Timeform Daily: Thursday, Lingfield 14:25

Lingfield's 14:25 comes under close inspection.

Timeform take a look at a good sprint handicap at Lingfield on Thursday...

Even Stevens finally exploited lower turf mark at Doncaster in September and ran as well as could be expected in 6f listed race there last time. Best efforts have come over 5f at Southwell, though.

Bajan Tryst was an easy winner of 5f Musselburgh handicap in June and though below that form since is now back below that mark, faring better than of late back in blinkers at Kempton (6f) last time.

Swiss Cross is a useful performer who has drawn a blank this term and, despite running with credit when placed on last 2 outings, may be found wanting again from 5 lb higher mark.

Mezzotint won both starts for this yard at 2 yrs on AW (6f) and off mark for 2012 in 8-runner event at Windsor in June. Absent since and re-fitted with hood off 7 lb higher mark, but worthy of respect.

Woolfall Sovereign improved dropped to sprint trips on AW at the turn of the year, winning 3 times. Failed to beat a rival both runs back on turf last twice, though, and best to look elsewhere after 7 months off.

Corporal Maddox ended long losing run at Ascot in July for Pat Morris and won 11-runner 7f claimer here for Jamie Osborne last week. Not the easiest to predict, but respected starting out for new yard.

Elna Bright has paid his way down the years for various trainers, proving especially effective on polytrack. Has drawn a blank in 2012, however, and others make greater appeal.

Sulis Minerva progressed well on AW last winter and better than ever when scoring over 6f at Kempton in May. Hooded and shaped as if needing run over C&D after 4 months off recently and folly to dismiss.

Valery Borzov has been running respectably of late, not discredited when fourth in pair of Wolverhampton events recently and not ruled out off his sliding mark.

Song of Parkes produced an improved effort to win over 6f at Wolverhampton in October. Never been the most consistent, though, not in same form over that C&D later that month and has left Eric Alston since.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Mezzotint
2. Corporal Maddox
3. Sulis Minerva

Timeform Verdict: Mezzotint has an absence to overcome but his record on polytrack in his short career affords him much respect. He's given the nod over recent course winner Corporal Maddox and Sulis Minerva, who caught the eye on her recent return from a break.

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