Lingfield best bet (1615): Drop in class set to suit Guguss Collonges after recent setback
- John Fearn
- 22 February 2024
An early-morning withdrawal may have reduced this handicap chase to a six-runner field, but it has not diminished the prospect of what should be a fascinating contest over just shy of three miles.
16:15 Lingfield: Download The Racing App Now Handicap Chase (2 miles 7½ furlongs)
It’s easy to see why early favourite Camulus has garnered significant market support despite a year-long absence, as he has since come under the wing of Venetia Williams, who has an impressive record with chasers returning from an extended break.
Planet Sport Bet Daily Special: Bet £20+ cash on any runner in the race and if Camulus wins by more than 5 lengths, get a £5 Free Bet
Galway Mahler should provide the main threat under bottom weight, assuming he can make it all the way round (pulled up in 6/10 outings), and if he can rekindle the form that landed him a six-length win over the same trip in similar conditions at Huntingdon last time out four weeks ago.
Beyond the two market leaders, anyone who shops around for a bookmaker offering three places for this six-runner handicap will find there is scope for better-priced candidates to at least make the frame.
Mister Murchan looks an interesting prospect who has received some support in the Tipstrr camp, but the pick of the bunch appears to be the Roger Teal-trained Guguss Collonges, who has perhaps earned the right to be forgiven for his pulled-up effort when last seen at Chepstow late last month.
Prior to that, this capable seven-year-old had been kept busy with half a dozen appearances in the three months before Christmas, during which time he landed two tidy wins in November, firstly at Stratford, and then more impressively in a 0-105 handicap over this very course and distance.
Returning jockey Lily Pinchin had him jumping well in testing conditions that day, and he showed both willingness and determination to dig deep in the final stages to hold on by a length from the closest of his 14 rivals.
He lines up here just two pounds worse off and in slightly lesser 0-100 company, so assuming his last outing was a one-off blot on the copybook, then he should give another good account of himself here.
Suggested best bet: Guguss Collonges each-way in the 16:15 at Lingfield
- Tip advised by OutsiderSpeedPicks on Tipstrr
READ MORE: Lingfield racing tips: Best bets for Thursday February 22
