Classic trials at Lingfield

Lingfield stages its most important turf meeting of the year today, with the two classic trials the main events. Both races have frequently thrown up Oaks and Derby winners and/or placed horses, and the supposed similarity to Epsom means that many leading trainers like to try out their Epsom hopes here. The listed Oaks trial at 15.40 CET has 9 fillies entered and looks very open. On this season´s form Midday (Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally), runner-up to the smart Debussy at the Epsom spring meeting, is the choice, but three fillies who each ran once and won last year look very dangerous: Anice Stellato (Ralph Beckett/ Pat Smullen), Floodlit (John Gosden/ Jimmy Fortune) and July Jasmine (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore). The Derby Trial at 16.15 looks more straightforward. Irish raider Age of Aquarius is the clear pick, and trainer Aidan O´Brien is now coming into top form.

The same cannot be said of his jockey Johnny Murtagh, who has endured a miserable week, but it will still be a surprise of he does not bring this one home the winner. A jockey really flying at present is Richard Hills, and he could provide the main danger aboard John Gosden´s Alwaary, although Cecil´s Father Time (Queally) could also take a hand in the finish. Richard Hills also has a chance on William Haggas´ Damaniyat Girl in the Group 3 Chartwell Seakes for fillies at 16.45; she was second to the top class Fantasia at Newmarket last time, but Chantilly Tiffany (Ed Dunlop /Fortune), a winner twice in Germany last year and penalised as a result, and French hope Chasing Stars (Criquette Head/ Stephane Pasquier) are big dangers.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Laudatory - Seek The Fair Land - Silent Hero
2. Race: Midday - Tottie - Sanvean
3. Race: Age Of Aquarius - Father Time - Alwaary
4. Race: Chantilly Tiffany - Damaniyat Girl - Chasing Stars
5. Race: Signaller - Highland Glen - Buckie Boy
6. Race: Unnefer - Khateeb - Halicarnassus
7. Race: Shaded Edge - Wing Play - Ryedale Ovation