Hamish chasing a hat-trick

Saturday’s best at Lingfield

It has already been a memorable week of winners for followers of our horse racing previews, with a 9/1 in the bag, as well as a Thursday that ensures we are betting with profits this weekend.

Aiming to keep the good times rolling, we turn our attentions to Saturday’s all-weather meet at Lingfield. We get going at 12.50pm with a punchy seven-furlong handicap, but our first port of call is the penultimate race on the card, the 3.40pm sprint handicap. Hamish McGonagain is the one to be on.

Jeremy Gask sends out his four-year-old gelding looking to complete the hat-trick, following wins at Wolves and Lingfield last month, both over five-furlongs. He was not without his problems when scoring last time out, but was an eye-catching finisher, and today’s challenge should suit.

This represents a step up in class, and he has been slapped with a 6lb rise for his recent form, but that shouldn’t be enough to hinder the progress expected. Confidence is high in the camp and the selection, who boasts wins over both track and trip in the past, has David Parkes on his back again. The pair have struck up a great understanding, joining forces in each of the last five starts, and keeping that partnership together is positive for backers.

Hamish Mcgonagain opened at 10/3 but should see plenty of support in the betting ring before we get down to business.

Botti worth sticking with

By the time Hamish goes in, we should be sitting on a winner, if my thinking is correct. Grendisar lines up as the best in the 3.05pm Winter Derby Trial Stakes. Marco Botti’s seven-year-old has won this race in each of the last two years, edging out Lamar in 2015 and Festive Fare last time.