Lingfield preview: Ertidaad to cash-in on class drop

David Metcalf | January 5, 2016

Ertidaad can take advantage of a drop in the weights and ease in grade to land the 7f maiden handicap on today’s card at Southwell (15.30).

The colt failed to get his head in front in 10 starts for the late Pat Eddery, but did run a number of solid races to make the frame which read really well in the context of this contest.

They include a good third to Captain Marmalade in a class 5 contest at Chepstow off 68, and Ertidaad is now able to race off a career-low mark just 55.

That gives the four-year-old major claims at the weights now dropped down into class 6 company for the first time on debut for trainer Emma Owen.

Ertidaad also comes and the contest on the back of a solid 1 3/4 length sixth of 10 to Emperor’s Choice at Kempton, and connections are now fitting him with the combination of a tongue-strap and visor for the first time.

If they have the desired effect Ertidaad is going to be tough to beat, and another plus is that the son of Kodiac now gets the services of Adam Kirby in the saddle who rides the track so well.

Midnight Destiny can claim maiden win

In the 5f handicap (15.00), Midnight Destiny looks to have been found an excellent opportunity to open her account.

The Derek Shaw trained filly remains a maiden after 17 starts but has run well to make the frame on five occasions.