Timeform Daily: The Ruby Hen Celebration Handicap (Class 6) (Division I), Lingfield, 12.10

Race of the Day Preview / Timeform / 13 December 2008 / Leave a Comment

Timeform rate the runners from Sunday's opener at Lingfield.

Typically for a Sunday at this time of year the quality action emanates from Ireland, with graded racing taking place at both Cork and Navan. Musselburgh and Lingfield are the two fixtures in Britain and it's the opening contest at the latter track where we will attempt to find the winner. It's an open-looking contest in which Peter Grayson saddles four of the ten runners. The ratings are jointly headed by Thoughtsofstardom and Gleaming Spirit.

Gifted Gamble: First of the four Grayson runners and a fairly useful sort in his time with Kevin Ryan but hasn't been the same for new stable since returning from an absence of a year-and-a-half and hard to recommend. Visored for first time.

Spic 'N Span: In-and-out this year but put best foot forward to get off mark at 26th time of asking in weak maiden at Southwell earlier this month. 3/1 and just mid-field in handicap there on Friday and good chance he'll find some better treated again here.

Gleaming Spirit: Now 3lb lower than when last successful and showed he's capable of still making an impact when second to Godfrey Street in above-average claimer at Catterick last month. Subsequent efforts not so good but this certainly his grade and worth a market check as he looks the pick of the Grayson quartet.

Magic Glade: Not the force of 2007 but has dropped markedly in the weights in the meantime and gave impression his turn could be forthcoming when fifth to Step It Up at Lingfield last time. Jockey George Baker continues in tremendous form.

Thoughtsofstardom: Has had busy year but in much better form of late, following success over course and distance last week with good second to Bookiesindex Boy at Kempton on Wednesday. Another bold show looks on the cards here providing he doesn't feel the effects of what will be his third run in a week.

Triskaidekaphobia: Just modest nowadays but has dropped back down to a favourable-looking mark having not won since January. Should ensure they go a good gallop and looks to have place prospects at very least.

Night Premiere: Some creditable efforts of late often shaping as if drop back to this trip would suit, again not seeing her race out when behind Back In The Red at Kempton last time. Blinkered for first time here and one for the shortlist.

Summer Rose: Has useful sprinting pedigree but not progressing and effort at Southwell on Friday didn't inspire much confidence. Looks best watched at the moment.

Stoneacre Sarah: Won maiden over course and distance in February in which trainer was responsible for seven of the nine runners. Has gone wrong way since and impossible to recommend at present.

Kalligal: Just the one creditable effort to her name this year that when third at Brighton in September and unlikely to be breaking her maiden at the sixteenth attempt here.