champion jockey for FOINIX is a very significant step towards achieving that, in my view.

Smashing heat - and further evidence if any were needed that little fish are sweet. Getting excited about a 0-55 Class 6 two-miler, with four grand+ to the winner. Absolutely.

Nap of the Day from Betfred Insights.