Sprinter sets five-furlong course record despite being 18lb out of the handicap

Friday: Lingfield

Strong Power was 18lb out of the handicap but followed up his course-and-distance win on Monday with a blazing victory over Marnie James and 103-rated favourite Tone The Barone in the £20,000 feature (2.15).

The five-year-old once again produced an exceptional late burst off a strong pace to set a five-furlong course record.

Trainer Alice Haynes said: "Some people questioned me running him 18lb out the handicap but with the speed rating he got on Monday I was quietly confident.

"He's actually in the February sale, which we might reconsider. He has a couple of entries next week in low-grade company before the handicapper gets hold of him, but we'll see how he comes out of the race."

2.15 Lingfield: full result and race replay

Winning rider Kieran O'Neill told Sky Sports Racing: "He was rated quite high a year and a half ago when he was with George Scott, and Alice gave him a break after getting him from the sales. He's put on 35 or 40 kilos since she's had him.

"I thought he'd win again. It was a much better race but the speed they went up front meant I could hang on to the back of them and pick them off up the straight."

Of the race placing, he added: "He was rated 65 before he won. Why go for a 0-65 and race around for £2,500 when you can come here today for £10,000 and try and get lucky? If you're finishing second you're getting £5,000, if you're finishing third £2,500; it's a no-brainer.

"She's picked the race perfectly and she's a trainer on the up. Hopefully, she can go on to bigger and better things this year."

Super Smith

Lydia Richards trains and owns Smith, who completed a hat-trick in the opening two-mile handicap. The chestnut just held on to win by a head from the fast-finishing Vorashann.

Late withdrawal

An inquiry was held into the late withdrawal of Think Trigger, available at 8-1 on Thursday evening and backed into 7-4, in the mile handicap.

After hearing evidence from the veterinary officer, veterinary surgeon and equine welfare integrity officer, trainer Gary Moore and jockey Rhys Clutterbuck, their comments were forwarded to the head office of the BHA.

Replays, results and analysis

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