Shyron back to defend crown off 2lb lower mark

3.40 Lingfield
sunbets.co.uk Handicap (Class 2) | 7f | 4yo+ | ATR

This is a race for trends fans as horses named Shyron have a 100 per cent strike-rate.

Last year's inaugural winner is back to defend his crown in this £19,000 handicap off a 2lb lower mark. He also gets the assistance of a first-time visor, Jane Elliott's 7lb claim and races over the course and distance of his last three wins – all between December 31 and March 4.

This time he faces eight rivals, ranging in age from four to ten.

Hold up, Hold up

There is not a single front-runner in the field and, with the vast majority preferring to be taken back, the race is there for the taking if someone decides to use their initiative.

Perhaps it could be Robert Winston on Kadrizzi. The pair made all to win at Lingfield last January, but that was over five furlongs and this is just his second attempt over seven.

What they say

Dean Ivory, trainer of Kadrizzi
He had a pipe-opener almost two weeks ago and he never got any luck in running there. He's very well, I think the step up will suit him and, being his second run back, I think we're in with a good shout.

Andrew Balding, trainer of Intransigent
He's got some good course form and he's been great this winter. Hopefully he can be competitive once again.

David Simcock, trainer of Horsted Keynes
He's in good order and he's run very pleasing races on his last two starts. Lingfield probably doesn't suit him as well as Newcastle but this is probably a slightly weaker event.

Chris Dwyer, trainer of Suqoor
He seems very well and he's won over course and distance so we know he gets the trip. It's not an ideal draw in nine but he's ready to go for his life and it's good to have Silvestre de Sousa back.

George Margarson, trainer of Shyron
He got no run last time out and and I think he's got a bit lazy with his finishing. Everything's fine if he gets the run, but he got stopped the other day, couldn't go anywhere and then Adam Kirby said he didn't pick up again when he could ask him. We're putting a visor on and with 7lb off, with a lower weight and in that company I think he's got a big shout on a track he loves. He's on his mark and he's got a good draw in a small field.

Phil McEntee, trainer of Pearl Spectre and Swiss Cross
Pearl Spectre has been running well of late and it's good prize-money and a small field so we thought we'd let him take his chance. Swiss Cross is a few pounds out of the handicap but he loves Lingfield and Hollie Doyle takes a valuable three off. Hopefully they can pick up some prize-money.