Horse Racing Tips: Katie Midwinter's best bets at Lingfield on Sunday

• Katie Midwinter has a pair of selections at Lingfield

• Talented bumper performer could finally get off the mark over hurdles

• Venetia Williams-trained runner is one to note on return to chasing

Lingfield, 14:00 - Back Block Rockin Beats E/W @ 9/110.00

In the staying 2m7f handicap hurdle at Lingfield, Oliver Signy-trained Block Rockin Beats is a contender to note each-way under Gavin Sheehan.

The six-year-old gelding is yet to strike over hurdles but showed great potential in bumpers, beating Fortune De Mer at Cheltenham on Rules debut before finishing a half-a-length second to the same rival in Listed company at Prestbury Park.

Fortune De Mer has since impressed over obstacles and is currently rated 134 with the scope for further progression, making Block Rockin Beat's bumper form noteworthy.

Although things haven't quite worked out for the gelding as a hurdler yet, his recent fourth in a Kempton hurdle provided hope in his chances of getting off the mark soon enough. He was able to stay on well over the 2m5f trip from the rear of the field suggesting another step up in distance may suit. He's a point winner therefore has stayed three miles previously and there's plenty of stayers in the family, including multiple winner Steely Addition.

If Block Rockin Beats can take a step forward from his recent promising run and build on the outing, he should be capable of making the frame at the least and warrants each-way consideration at odds of 9/110.00.

Lingfield, 14:30 - Back Jeu d'Opale @ 11/43.75

Seven-year-old gelding Jeu d'Opale was well supported into 2/13.00 ahead of his return to action following a 280-day break at Ludlow earlier this month. He travelled well for a long way before fading into fifth, but could come on for his reappearance with the yard among the winners of late.

Trained by Venetia Williams, the chestnut makes his first appearance over fences for his new stable. He has previously won over the larger obstacles when trained in France, winning at Cluny during May 2022 before a 995-day absence.

Earlier in his career, the son of Jeu St Eloi made three appearances over fences before changing hands for €55,000, therefore has prior experience which can hold him in good stead coming into this contest.

Whilst he's yet to show the best of his ability in Britain in three starts to date, there should be further improvement to come from Jeu d'Opale. He's entitled to improve for his recent outing and could come on plenty for a return to chasing, too.

Now read Sam Turner's latest tips here!