Windsor preview: L’ingenue weighted to play leading role

L’ingenue disappointed last time out, but looks worth another chance to confirm previous promise in the 1m 3f handicap on this evening’s seven-race card at Windsor (20.30).

The Ralph Beckett trained filly ran too badly to be true when a well-beaten fifth on her handicap debut at Chester, but prior to that had a progressive profile.

L’ingenue shaped with stacks of promise when fourth of 15 on her debut at Newbury, staying on nicely under tender handling to be beaten 4 1/4 lengths.

The three-year-old finished two places behind stable companion Bellajeu, who went on to finish an excellent second in the Oaks Trial at Lingfield, and was sent off shorter in the betting than that rival.

It suggests that L’ingenue is held in high regard, and the well-bred daughter of New Approach duly improved for the experience to open her account in facile fashion at Lingfield.

After travelling strongly on the heels of the leaders, L’ingenue took up the running approaching the final furlong and sauntered clear to score by six lengths.

The runner-up gave the form a boost by scoring next time up, and it was a most taking performance which suggested L’ingenue needed keeping firmly onside.

A mark of 85 looks workable judged on the manner of that success, and L’ingenue looks decent value to bounce back and show that her run at Chester was all wrong.

Trainer Roger Varian has hit form with a vengeance, and Alizoom can provide the Newmarket handler with another winner in the 5f maiden (19.00).