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Previews28 February 2025

The Winter Oaks heroine seeking an all-weather five-timer - plus the other names to note on a stacked Lingfield card

A Group 2-winning sprinter, a smart hurdler and a rapid improver are among those in action at Friday's meeting

Charlotte's Web (near): powers to victory at Lingfield
Charlotte's Web (near side) defied a wide draw in the Winter Oaks and has a better berth this timeCredit: Andrew Redington

Charlotte’s Web bids to complete a remarkable five-timer for Simon and Ed Crisford in the penultimate race on All-Weather Championships Trials Day at Lingfield, the BetUK AWC Middle Distance Trial Handicap (4.45).

The prolific four-year-old knows all about the Surrey circuit, having won her last two races over this course and distance including the valuable Winter Oaks, when she defied a wide draw in stall 11 to make all under Jack Mitchell.

Harry Davies, who knows plenty about gate speed having recently returned from a winter spell in Australia, takes over on Charlotte’s Web, who appears better drawn this time around in stall six.

Philip Robinson, racing manager to Rabbah Racing, owners of Charlotte’s Web, said: “She loves the track and is on a roll, but did well to win last time as she had to come from stall 11. She has a better draw this time and hopefully can notch the five-timer.”

Last year's winner Penzance bids for a repeat success off 2lb higher. Chris Dixon of owners The Horse Watchers syndicate said: "He was disappointing last time but was a bit under the weather after the run. I think he would've taken all the beating in the void race at Chelmsford before that, and if he's back in that sort of form after a short break then he should be competitive." 

Jack Mitchell switches to rival Newmarket runner Dragon Icon, who was ninth in this a year ago behind Penzance but hasn’t had much luck recently.

Mitchell said: “He’s up in trip and hasn’t had much luck at Newcastle lately where he’s finished fast off a slow pace. Hopefully he can run well but is drawn wide enough in ten."

Simon Pearce supplies the topweight in the shape of Storm Catcher, who is closely matched with Penzance on old form.

Pearce said: “We’re taking on Penzance again, who will be tough to beat, I’d imagine. He spent some time at Jamie Lloyd’s Far Westfield Farm on a break and has come back in great shape. If he can finish in the first three, we’ll be delighted.”

Stripping slightly fitter will be Irish hope Genoah, who is on a hat-trick after back-to-back wins at Dundalk, the latest just 16 days ago. He is the mount of former champion apprentice Billy Loughnane.

Also ruing the luck of the draw are connections of King’s Code, who brings some smart form to the table but is berthed out in stall 12.

Emma Folkes, assistant trainer to David Evans, said: “He’s in great form but will find it a challenge from his outside draw in stall 12. Hopefully if the race pans out his way he can slot in and come home strong."


A runner to note in each of the other five trials

Brazilian Rose (2.25)
BetMGM AWC Fillies And Mares Trial Handicap, 7f

Rebecca Menzies has utilised apprentice Kaiya Fraser to great effect in recent times, including on this filly who just failed in her bid for a four-timer at Newcastle last month.

Fraser racked up a hat-trick of wins on the four-year-old at that course, and although a 5lb rise has now kicked in, she's a course-and-distance winner who looks capable of more improvement.

The Flying Seagull (3.00)
BetMGM AWC 3 Year Old Trial Handicap, 6f

This son of Kodiac is trained by Hugo Palmer for a syndicate made up of present and former players of Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion.

A winner of a Chester maiden last summer before disappointing back there two weeks later, when he got upset in the stalls, he has since been gelded as looks to get back on track on his all-weather debut following a 231-day absence.

Shartash (3.35)
BetUK AWC Sprint Trial Handicap, 6f

The classiest horse on the card having won a Group 2 in Ireland and promised so much on his first two starts for Archie Watson in the early part of last season (was sent off at 13-2 for the Group 1 Jubilee at Royal Ascot).

He carries a big weight for his first start in a handicap – and on the all-weather – but could easily outclass his rivals at this level if taking to the surface.

Givemefive (4.10)
BetUK AWC Marathon Trial Handicap, 2m

The famous connections keep on coming as this five-year-old is owned by golfers Graeme McDowell and Brooks Koepka, for whom he gained success at Cheltenham in October.

He is a three-time winner over hurdles in all but was well below par on his last two starts and is switched back to the Flat against rivals including the Willie Mullins-trained Mr Escobar.

Destructive (5.20)
BetMGM AWC Mile Trial Handicap, 1m

One of the most promising horses of the all-weather season gets the chance to test himself against better opposition, having won twice with ease at Wolverhampton.

Always held in high regard by trainer Michael Bell – he spent last winter in Dubai where he ran three times at Meydan – the four-year-old has improved for a gelding operation and could have plenty more to give.


Read these next:

5.05 Newbury: 'He needs the ground pretty heavy' - key contenders aiming to bounce back in stayers' contest 

An eyecatching all-weather contender and in-form teams bid for more success - Chris Cook's three things to note on Friday 

Ballysax winner has first start since last year's Derby and Highclere debut scorer back in action - Friday's punting pointers 


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