Push-button stayer Rainbow Dreamer fancied to clear away from chief market rival

2.00 Lingfield
Buy at 1.75 in a match bet with Ranch Hand

It is highly unlikely that Ranch Hand will be given a similarly soft lead as he had in a qualifier for this race at Chelmsford last month. The Andrew Balding-trained stayer was allowed to coast to the front in that three-runner contest and victory was never in doubt. It was a gift.

He is sure to face some pace pressure in this Marathon event which should soften him up for closers, who include Rainbow Dreamer, who is rated 4lb superior and showcased his ability to quicken at Kempton last time.

Although Rainbow Dreamer was also the recipient of an easy lead that day, most of his best performances have come when he's tracked the pace, and it is likely that he reverts to customary tactics here.

The Alan King-trained eight-year-old, who has finished fourth in the Sagaro Stakes and fifth in the Northumberland Plate last summer, will relish the shorter straight at Lingfield and his relatively electric acceleration could put lengths between him and his main market rival in the final couple of furlongs.

Rock Eagle, Australis and Island Brave are interesting at bigger prices, but in a match bet with Ranch Hand, Rainbow Dreamer looks a reliable and profitable play.

2.00 Lingfield
Sporting (50-25-10) 20-23 Rainbow Dreamer, 16-19 Ranch Hand, 12-15 Rock Eagle, 11-14 Amtiyaz, 10-13 Australis, 5-7 Lucky Deal, 4-6 Island Brave.

Match bet 0.75-1.75 Rainbow Dreamer/Ranch Hand.

2.35 Lingfield
Sporting (50-25-10) 30-33 Indie Angel, 18-21 Fizzy Feet, 14-17 Shimmering Dawn, 10-13 Arafi, 3-5 Nirodha, Pholas.

Match bet 0-1 The Field/Indie Angel.

3.10 Lingfield
Sporting (50-30-20-10) 17-20 Harry's Bar, 11-14 Exalted Angel, Summerghand, 10-13 Venturous, 9-12 Lampang, 8-11 Aberama Gold, Highland Dress, 6-8 Lord Riddiford, 5-7 Gulliver, Tinto, Tone The Barone, 3-5 Brian The Snail.

Match bet -0.25-0.75 Exalted Angel/Venturous.

3.45 Lingfield
Sporting (50-25-10) 19-22 Diligent Harry, 15-18 Mighty Gurkha, 11-14 Apollo One, 8-11 Victory Heights, Zamaani, 4-6 Yazaman, 3-5 Bakersboy, Bravado, Water Of Leith, 1-3 Silent Queen.

Match bet 0.75-1.75 Mighty Gurkha/Zamaani.

4.15 Lingfield
Sporting (50-25-10) 28-31 Bangkok, 25-28 Forest Of Dean, 9-12 Assimilation, 8-11 Palavecino, 5-7 Sky Defender, 3-5 Byford.

Match bet 0-1 Bangkok/Forest Of Dean.

4.45 Lingfield
Sporting (50-25-10) 19-22 Khuzaam, 14-17 Mums Tipple, 9-12 Intuitive, 8-11 Fox Duty Free, 7-9 Silver Quartz, 6-8 Documenting, 5-7 Bless Him, Via Serendipity, 3-5 Mission Boy, 1-3 Canagat.

Match bet 1.5-2.5 Khuzaam/Intuitive.

Friday's Lingfield card

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