Timeform Radio Racing Tips: Blue to be a Diamond selection

Rory's two bets come from Lingfield

Rory Delargy is on the radio today and has two selections for you...

Diamond Blue looked a most unlucky loser at Beverley last time, rearing as the stalls opened, which meant that Amy Ryan was unable to remove her blindfold in time, and she did remarkably well to come from well behind to force a photo for second place behind Mount Hollow. A repeat of those antics can't be ruled out, but the handicapper has left her mark unchanged, and she remains unexposed as a sprinter, making her claims obvious in the 13:30 at Lingfield. She responded well to a hood at Beverley, and that headgear is retained. The biggest danger looks to be Tiger Cub (reportedly sore when running poorly last time, and that effort easy to forgive as a result), and I wouldn't put anyone off having a saver on Ilka Gansera-Leveque's filly.

In the preceding contest at 13:00, Illustrious Lad looks a cast-iron bet to trade short in running given his run style and a draw next to the rail. He belatedly shed his maiden status at Kempton (5f) on his penultimate start, and looked set to win for a long way in handicap company over the same C&D last time. It was no disgrace to go down to an in-form rival there, and while his finishing effort looked underwhelming at first glance, it's worth noting that he put some distance between himself and the rest of the field in the final furlong, and is worth giving him the benefit of the doubt despite a tendency to flatter in the past.

The winner of that contest, Ivestar was beaten at Catterick yesterday, but was effectively scuppered by a bad draw there, and it would be harsh to crab him, and by extension Illustrious Lad, based on that effort. Those who are so inclined can look to lay him short in running, but I'll keep things simple by making him a win-only selection. Strategic Action and Loyal Royal are suggested as the likeliest dangers, with the former expected to fare better than last time with his usual tongue tie refitted, and the latter interesting in the case of an overly-strong pace, and worth a second glance for in-running players.

Back Diamond Blue in the 13:30 Lingfield @ 6.25/1 (NAP)
Back Illustrious Lad in the 13:00 Lingfield @ 6.25/1 (NB)

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