TimeformBlog

Asifa (12:50) didn't have to improve on his third-placed finish at Folkestone to land a Warwick maiden last time, but this afternoon's opening nursery at Lingfield looks a more difficult prospect and, at a relatively short price, he is one to take on. Whilst he did run out a fairly comfortable winner, Asifa had the run of the race when recording that victory against a field predominantly consisting of newcomers and he strikes as one of the lesser lights from his yard. Off a stiff-looking opening handicap mark of 75, and with the likes of recent winner Atlantis Crossing, who was much improved for the fitting of blinkers when winning at Wolverhampton last time, and the unexposed Rocky Reef in the field, Asifa looks a prime lay candidate.

Martine's Spirit (14:00) has failed to land a victory in three attempts so far and there is little reason to believe that she warrants short-priced favouritism in what the twelve-furlong maiden, also at Lingfield, this afternoon. Balandra sets the standard on Timeform ratings and, judged on her run at Bath back in September, is probably the one to beat. Having said that, the lightly-raced Agadir Summer cannot be ruled out and she's another we'll gladly have on side. Martine's Spirit will have to improve again if she is to see of both of those rivals and, with that far from guaranteed, she looks poor value at current odds.

Steps To Freedom (14:55) can confirm himself one of the season's leading two-mile novice hurdlers this afternoon when taking on the likes of Prospect Wells in a mouth watering renewal of the Grade 2 Sharp Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham. Steps To Freedom was one of the best bumper performers around last term, running out the six-length winner of a 13-runner event Tipperary on his debut before putting a luckless run in a similar race at Bellewstown (slipped up) behind him to land the Aintree Festival Bumper in April. He also achieved a Timeform master rating of 113 in four starts on the Flat during the summer. Steps To Freedom appears to have made a smooth transition to hurdles, boasting a 100% record thus far and, whilst Prospect Wells looks sure to be a danger, Steps To Freedom can put his experience edge to good use.

Lay Asifa @ 3.3 in the 12:50 at Lingfield
Lay Martine's Spirit @ 3.35 in the 14:00 at Lingfield
Back Steps To Freedom @ 2.46 in the 14:55 at Cheltenham

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