Lingfield Preview: Robbin can run his rival Ragged

Ragged Robbin looked miles ahead of the handicapper when bolting up last time out and holds outstanding claims of following-up in the 1m 2f contest on this afternoon’s seven-race card at Lingfield (5.20)

The David Lanigan trained gelding cruised home by 4 1/2 lengths form The Ginger Berry in 1 1m 4f contest at Kempton three days ago, travelling powerfully throughout and winning with tons in hand.

It’s no surprise to see connections turn out Ragged Robbin quickly under a 6lb penalty before the assessor has his say, and the drop back in trip to 1m 2f should not inconvenience.

The son of Speightstown is a half-brother to the smart Main Sequence and bred to be much better than his current mark, and it will be disappointing if the three-year-old doesn’t land the spoils in what looks a very winnable class 6 contest full of exposed types.

Reginald Claude has an excellent record at the track and looks the answer to the 6f handicap (3.50) after shaping as if coming back to form last time out.

The Mark Usher trained gelding is a three-time course winner, with the latest of those successes coming back in January where he came with his customary late rattle to beat Daneside by 1/2 a length off a mark of 56.

The six-year-old is now running off 2lb lower, and ran really well over 7f here 11 days ago when third of 12 to Blue Clumber over 7f.

The son of Monsieur Bond will be suited by the drop back to 6f, a trip over which he has notched all six career successes, and is undoubtedly weighted to go in again.
In the 7f handicap (4.50), course specialist Bertie Blue Boy could take some pegging back in the hands of George Baker.

The six-year-old rattled off a hat-trick of victories over course and distance earlier in the year, making all and staying on strongly on each occasion.

The gelding is now just 3lb higher than when last successful, and is entitled to strip much fitter for his recent comeback run here after a much deserved break.