15:10 Lingfield

Friday 14 February 2020

All14:0014:3515:1015:4016:1016:40

Ladbrokes 'Play 1-2-Free' On Football Handicap

Off time: 15:10 | Winning time: 1m 24.26s

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(4)

Bendy Spirit³⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: Connor Murtagh⁽³⁾| T: R A Fahey| OR: 81| BF| CD

6/1

In good form and won well over C&D on his penultimate start. Wasn't beaten in a higher grade last time and dangerous to rule out back here. Career highest mark a slight concern so a betting check could be useful.

Form: 3223-14

(2)

Badri^t²³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-6| J: K Shoemark| T: C Hills| OR: 80| C

9/4

Looked a reluctant participant in his first couple of outings but a change of tactics saw him take closer order before he hit the front and ran clear last time out. Up a furlong but pedigree suggests it won't be an issue; a player on handicap debut.

Form: 65-1

(5)

Amber Island¹³⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: A Kirby| T: C Appleby| OR: 79| D

5/1

Made all when she got off the mark in a fillies only novice at Leicester in September but downed tools quickly when headed in a valuable Newmarket nursery when last seen. This is a lot easier and no surprise if she bounces back to form.

Form: 3210-

(7)

Phuket Power¹³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: S De Sousa| T: Tom Dascombe| OR: 79| BF| D

11/4

The trip suits ideally and the Kodiac gelding has a fitness edge on his side. Wasn't beaten far when second over C&D at the start of this month and no surprise if he's in the thick of the action. Has a 3lb higher mark to contend with, though.

Form: 301-422

(1)

Odyssey Girl⁷⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: Angus Villiers⁽⁵⁾| T: R Spencer| OR: 78| CD

9/2

Successfully stepped up to 7f in a Class 5 maiden auction here in November and respected on that effort. 2lb worse off with Bendy Spirit on these terms and will do well to uphold the form.

Form: 193721-

(8)

Cheat¹¹³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: Andrea Atzeni| T: P W D'Arcy| OR: 78| D

16/1

Won a nursery for Richard Hannon but then seemed to lose his way at the back-end of last year. Now a has a bit to prove on debut for a new yard but the positive jockey booking is a bonus.

Form: 201748-

(3)

I'm Digby²⁴⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: S W Kelly| T: R Hughes| OR: 77

20/1

Shown clear promise in all three starts so far and possible he'll be more like the finished article now he's been gelded. Up in class and trip, so more required but going the right way and interesting to see how he fares on handicap bow.

Form: 543-

(6)

Zim Baby⁴⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: Jane Elliott| T: M Appleby| OR: 73

20/1

Won over 6f for Paul George at Leicester last summer but couldn't add to his tally as the Flat season progressed. Plenty to prove on AW debut and introduction for a new yard.

Form: 2104-

Forecasts

Badri (9/4), Phuket Power (11/4), Odyssey Girl (9/2), Amber Island (5/1), Bendy Spirit (6/1), Cheat (16/1), Zim Baby (20/1), I'm Digby (20/1)

The Godolphin operation has shown a lot of faith in Charlie Appelby and can see some reward if AMBER ISLAND takes to the new challenge of racing on a synthetic surface. The selection is a half-sister to useful 7f performer Tarjam (as well Listed 6f winner Nota Bene) and has already proved she has the ability to cope over this distance. A strong pace will suit Badri as he steps up in trip and he is a worthy contender for a place on the shortlist, while Phuket Power has race fitness on his side and is also likely to be thereabouts. I'm Digby is another to note with an eye on the future now he steps into handicap company for the first time.