Timeform Daily: Saturday 21st February, Lingfield, 3.40

Race of the Day Preview / Timeform / 20 February 2009 / Leave a Comment

Timeform run the rule over the Bet Multiples - Betdaq Cleves Stakes (Listed).

Seven go to post for this valuable six furlong contest open to four year olds and upwards.

Irish Raider Duff is a very smart performer who won three listed events in 2008. He looked as good as ever when beating Bonus at Kempton by half-a-length in December, dictating a modest pace before winding things up over three furlongs out. Although he got the run of the race that day he should continue to prove a major force at this level. He usually races prominently although has looked less than keen.

Ceremonial Jade held his form well in 2008, winning three times. He put in a best effort when successful at Great Leighs in mid-September and finished a creditable third behind Duff in the aforementioned Kempton contest on his latest start, doing well to finish as close as he did given how the race unfolded. He is versatile with regards to tactics and is more than capable of recording his first success in listed class.

Matsunosuke has been the star of the all-weather this winter, and has been successful three times already in 2009. He put up one of the best performances seen on the all-weather in this country when defying a BHA mark of 109 in a handicap at over five furlongs at this course last time, cruising into contention and produced to lead close home to beat Little Edward by half-a-length. He is tough and reliable, and it will be surprising should he prove unable to cope with this step up in grade.

Dvinsky won a handicap at Great Leighs in January and has posted largely creditable efforts since, though he was below form when unable to lead in a handicap at Wolverhampton four days ago. Although he is a consistent sort, the Stravinsky gelding has to bounce back from that below par effort and has plenty to find on Timeform ratings in this company.

David Elsworth saddles Swiss Franc. The four year old colt was better than ever when finishing two-and-a-quarter lengths second to Matsunosuke in a handicap at this track last time, settling better than usual and beaten only by that thriving rival. He is 2 lb better off with Matsunosuke in this listed event, but that may not be enough to close the deficit between the two. Swiss Franc has looked quirky in the past, although he has the assistance of Jamie Spencer for the first time.

German challenger Smarten Die showed useful form when finishing fifth behind Duff in a listed event at this course on his British debut, however he has plenty of improvement to find to turn the tables with that opponent. Nick Littmoden's Orpsie Boy returned from a three month break to finish a creditable sixth behind Flowing Cape at Wolverhampton last time and looks to face a stiff task in this company.