Even the most ardent All Weather fan couldn't argue that this year’s Finals Day is a vintage one but despite a couple of small fields, there are still two bets worth striking at Lingfield on Good Friday.
The standout is APOLLO ONE; a smart colt already and one whose upwardly mobile profile suggests he should be much shorter in the betting for the Ladbrokes 3 Year Old All-Weather Championships Conditions Stakes than the 9/2 that is currently widely available.
Having recorded a four-length success on his Newmarket debut back in August, the son of Equiano has kept really good company since and defied his inexperience to finish third on his next start in the Solario at Sandown before running sixth in the Flying Scotsman at Doncaster. The form of that Town Moor run is rock-solid with the winner, New Mandate, subsequently landing the Royal Lodge and the third, One Ruler, picking up a Group Three prize at Newmarket next time. Back in eighth was Spycatcher who had previously finished runner-up in the Acomb at York.
From there, Apollo One was able to claim a confidence-boosting victory over six furlongs at Salisbury before he returned with a smart success in the Spring Cup over seven furlongs at Lingfield last month; winning the race with a taking injection of speed turning for home.
Apollo One was all out at the finish that day, with the highly-regarded Megallan closing late on, but the former was entitled to get tired having been forced to race three wide for much of the contest and then winning the hard way by kicking clear a fair way out.
Khuzaam is likely to be all the rage when he contests the Bombardier All-Weather Mile Championships Conditions Stakes, but despite getting his head in front at Chelmsford last time, I’d still have reservations about him in a battle. He’s had breathing issues in the past and while he’s clearly a big talent, that alone might not be enough here.
More straightforward is Mums Tipple but there is scant evidence to suggest he is a miler, while the progressive Fox Duty Free has much more on his plate at this level.
With doubts surrounding a few of those at the top of the market, I can’t help but be drawn back to INTUITIVE who is a horse I’ve always liked and is much better than when beaten in a small field here in late February.
Half an hour earlier, Bangkok should really take plenty of beating in the Betway Easter Classic All-Weather Middle Distance Championships Conditions Stakes, but he has endured a long trip to Saudi Arabia and back since beating Felix here in February and I’d have preferred a bigger field for him, and the promise of a strongly-run race. At 5/4, I’m not sure he’s a bet.
Had eight runners lined up in the Ladbrokes All-Weather Fillies' And Mares' Championships Conditions Stakes, I would have been keen to add an each-way play on Arafi to the staking plan, but with Indie Angel hard to knock at the head of the market and the place terms unappealing, this looks another no-bet race.
Posted at 1540 BST on 01/04/21
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