Consideration of the recipient of the award for top sand track was quite a difficult choice despite there being only four to choose from. I looked at all quite closely during my year long mission and drew up a justification for selection. I thought there was much merit at all the location and having been a bit of a snob towards sand racing beforehand I am much more sanguine towards this adaptation in fact I am not far off being sold on the concept really. I think that the form holds up reasonably well, that the racing is generally quite entertaining with decent fields for competitive racing and it provides a pretty reliable outlet in bad weather. The idea that it is purely a means of offering poor animals the chance to pick up small prize money is unfair.
I settled on Lingfield as my winner because the course itself is high quality all round. The stands are modern and well maintained, the proximity to the racing is reasonably good and the facilities inside the stands are first rate. The day I visited there was a £16 entry which was not bad as this entitled an almost access all areas privilege. The food in the main grandstand was pretty varied from a sit down meal all the way through to a pasty and coffee. I went for the latter option and paid about £5 which I thought was reasonable value as the pasty was proper meat and decent pastry. So on the food front Lingfield did fine.
Of the other three I think Southwell is a little bleak in comparison, Kempton’s track is too remote from the spectators and Wolverhampton is a little bit too much like a really well run greyhound track. I think my choice came down to either Wolvo or Lingfield and I just went for the latter because the racing is generally a bit better in class.
The stands at LIngfield
The paddock and per parade ring are well positioned and give good viewing of the runners. There are some mature trees dotted around on the lawns adjacent but there is not one tree in the paddock. This was a conifer and was obviously not a competitor to the fine ancient tree down the road in Sussex at Plumpton. owever at least there w a tree here. The entry to the racecourse is anime modern wooden facia and it was quite nice really. The journey down off the M25 was easy and nicely signposted from a long way put. The car parking was adequate and just across the road from the entry to the course. The location is simple to find.
The paddock has a decent conifer in it.
There was a nice water feature with running water and several fish.
Race 1 was a class 5 handicap over seven furlongs. It was won in good style by Scottish Glen who was produced from midfield around two out and galloped on for a smooth win by a length and a half. This was his third win and all of them have been here at Lingfield. He has first run on the mare Choral today who could never get close enough to challenge the winner. This her first return to Lingfield and also was stepped back to her best trip. Has previously won off 77 so today’s mark of 73 looked fair. However needs to be held up and exaggerated waiting tactics are always a negative for serious pun ting in my book. The three behind the winner all finished in a heap. The other two were Satwa Laird (has won over further but that was a long time ago now with two wins in a career of 32 runs tells its own story) and City Legend who had a troubled race and could be classed as an unlucky loser worth following off current mark. Of the rest Wigram Turn had some bad luck and apparently cracked his head on the stalls coming out and Ezra Church had some hiccups going around as well
Race 2 was a seven furlong maiden and was won from the front by Hayley Turner on board Forceful Appeal who was a comfortable two length victor. The runner up was a 8/13 Mark Johnson trained three year old called Henry Clay. He was held up and due to a pretty good ride from Hayley was soon struggling and could never make up the ground lost. I think he needs to be in a good sized field say eight or more so that he can be covered up. He has plenty of ability and is sure to pick up a maiden in a race to suit as such constitutes a positive. The rest were all outclassed really. This includes the quietly fancied 13/2 from 16/1 Archina who I am not sure acted well on this course and I would have thought a straight seven would be more to her liking.
Race 3 was a ten furlong seller at class 6 level; pretty lowly stuff. It was a close finish in the end but the photo did not involve the first two in the betting. It was won by Wisecraic who prevailed by a neck. I thought that Marvo was cantering all over them coming around the bend and was sure to storm clear but he found absolutely nothing under pressure. He never winning on a beach before and his last success was in 2009. I think he is a difficult ride and I cannot see him winning anytime soon. Represents a lay. The favourite was Kidlat who was well backed and has recently been successful in up to class 4 so clearly above plating. Is on a really decent mark of 70. Is a positive but beware if tried over hurdles as has not jumped well in two attempts. Peppertree Lane opened favourite but took a massive walk. Was beaten when hampered by some scrimmaging about four out.
Race 4 was the feature of the day being about five grand to the winner class 4 over ten furlongs. It was won by 22/1 (was available at 33/1) outsider Thunderstruck who was top rated by Timeform. It was a good battle down the straight with Ariyfa. The runner up ran well she opened 7/2 fav but drifted to 6/1. Has done well since coming over from Ireland and this 76 mark looks winnable especially if tried short of this trip and given running around a mile she is a positive. In a good race there were others to mention. Aerodynamic was made favourite but after trying to make most was run out of it in the final quarter of a mile. Focail Maith ran really well looking like taking a hand coming wide off the final bend but may have just a bit more weight than ideal. I had seen him finish second at Ayr in the summer and has won over CD since. That was off 68 and today’s 73 may have done for him.
Race 5 was a five furlong maiden and was won by 2/9 favourite Pale Orchid in an absolute canter. In fact it might have been trotting for the final half furlong given the ease this lot was put to bed. Had two previous efforts on sand since coming over from Ireland. I can see this 73 being a simple task to pick up a handicap. Also has done OK in turf racing and a sprint handicap in the spring for decent money might be worthwhile . In any event I expect more victories and Pale Orchid is a positive.
Race 6 was a seven furlong class 6 handicap for three year olds. It was won in a blanket finish with two lengths covering the first six home. Good grading as they say. A well graded finish to an A8 rarely unearths an improver and there was nothing from here that I will follow lay or back.
Race 7 was a seven furlong apprentice handicap set at class 6 level. It was won in very commanding style b y 5/4 favourite Cut and Thrust under a confidet ride by claiming apprentice Nicole Nordblad. Sure to go up in the ratings as the 60 set to shoulder now is well off the original level of 74 not so long ago.
Notebook
Henry Clay (P)
City Legend (P)
Marvo (N)
Kidlat (P)
Ariyfa (P)
Pale Orchid (P)
