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
