Short-priced fancies Bangkok and Forest Of Dean square up in Easter Classic

4.15 LingfieldBetway Easter Classic All-Weather Middle Distance Championships | 1m2f | 4yo+| ITV4/Sky

Bangkok two, Forest Of Dean nil. That is not a shoddy Tripadvisor review or the full-time score in a strange pre-season football friendly, but a burgeoning rivalry between two of the best all-weather middle-distance horses who have so far produced a fairly one-sided result.

Under the standard rules of 'best of three', this competition would have already come to a simple conclusion. However, victory in the Easter Classic carries significant weight and would effectively make prior match-ups redundant. This is the big one, the race they have been aimed at all winter.

For Bangkok, this unorthodox campaign began in Bahrain in November. He disappointed on the rattling-fast turf that day but looked back to his best in three subsequent domestic starts, in which he recorded form figures of 221.

Bangkok: a Classic trial winner in 2019Credit: Mark Cranham

A length split him and Forest Of Dean at Wolverhampton in January, although Bangkok carried 3lb extra, while his John and Thady Gosden-trained rival was making his reappearance after a prolonged 478-day break.

Just under four weeks later they met again over this course and distance in the Winter Derby trial off level weights. Forest Of Dean showed noticeable improvement to get within three-quarters of a length, although clearly couldn't match Bangkok's finishing kick despite being in prime position to strike in a race that favoured those on the lead.

Forest Of Dean briefly struck the front in the straight but failed to sustain his effort in the final half a furlong (11.26sec 1f-line), while Bangkok rallied strongly wide on the course (10.98s) to plunder the prize.

Since then, connections have gone different routes – decisions that could define the third leg of this enthralling battle. Forest Of Dean impressed in the Winter Derby under a masterful ride from Robert Havlin, while Bangkok faced severe kickback when finishing a distant eighth in the Saudi Cup at Riyadh.

Travelling to the Middle East and back after an already tough winter campaign could reduce the likelihood of Bangkok running to his mark and although his head-to-head record with Forest Of Dean reads nicely, it would be no surprise if fortunes are reversed.

Despite the market suggesting it's a two-horse race, those at bigger prices aren't without a chance. Top of that list is Palavecino, who missed an engagement last week to run fresh and could be the pace angle. A fast gallop would bring the fast-improving Assimilation into the equation.
Race analysis by Tom Collins

What they say

Ed Walker, trainer of Assimilation
He's in cracking form. Whatever he lacks in ability, he makes up for in heart and determination. Luke Morris knows him inside out. He probably won't be good enough, but who knows? He always surprises us and is versatile tactically, which could help in a race like this.

Alastair Donald, racing manager for King Power Racing
Bangkok travelled back from Riyadh very well. He has had three weeks and heads here in good order. The main key to our horse is that they go a good gallop because he runs well in that scenario.

Ivan Furtado, trainer of Byford
He's progressive and was unlucky to finish second at Lingfield last time. We know it will be a tough ask but we expect him to run a big race and he deserves to take his chance.

John Gosden, joint-trainers of Forest Of Dean
We were thrilled with his win in the Winter Derby where he got a very smart ride from Rab Havlin and this is the obvious race for him. Obviously we are now taking on Bangkok again which could prove quite demanding.

Brian Meehan, trainer of Palavecino
He's come back really well after some time off and his preparation has gone smoothly. He's fresh, improving and has a solid chance.
Reporting by Jonathan Harding

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