Can Eclair D'Ainay back up Wetherby win for the Skeltons in £50,000 event?

Friday: 1.50 Lingfield
racehorselotto.com Handicap Chase | Class 2 | 2m | 5yo+ | ITV4/SKY

Good two-mile chasers at Lingfield have become a rare sight in recent seasons. There used to be a novice chase over the minimum trip in late November which in its time was won by Gauvain and Sire De Grugy, but that race slipped down the grades in the second half of the 2010s and all that remained on the same card in 2021 was a 0-105 handicap.

So while this race might not break virgin ground, it is certainly novel. The prize fund of £50,000 means it has attracted a bigger field than Saturday's Edward Courage Cup at Warwick, which is an established event but worth just over half the money.

On top of financial considerations, it is suspected the extra six days between this race and the Castleford might also have been a factor in connections' decision to come here with the somewhat lightly-raced Eclair D'Ainay. His 7lb rise for winning at Wetherby looks plenty, as only the early leaders were involved in a race run on similarly deep ground to these projected conditions.

His form in small-field, bad-ground races might make him out to be more progressive than he is, although he would not be alone in that. Frero Banbou has been running career bests of late, admittedly in better races, while looking a little exposed. Cedar Hill won with his attitude as much as anything else at Kelso last time.

The main dangers appear to be One True King and Financier. Both come here off excusable poor runs, Financier's being his reappearance while One True King paid for an early mistake in a strong race at Ascot.

Before that, both had been impressive winners. Financier had beaten useful but exposed sorts easily at Hereford, while One True King's win at Sandown appeals as strong form with a mixture of the well treated (Darebin, Early Du Lemo) and in form (Desque De L'Isle, Out On The Tear) behind him. If either takes up a similarly prominent position this time, they might well take Eclair D'Ainay's measure.
Race analysis by Keith Melrose

Thomson treks south from Berwickshire

Scottish trainer Sandy Thomson was embarking on his first trip to Lingfield on Thursday lunchtime, where he has two runners including Cedar Hill in this handicap chase.

The Berwickshire-based trainer is hoping the 414-mile trip pays off and also saddles Crossgalesfamegame in the preceding mares' novice handicap chase (1.20).

Sandy Thomson: making the long trip to Lingfield for the first timeCredit: Edward Whitaker

Thomson said on Thursday: "We've never had a runner at Lingfield before and it's a long way so we’re heading off at lunchtime today. We plan to stay over at the on-site hotel and from there go up to Haydock on Saturday but we just hope the meeting is not off with the frost. The owners are not scared of having a go and we're very much looking forward to our first trip."

On the chances of Cedar Hill, he added: "He has form with Eclair D'Ainay from Kelso last season and there is a small turnaround in the weights. We were delighted with him last time but unfortunately he's never won anywhere but Kelso for us although he has run well at other tracks. Thankfully, with the ground as it is it looks as if it's going to be a stiff two miles, which is what he wants."

What they say

Dan Skelton, trainer of Eclair D'Ainay
He was good at Wetherby last time and the ground is similar here in a similar type of race. He's just got to maintain that form and I've been happy with him at home.

Kerry Lee, trainer of Financier
This trip should be better for him and he should enjoy the ground as it was only good to soft at Ascot last time. My string have been under a bit of a cloud of late but we're hoping for a change in fortune.

Sam Twiston-Davies, rider of One True King
We're hoping the ground and trip will suit him. He was flat out for most of the way at Ascot last time so we’re hoping the ground slows the others down a bit.

Philip Hobbs, trainer of Le Ligerien
We know he copes with very soft ground which will be a big plus. There's a lot of money on offer so we'll give it a go.
Reporting by David Milnes

Friday's race previews:

2.25 Lingfield: 'This is a good race for him' - On The Blind Side given golden opportunity

3.00 Lingfield: 'The boys who own him are quite excited about this' - novice chase quotes

3.35 Lingfield: 'The Irish could have a bit in hand' - who fears the raiders in £100k handicap?

6.15 Dundalk: Group 1 winner Thunder Moon warms up for Saudi target in classy conditions event

Meydan: O'Meara's admirable stalwart Lord Glitters bids for another Meydan victory

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