Lingfield and Doncaster tips: Pirate King can rule roost

POWER OVER ME ticks all the boxes in the Play 4 To Win At Betway Handicap (2:20) at Lingfield and looks in great shape to record a four-timer.

It’s fair to say that this four-year-old has epitomised the meaning of progressive on his last three starts, going from strength to strength to record a quick-fire hat-trick in just ten days. The son of Ivawood’s latest two victories both came over this course and distance, and it was his most recent victory which was very impressive.

Settling just off the pace, Robyn Brisland’s recruit was sent wide round the home bend but managed to defy that hindrance and quicken up in very taking fashion to comfortably win by over two lengths.

He undoubtedly still had a bit in hand that day and should have an almighty chance to defy a further penalty coming out of stall two.

Selection: POWER OVER ME 6/4

The Betway Handicap (2:55) seems to revolve around the Charlie Fellowes-trained PIRATE KING - but do we give him another chance after finishing third of four just six days ago?

For my sins, the answer to that question is yes now dropping back in grade.

Everything started to go wrong with the withdrawal of three market rivals, turning the race into a four runner affair which was led at a rather slow pace. He never travelled when Kieran Shoemark settled him two wide and was the first off the bridle. Eventually, he didn’t show the turn of foot we know he possesses and weakened rather underwhelmingly inside the final furlong.

Despite that performance, he sets the standard here today and should repay our loyalty.

Of the remaining rivals, P J Mcdonald’s ride Renardeau may be the biggest danger after looking the likely winner last time out before being caught late on. He boasts figures of 11212 at Lingfield and looks poised to run with credit.

Selection: PIRATE KING 5/4

It’s clear you have to pay a premium for siding with the top trainers, the best jockeys and fancy pedigree’s, but as we found out yesterday with Flinteur Sacre, that doesn’t always pay dividends.

Nicky Henderson will be hoping that history doesn’t repeat itself with Emir Sacree in the Albert Bartlett River Don Novices’ Hurdle (2:40) at Doncaster, having made a very promising debut over this side of the English Channel.

When seen last month at Ascot, he went off a non-fancied 11/1 but jumped with authority to make-all ahead of the in-form Robin Castle. Leading at a decent pace, the Seven Barrows recruit travelled strongly before clearing the last two obstacles impressively under pressure to record a length win.

He could be an exciting prospect, but at 9/2 he looks opposable, and Ben Case’s FERN HILL could be the one to throw down the gauntlet to Nico De Boinville’s mount.

This six-year-old has been in red-hot form, winning twice from his three hurdle starts, and has been progressing with every run. On his last appearance, he gallantly stayed on to get the better of the well-fancied Witness Protection - who has subsequently won since - and shaped like the step up to three miles would suit.

The pair were fifteen lengths clear of the next rival and he looks good value at 12/1 with some firms paying five places each way.

Selection: FERN HILL 12/1

KEEP ROLLING deserves interest in the opener at Doncaster (12:55) with Richard Johnson back in the saddle, having found two miles and five furlongs a stretch last time out.

After being in a different league to his rivals in a maiden at Hereford, triumphing by seventeen lengths, the son of Mahler was stepped up in trip at Wincanton. He jumped well and travelled very strongly four from home, but ultimately found little off the bridle when asked for more.

The return to testing conditions will benefit, and Tom O’Brien’s recruit may run a big race at a good price.

Selection: KEEP ROLLING 12/1