Lingfield preview: Irish Hawke can swoop to success

Irish Hawke can build on a highly promising debut run to land the 1m 3f maiden on today’s marathon eight-race card at Lingfield (16.10).

The Luca Cumani trained colt caught the eye in no uncertain terms when a not knocked about fourth to Plane Song over 1m 2f at Salisbury.

After racing wide towards the rear, the three-year-old got outpaced two from home and showed distinct signs of inexperience before picking up once the penny dropped.

Irish Hawke ran on strongly inside the final furlong to press for third close home under a hands and heels ride, leaving the impression that there was plenty of petrol left in the locker.

It was a most taking performance, and one which suggested the well-bred son of Montjeu would have no problem winning a race of this nature.

The step up in trip looks sure to suit, and another plus is that runners from the Cumani yard generally improving significantly for their first racecourse experience.

Cumani also has a healthy strike rate of 25 per cent at the Surrey venue in the last 12 months, and with Adam Kirby in the saddle Irish Hawke can take this before going on to better things.

In the 1m 3f handicap (16.40), Cahar Fad looks to have been found a nice opportunity to open his account.

The Andrew Hollinshead trained gelding is yet to get his head in front in 12 starts, but did shape well at this track three starts back when third of 12 to Kerrymerry off his current mark of 46.

Although no match for the easy winner, Cahar Fad stuck on well to be beaten 6 1/2 lengths and the winner and runner-up both went on to score next time up to give the form a strong look in the contest of this weak class 6 contest.

The three-year-old then ran below par at Bath, before putting in a far better effort last time out at Beverley when sixth of 11 to Deep Blue Diamond after encountering all sorts of trouble in-running.