Can Sweet Fantasy land another all-weather blow for Beckett and Ryan?

Saturday: 1.37 Lingfield
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Rossa Ryan and Ralph Beckett are a potent force when teaming up on the all-weather. The pair have combined for 17 winners from 62 runners and that 27 per cent strike-rate would have yielded a profit of £22.23 for a £1 stake on all their representatives.

They join forces with just one runner on Winter Million Saturday at Lingfield and that is Sweet Fantasy, who is bidding to record her first victory at this track on her third attempt.

Sweet Fantasy was beaten only a neck on her first start over course and distance in November and appeared to improve when upped to a mile and a half at Southwell next time. She recorded her maiden win there but failed to build on that back at this distance here last time.

Stamina, rather than speed, appears to be Sweet Fantasy’s strong suit and Ryan will probably aim to be prominent, alongside other pace angles Baby Steps, Night Bear and Paris Lights.

Paris Lights made most of the running when successful on his first run for George Boughey in a course-and-distance novice event last time under William Buick and Ryan Moore looks sure to have his mount up with the pace again, but those tactics aren’t always ideal at this track.

Races over a mile and a quarter at Lingfield often go to horses finishing down the outside, late and fast from the rear, and Dream Harder looks the one most likely to do just that.

He was beaten on his only start at this course, but that was over a quarter-mile further and he has done all his best work late when scoring at Wolverhampton and Newcastle on his last two starts. If ever there were a race that might set up for his closing tactics, it could be this one.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway

Billy 'the kid' booked to shoot down rivals on Pistoletto

Billy Loughnane has been making all-weather headlines on a regular basis in recent weeks, and the fact the red-hot apprentice is still able to take 7lb off Pistoletto’s back is little short of theft.

It is still early days, but Loughnane looks the part, with 13 winners to his credit already this year, and is understandably riding with tremendous confidence.

Four-time all-weather winner Pistoletto has dropped to a fair mark – even before Loughnane’s claim is taken into account – and trainer John Ryan is hoping for a big run from a horse who tackled Newmarket’s Cambridgeshire and the Buckingham Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot last year.

Officially rated 94 last June, Pistoletto is down to mark of 80 at Lingfield and all the ingredients appear to be there for a decent run.

“Pistoletto is back at a track where he has run well before,” Ryan said. “He’s had a few little health issues but has returned to form and runs over the distance that probably suits him best off a sensible mark. He’s got an each-way chance in a competitive race.”

This is not the first time Ryan has snapped up the services of Loughnane. “Billy has already had a few rides for me. He’s a lad in form,” the trainer said.

“Pistoletto can be a tricky horse to ride, but the kid’s got the brain on him. I’m hopeful of a nice run.”

What they say

Amy Murphy, trainer of Tarbaan
He’s a nice horse and always has been. A mile and a quarter suits him on the all-weather and I hope he can run a big race.

Dave Loughnane, trainer of Baby Steps
He’s rock solid, year in, year out. He’s in good order at present and I’m hopeful he can put in a bold performance.

Tony Carroll, trainer of Night Bear
He won three times last year and had a good time of it. This is a more competitive race than he’s used to, but I still think he’ll run very well. He has an each-way chance.

Terry Kent, trainer of Obsidian Knight
I’m very happy with him. He’s been unlucky in a few of his races, but that can happen on the all-weather. I don’t think the trip is an issue with him – he’s quite a versatile horse – but the stronger pace he’s likely to get at a mile and a quarter will suit. We’re delighted to get Tom Marquand to ride him.
Reporting by Richard Birch

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