I'm just back from a thoroughly soggy Lingfield where the course staged a pretty moderate card (did we really need 3 NH cards this afternoon ?).
One or two for future reference - in the opening mares novices hurdle, AMERICAN LADIE ran a solid race on her British debut. Her form in France suggested the ground wouldn't be a problem but I'm less convinced she got the two miles. THE BISHOPS RUBY travelled well until tiring from two out and could do better next time.
MIDNIGHT DIAMOND was a thoroughly hard ride for young Tom David in the novices' handicap chase but he kept on until being outpointed from the second last.
ON TREND made almost all to win the novices' hurdle and looks a thoroughly useful sort who will do well later off fences (has won an Irish ptp)
OPONCE was coming back after more than two years off the track in the two and a half mile handicap chase and while he was nowhere near the first two he ran ok and could be on a generous mark once back fully wound up - today's ground wouldn't have helped either.
CARRIG AN UISCE and JUST BEWARE were almost walking from the last in the handicap hurdle - indeed, they were overtaken by an arthritic tortoise with a limp in the final 100 yards. The former stuck it well and proved he handles bottomless ground.
One or two for future reference - in the opening mares novices hurdle, AMERICAN LADIE ran a solid race on her British debut. Her form in France suggested the ground wouldn't be a problem but I'm less convinced she got the two miles. THE BISHOPS RUBY travelled well until tiring from two out and could do better next time.
MIDNIGHT DIAMOND was a thoroughly hard ride for young Tom David in the novices' handicap chase but he kept on until being outpointed from the second last.
ON TREND made almost all to win the novices' hurdle and looks a thoroughly useful sort who will do well later off fences (has won an Irish ptp)
OPONCE was coming back after more than two years off the track in the two and a half mile handicap chase and while he was nowhere near the first two he ran ok and could be on a generous mark once back fully wound up - today's ground wouldn't have helped either.
CARRIG AN UISCE and JUST BEWARE were almost walking from the last in the handicap hurdle - indeed, they were overtaken by an arthritic tortoise with a limp in the final 100 yards. The former stuck it well and proved he handles bottomless ground.
