The New Year continues with another busy day on Sky Sports Racing as both Lingfield and Southwell host nine-race cards.
1.15 Lingfield – Therapist & Crystal Mariner lock horns
Nicky Henderson’s jumps stars shone over the Christmas period and he will be hoping Therapist can also get the job done on the all-weather at Lingfield, in the Free Bets With BetUK Bet Club Handicap (1.15).
She was last seen finishing a valiant third in the Winter Oaks Trial here last month after switching from hurdling, where she was a two-time winner.
There looks to be a few dangers in a competitive field, namely Andrew Balding’s Hebridean Nomad, a winner at Kempton back in September 2023 before making a promising return here last month after a lengthy absence.
Crystal Mariner has spent most of his career with Sir Michael Stoute and joined Jamie Osbourne after the retirement of the great trainer. He showed some of his old form at Kempton when second behind a horse on the up who is a specialist at the track.
1.45 Lingfield – Havana Sky goes for six-timer
Havana Sky has set his stall out to be the All-Weather Championships Horse of the Year, winning his last five starts and goes for a sixth in the Win £1M With BetMGM’s Golden Goals Handicap (1.45).
He is stepping up in trip for the first time since his earlier days, however this easier seven furlongs should help him. His regular rider Hector Crouch takes the ride who is also looking to All Weather Champion Jockey.
Lord Rapscallion arrives here off a career low mark and showed signs of his old self last time. A sharper trip will help him.
The Smiling Wolf is another who has lost his form but lurks on a dangerous mark being 12lb lower than winning earlier in the season.
5.00 Southwell – Palmar Bay, Lattaash & So Quiet clash in feature
Three last-time winners meet at Southwell in the Best Racing Odds Guaranteed At BetMGM Handicap (5.00).
The Karl Burke-trained Lattaash finally got his head in front last time at Wolverhampton when lowering his sights in Novice company. The form of that isn’t strong but should have given him some confidence for which he has lacked before.
Palmar Bay for Ralph Beckett is nothing but consistent with a string of good recent runs. Jack Doughty takes a valuable 3lb claim off his back which will help the top weight.
So Quiet caught the eye at Southwell over the course and distance and is a 1lb lower for that run. Harry Charlton’s gelding could be dangerous if the race is run to suit.
Watch every race from Lingfield and Southwell all live on Sky Sports Racing on Friday, January 3.
