3:15 Lingfield Tips

A big run from the 4yo during April after coming off a five-month break, finishing a close 4th of 24 in a very competitive Class 2 handicap. Something to build on, and he is on the same mark for this Class 3 handicap, which is a much lower-calibre affair.

After a frustrating three-year-old season plagued by a pelvic injury, he has been steadily brought back to fitness. His recent run at Newmarket (April 16) was eye-catching, finishing 5th in an 18-runner field and showing much more of his old spark. He has drawn the near rail, which is a significant advantage at Lingfield. He runs off a very dangerous handicap mark of 81, down from a career-high of 98.

Winner on the all-weather on final appearance last season. Only beaten by a neck in Abu Dhabi in March and looks a decent bet for each-way betting, with ground conditions set to suit and with Tom Marquand taking the ride ??' another positive.

Christian David has been highly tried the last twice, and connections obviously think that the horse has potential. This race looks a little more winnable, so while the horse is in good form, I will take it to place at least.

The Dragon King comes here in better form than his figures suggest. He won over 7f (Class 4) at Wolverhampton in November, then had a short break before being beaten a head at Newcastle again over 7f in a Class 4. In March he ran in a Friday Night Live meet at Wolverhampton when things didn't go to plan, finishing 5th of 10, but would have been closer with a clear passage. Two weeks after the Wolverhampton run he appeared at the Lingfield all-weather plate finals day, when again 5th of 12 in his first attempt at a mile. Yet again he didn't get the run of the race, being widest of all into the straight and only beaten a length and a half. He is here on a nice racing weight. Hector Crouch knows him well, and with luck in running he can go close.

Sword is interesting on his first start for a new stable of Stuart Williams (previously with John Gosden and David O'Meara). First time tongue piece applied. Very in-and-out sort throughout his career. His handicap mark has stuck close to the mid-eighties all that time. Third of 21 in a big Class 2 handicap at Ascot last July shows what he is capable of on his day. Good draw here in stall 7, and his best form would give him a big chance of success. David Probert rides.