Key contenders and trainer views as Amade eyes six-timer in Marathon

Betway All-Weather Marathon Championships Conditions Stakes| 2m | 4yo+ | ITV4 & Sky

The Marathon was one of three races on this card last year that went to a French-trained runner and Amade looks to be in pole position to give the French a repeat success.

Trained in partnership by Marco Botti's cousin Alessandro and uncle Giuseppe, Amade completed a five-timer when a decisive winner of the last qualifier for this race at Chelmsford at the start of last month and is rated at least 5lb superior to any of his rivals on official ratings.

He has taken his form to another level since being gelded in December and, while his off-the-pace running style is likely to require luck in running at Lingfield, he is reunited with Christophe Soumillon, who is two from two aboard the horse.

Alessandro Botti, who trains with his father Giuseppe in Chantilly, said: "He won well at Chelmsford last time and while the straight at Lingfield is a bit shorter, I don't think it will be a problem as he has won at Marseille [which is a tight track].

"He stays well and likes this long distance. This race has been the long-term plan and Christophe Soumillon knows him well. It's my 44th birthday on Friday so hopefully he will give me a nice present."

Ryan ready for battle with stablemates

Newmarket trainer John Ryan had hoped to run three in this race but a late injury to Grey Britain has reduced his challenge to just Aircraft Carrier and Battle Of Marathon.

Aircraft Carrier has done exceptionally well since joining Ryan from Ballydoyle in November and rattled off an all-weather hat-trick through December and January.

That winning run came to an end behind Amade last time, although little went Aircraft Carrier's way.

"He slipped coming out the stalls and then took a long time to warm up in the race," said Ryan. "He did finish strongly and is back in good order. Lingfield will be a test and is a tricky track but he's got a good draw which helps."

Battle Of Marathon, another who was formerly trained by Aidan O'Brien, is on a losing run stretching back to December 2017 but, unlike many of the market principles, is proven at the track.

Ryan added: "It's the first time at the distance for Battle Of Marathon and he's not without a chance. He's learnt to settle well and has a high cruising speed."

Marquand confident Spark Plug can fire

A top-two finish would take Spark Plug's career earnings through the £300,000 barrier and the 2016 Cambridgeshire winner is unexposed over staying distances.

He beat subsequent Scottish Champion Hurdle winner Verdana Blue in a Listed race over 1m4f at Kempton in December and was beaten by a tiny margin when runner-up on his first run over 2m at the same track last time.

Spark Plug (right) remains unexposed over staying tripsCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

"The race wasn't really run to suit last time but we were delighted with that off the back of an absence," said big-race rider Tom Marquand.

"There's no doubt in my mind that he stays now and Lingfield is not as testing as Kempton so I can ride him with confidence. He's been a great horse and hopefully he's got a very good chance."

What they say

James Fanshawe, trainer of Higher Power and Lord George
Amade has looked different class but there's not much between the rest of them. Lord George was second last year but has been a bit in and out since then. Hopefully he can reproduce last year's form. The Chelmsford race Higher Power ran in last time is working out very well. He's been running well on the all-weather but isn't getting any younger.

Higher Power: one of two runners for James FanshaweCredit: John Grossick Racing Photography

Neil King, trainer of Petite Jack
What he did over hurdles in the winter would more than suggest he'll stay the trip. We've not been handed a favourable draw and we'll drop him in. I'd love to think he has a great each-way chance, he just needs more luck in running than last time.

Jane Chapple-Hyam, trainer of Stamford Raffles
The competition is tough but he's capable. He's in really good order and there have been no problems heading into the race. Amade will be tough to beat but he's got to overcome the travel.

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