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‘Deadly Double’, Tuesday, March 1

‘Deadly Double’, Tuesday, March 1  In the Ladbrokes Apprentice Handicap (5.10) at Lingfield on Tuesday, Eastern Dragon is with his fourth trainer since last August and was on a losing run of 17 prior to making his debut for Seamus Durack over 7 furlongs at Wolverhampton a week ago. However, better was clearly expected of the Elnadim gelding because not only was he sent off 15/8 favourite for that contest, but justified favouritism with something in hand, running on well to beat Calendonian Laird by a comfortable 1½ lengths. His previous success also came over 7 furlongs, at Brighton in October 2014, off a handicap mark of 73 so, even under a 6lb penalty, he looks remarkably well handicapped if anywhere remotely near his best form.

In the Coral Handicap (3.40), Cosmic Halo has been beaten half a length and a nose, in this grade, on his last two starts over course and distance and deserves a change of luck. A 2lb rise in the weights is probably neither here nor there for the Halling mare, who’s won off a 7lb higher mark in the past. She’s accumulating a lengthy losing run but, while she’s never won on a synthetic surface, there appears nothing wrong with her attitude.

Selections: Lingfield 5.10 Eastern Dragon, Lingfield 3.40 Cosmic Halo, 1-point Win Double

‘Deadly Double’, Wednesday, February 24

‘Deadly Double’, Wednesday, February 24  In the Betbright App Open Hunters’ Chase (4.05) at Doncaster on Wednesday, last year’s Foxhunter Chase third Paint The Clouds has an absence of 271 days to overcome but, having won the same race last year after a similar break, is hard to oppose. Warren Greatrex’s 11-year-old was subsequently a beaten favourite in the Bet365 Gold Cup Chase at Sandown and the Champion Hunters’ Chase at Stratford, but should find this a completely different ball game. In fact, he has 11lb and upwards in hand of his rivals, according to official ratings, so this should be the proverbial “shoo in” if he’s anywhere near his best.

In the opening race (2.30) at Doncaster, Divine Spear sets a similarly high standard. Nicky Henderson’s 5-year-old was beaten by Baoulet Delaroque on his hurdling debut over 2 miles 3½ furlongs on Town Moor last month but, with the winner completing a hat-trick in progressively higher grades, he looks well treated, despite a 6lb penalty for winning at Ludlow three weeks ago. Dropped back to today’s minimum trip, the Oscar gelding comfortably drew clear to win by 5 lengths on that occasion and can win again on the way to better things. Of course, there’s always the possibility of something lurking among his largely unexposed rivals but, even so, it will take a smart performance to lower his colours.

Selections: Doncaster 4.05 Paint The Clouds, Doncaster 2.30 Divine Spear, 1-point Win Double

‘Deadly’ Double, Friday, February 12

‘Deadly’ Double, Friday, February 12  In the 4.40 at Wetherby on Friday, the step up to 2 miles 5 furlongs and beyond appears to have been the making of Navanman and David Pipe’s 7-year-old can complete a quick-fire hat-trick. A maiden after six starts, the Well Chosen gelding was a ready winner over 2 miles 5 furlongs at Towcester eight days ago and once again won very easily under a 7lb penalty over 2 miles 7½ furlongs at Fakenham four days later. A further 7lb penalty is offset by Michael Heard’s 7lb claim and, despite 12st 7lb, Navanman is clearly improving at a rate of knots and hard to oppose.

In the 3.35, bumper winner Lake View Lad parted company with jockey Stephen Mulqueen on his first two starts over hurdles, but made amends at Ayr last month, when quickening clear on the run-in to win by 5 lengths. The son of high-class jumps sire Oscar carries a 7lb penalty for that victory, but is due to go up 9lb in the ratings, so looks one to follow in novice hurdles.

Selections: Wetherby 4.40 Navanman, Wetherby 3.35 Lake View Lad, 1-point Win Double