Hill Fort can peak in division one of the coral.co.uk Best Odds Guaranteed On Racing Handicap at Lingfield.
Ron Harris’ five-year-old has made stealthy, if unspectacular, progress this winter, but he looks to be coming to hand nicely for division one of the 10-furlong contest.
Although the chestnut son of Pivotal has only won once from 15 career starts, recent efforts have been more encouraging.
That was certainly the case at Wolverhampton on January 8, when he was sent on his way an 8-1 chance in a handicap over just short of this trip.
Hill Fort finished full of running at Dunstall Park to get to within two and a quarter lengths of Dan’s Present in what was a fair race.
Harris will have been most satisfied with that effort, yet might now expect a little bit more over another half a furlong.
After all, he won a maiden over course and distance, when rated 75, and has been left alone by the handicapper following his Wolves run.
With most of his rivals either badly out of form or badly handicapped, this looks a good opportunity.
Fleur Des Mers is one of the most interesting contenders jousting for top honours in the Ladbrokes Handicap.
The four-year-old daughter of Mount Nelson gained one or two admirers on her British debut at Wolverhampton on January 5, when she finished off her race nicely to take third spot behind Tango Sky.
With runner-up Bush Beauty having since gone close later in the month, the form looks more than adequate.
Richard Fahey’s new recruit was probably only just finding her feet at Wolverhampton, so it would be a bit of a surprise if she took a step backwards over this longer trip.
Fleur Des Mers looks an especially difficult horse to assess, so she could feasibly be well treated at the weights.
Spirit Of Gondree would be a most deserving winner of the Ladbrokes Handicap at Wolverhampton.
Milton Bradley’s runner must shoulder joint-top weight, but he is usually a pretty reliable individual and enjoys haring around all-weather tracks.
Tips -
Lingfield: 12.50 El Che, 1.20 HILL FORT (NAP), 1.50 Precision Five, 2.25 Fleur Des Mers, 2.55 Anglophile, 3.30 Pearl Blue, 4.00 Shadarpour.
Wolverhampton: 4.15 Singing Star, 4.45 Mister Marcasite, 5.15 Solar Deity, 5.45 Spirit Of Gondree, 6.15 Kaufmann, 6.45 Symbolic Star.
Dundalk: 6.05 Larghetto, 6.35 Dusty Blue, 7.05 Sassaway, 7.35 Arif, 8.05 Anner Queen, 8.35 Well Insured, 9.05 Viaduct Joey.
Musselburgh: 12.40 Brokethegate, 1.10 Brave Spartacus, 1.40 Alizee De Janeiro, 2.10 Certification, 2.45 Viva Colonia, 3.20 Allez Cool, 3.50 Mardale.
Double: Hill Fort and Spirit Of Gondree.