Today's Racing Tips: Sam Turner leaves it to Lihyan to land Rasen handicap

• Our tipster returns with a strong fancy for Wednesday

• Menzies gelding ready to strike for Maggs

• Rasen race should set up nicely for selection

Market Rasen, 13.55 - Back Lihyan @ 15/44.75

The handicap Liyhan contested at Aintree at the end of October won by Ernest Gray looks a strong piece of form already and a repeat of that performance could see the consistent seven-year-old back in the winners' enclosure here.

The handicappers rate the selection's last two performances as the best of his career and, while he had every chance to go past the victorious Ernest Gray on Merseyside - subsequent Cheltenham winner Kikijo a place behind in fourth - Lihyan didn't really enjoy much luck in-running at Newbury in a similar race to this last time.

After flattening the second last hurdle, rider William Maggs tried to burrow his way up the rail to inch past the front-running Bill Baxter and game winner Haiti Couleurs.

Unfortunately for connections, the door was shut firmly in his face at that point just as he was beginning to find a head of steam and his challenge petered out into third.

Nevertheless, that was another fine display from Lihyan who looks to have returned even better than before for a 119-day break prior to his fine Aintree performance, while inspection of his profile reveals he has won following 18, 20 and 21 days off the track which augurs well for his chances here. 

Now read Katie Midwinter's latest tips here