Classic trials at Lingfield

Lingfield stages its most important turf meeting of the year today, with the two classic trials as the main focus of interest. Henry Cecil won the Oaks Trial (1 mile 3 1/2 furlongs, 15.40 CET) last year with subsequent Oaks runner-up Midday, and has good chances of following up with Timepiece (Tom Queally). She was a disappointment at Newmarket´s Craven meeting last time, as was John Gosden´s Dyna Waltz (Ryan Moore), but the two of them can fight out the finish here.

The Derby Trial over the same trip half an hour later was won in 2009 by Aidan O´Brien, who now saddles two of the 7 runners - Captain James Cook (Johnny Murtagh) and German-bred Don Carlos (Richard Hills). Jockey bookings make it clear that the former is the stable´s main hope, but the O´Brien 3yo´s have not been firing this week, and we prefer Desert Myth (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore). He was due to run at Chester yesterday before it started raining, but the switch to here may prove to be the right decision. Hot Prospect (Philip Robinson) from the in-form Michael Jarvis stable, could be the alternative.

The Group Three fillies race over 7 furlongs at 15.10 should go to France, via the German-owned Reggane (Alain de Royer-Dupré/ Gerald Mosse´); she was runner-up in last season´s Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot, easily the best form on offer. Pennys Gift (Richard Hannon/ Michael Hills) has been a bit disappointing since winning last years German 1,000 Guineas, but could still prove second-best. Ex-German Peligroso (Saeed bin Suroor/ Alan Munro) runs in the 10 furlongs conditions race at 16.45, but probably needs more cut in the ground. Alainmaar (Michael Jarvis/ Richard Hills) was so impressive at Epsom last time that he should win this before going on to better things.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Reggane - Mosqueras Romance - Golden Stream
2. Race: Timepiece - Ceilidh House - Dyna Waltz
3. Race: Desert Myth - Hot Prospect - Captain James Cook
4. Race: Alainmaar - Tranquil Tiger - Peligroso
5. Race: Super Collider - Direct Answer - Whitby Jack
6. Race: Alice Alleyne - Atlaal - Desert Auction
7. Race: My Learned Friend - Alqaahir - Straight Face