Can Godolphin's Unforgotten defy 659-day absence on his handicap debut?

Class 4 handicaps at Lingfield don’t come much stronger than this one and it will be fascinating to see how Unforgotten fares on his return from 659 days off the course.

Unforgotten had some smart form in novice company a couple of years ago. He was beaten only a length and a quarter into second by Group winner Mohaafeth at Lingfield in March 2021 and improved on that when bolting up at Newcastle when tried in blinkers next time.

Mohaafeth is now rated 112 and, when Unforgotten finished second to him, Rebel Territory was back in third. That rival now has a BHA mark of 93, so Unforgotten could be well treated racing off just 86 on his handicap debut. But can he return in top form after a layoff?

The Gosden stable haven’t had many return to the track after so long off the course and all four runners who were having their first start in more than 600 days were beaten in the last ten years. They finished 8527 and that suggests Unforgotten is opposable on this return.

Farasi Lane has some strong turf form and isn’t out of it if he can reproduce that level on the all-weather. He is 1-3 on sand, with the win coming at Kempton, and this will be his first start after wind surgery. Ward is 1-4 with runners having their first run after an op this decade.

The final word goes to course specialist Starshiba, who has won three times here, including twice over course and distance, and was a fast-finishing second at Wolverhampton on Friday.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway

What they say

Sean Quinn, assistant to John Quinn, trainer of Tropez Power
He won first time out and then ran well at Southwell last time in a race that’s worked out well. I think this race looks quite competitive, but that should be the case when the money on offer is decent for the grade, which it is. He’s potentially a horse for the Spring Mile.

Tom Ward, trainer of Farasi Lane
He’s obviously been off the track a while. On his best form he should be bang there, hopefully the wind op has worked. He’s in good form at home, we’d be hopeful he can finish in the first three or four and run well.

John Butler, trainer of Brains
He’s on a winning spree. I’d be surprised if he’s not there or thereabouts again, there’s no reason why he shouldn't be competitive still. It’s all about confidence with the older horses and he’s got his confidence back. He’s won around there before and he won quite nicely the last day. It’s a little bit more competitive but I think he’s there again with a winning chance.

Alan King, trainer of Gavi Di Gavi
He’s come on from his first run of the year and should give a good account, although he’s probably a bit high in the handicap.

William Stone, trainer of Dashing Dick
It’s probably a slightly more competitive grade than he’s been running in, which would be my only concern. They’re better horses than he’s been running against and it’ll be harder for him, but he’s good order.
Reporting by Charlie Huggins

Read these next:

Jockey Club scraps dress codes to make racing more 'accessible and inclusive' 

Wincanton: Freddie Gordon left with no chance as Jet Marshall wins chaotic race

Members' Club special offer: 50% off three months 

Stay ahead of the field with the ultimate racing subscription – and your first month FREE. Enjoy the Racing Post digital newspaper and award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing, and make informed betting decisions with our expert tipping and form study tools. Head to the subscription page and select 'Get Ultimate Monthly', then enter the code FREE to get Members' Club free for one month. First month free, subscription renews at full monthly price thereafter. Customers wishing to cancel will need to contact us at least seven days before their subscription is due to renew.