Lingfield

Tomorrow, January 19, 2026ChaseClass 33m4f

Verdict

SPECIAL JOHN is a younger stayer on the up for a very capable yard, and he can improve again to land the hat-trick on first start over a marathon trip. Hidden History couldn't build on a promising start over fences at Sandown last time but he's unexposed over this sort of distance and may get back on track for the Dan Skelton yard. Val Dancer merits respect returned to a more extreme test, while Makin'yourmindup would be interesting if back to his useful best.

Special John
Hidden History
Val Dancer

Win or Each Way

Each Way terms: 1/4 odds for first 4 places

1. Makinyourmindup
J: Harry CobdenT: Paul Nicholls
F: 42112/4
Price History:
-
Age:
9
Weight:
12-0
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
134
Days Since Last Run:
44
Verdict
Useful sort who won back-to-back 3m Newbury handicaps in early 2024. Off 20 months, left the impression he needed the run when remote fourth in Welsh National trail at Chepstow, considerately handled on first start since a wind op. Ability looked intact that day and should be suited by longer trip.
2. Art Decco
J: Harry KimberT: Robert Walford
F: 111/251-61
Price History:
-
Age:
10
Weight:
11-13
Gear:
cheekpieces
Official Rating:
133
Days Since Last Run:
45
Verdict
Reliable/game sort enhanced his fine strike-rate over fences when taking the Devon National at Exeter (30.7f) in February and better than ever when successful over same C&D on second start this season. Has earned a crack at this but would ideally prefer more rain.
3. Surrey Quest
J: K. BroganT: Toby Lawes
F: 2/2U3F-509
Price History:
-
Age:
9
Weight:
11-11
Gear:
cheekpieces and tongue strap
Official Rating:
131
Days Since Last Run:
44
Verdict
Useful staying chaser, including runner-up in 2024 Scottish Grand National. Down-the-field in three starts over hurdles this season but has fallen to a workable mark back over fences and interesting to see if market expects better following another breathing operation.
4. Val Dancer
J: Charlie HammondT: Mel Rowley
F: 133/112-93
Price History:
-
Age:
9
Weight:
11-10
Gear:
cheekpieces
Official Rating:
130
Days Since Last Run:
44
Verdict
Straightforward type who was successful in 2024 Welsh National at Chepstow and seemingly as good as ever when third in the Becher at Aintree (25.9f) last time. Stamina very much his forte and will be benefit from a return to marathon trip here.
5. Whistle Stop Tour
J: Jack TudorT: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore
F: 15P5-5253
Price History:
-
Age:
8
Weight:
11-7
Gear:
cheekpieces
Official Rating:
127
Days Since Last Run:
17
Verdict
Progressed when winning back-to-back handicap chases at Kelso and Ayr (both at around 3m on deep ground) last season. More miss than hit since, but ran creditably when third over hurdles at Ayr latest and could benefit from more extreme test back over fences.
6. Hidden History
J: Harry SkeltonT: Dan Skelton
F: 31/7212-16
Price History:
-
Age:
8
Weight:
11-7
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
127
Days Since Last Run:
45
Verdict
Point winner justified support to win strong Uttoxeter handicap hurdle in March and progressed again to make successful chase debut in 5-runner novice handicap at Aintree (25f) on return. Disappointed at Sandown subsequently but has been freshened up and could still have more to offer as a chaser.
7. Regal Blue
J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.T: Jonjo & A.J. O'Neill
F: 32P1P1/PP-
Price History:
-
Age:
9
Weight:
11-7
Gear:
cheekpieces
Official Rating:
127
Days Since Last Run:
394
Verdict
Strong stayer when in the mood (won pair of small field handicaps in 2024) but underlined his unpredictability when pulling up on both starts last season. Remains to be seen if first-time cheekpieces have the desired effect returning from 13 months off.
8. Aworkinprogress
J: James DaviesT: Nick Gifford
F: 61/1111-15
Price History:
-
Age:
7
Weight:
11-5
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
125
Days Since Last Run:
44
Verdict
Made seamless progress in handicaps last season (landing hat-trick here) and improved again when making it five wins on the bounce at Uttoxeter (26f, heavy) on reappearance. Never going with usual fluency in better race at Chepstow latest but could get back on track following a short break.
9. Invincible Nao
J: Caoilin QuinnT: Gary & Josh Moore
F: U/5211P-14
Price History:
-
Age:
8
Weight:
11-4
Gear:
hood
Official Rating:
124
Days Since Last Run:
44
Verdict
Landed Plumpton double the Sussex National last February. Won 3-runner 2½m handicap on Sandown return and backed that up when creditable fourth in London National there, finding less than looked likely. Has proven himself capable in this sort of company if things fall right.
10. Ivane
J: Jonathan BurkeT: James Owen
F: 21F11242
Price History:
-
Age:
8
Weight:
11-1
Gear:
visor
Official Rating:
121
Days Since Last Run:
24
Verdict
3-time winner this season, the latest at Sedgefield in October. Has still run creditably off higher marks since, jumping better than on his previous two starts when clear runner-up in Lincoln National at Market Rasen (27.6f) on Boxing Day. Clearly in fine heart but others look better treated.
11. My Silver Lining
J: James BestT: Emma Lavelle
F: PP3P4-432
Price History:
-
Age:
10
Weight:
11-0
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
120
Days Since Last Run:
30
Verdict
Course winner has plenty of credible form over extreme distances, winning Classic Chase at Warwick in 2024. Has proved more consistent this season, no match for a progressive one when runner-up in the Tommy Whittle at Haydock (25.6f) last month. Will be suited by this greater test of stamina.
12. Ken Roy
J: Lorcan WilliamsT: Paul Nicholls
F: 3/42PPP-13
Price History:
-
Age:
7
Weight:
10-9
Gear:
cheekpieces
Official Rating:
115
Days Since Last Run:
64
Verdict
Clearly had issues as a hurdler last season but looked better than ever (following another breathing operation) when making a winning return/chase bow at Plumpton and backed that up with third in Southern National at Fontwell (27.7f). Still early days over fences (yard also saddle Makin'yourmindup).
13. Sporting Ace
J: Jack QuinlanT: Neil King
F: 27518-9P7
Price History:
-
Age:
10
Weight:
10-8
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
114
Days Since Last Run:
44
Verdict
Bounced back to form to win this race in 2025. Hasn't shown much spark in trio of starts this season but is now 1 lb lower than when successful here last year. Worth a check to see if the market hints a resurgence.
14. Catch Catchfire
J: Charlie ToddT: Ian Williams
F: 8141F-35U
Price History:
-
Age:
7
Weight:
10-1
Gear:
cheekpieces
Official Rating:
108
Days Since Last Run:
19
Verdict
Low mileage 7-y-o won staying handicap chases in mud at Leicester/Sedgefield last winter. Third on hurdle reappearance prior to respectable fifth in Borders National at Kelso (off bridle before most). Strongly support when unseating down in grade at Warwick last time but has more on his plate here.
15. Ali Star Bert
J: Murray DoddT: Shaun Harris
F: 42274411
Price History:
-
Age:
10
Weight:
9-13
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
108
Days Since Last Run:
36
Verdict
10-y-o has bounced back to form over the winter, enhancing his fine record at Southwell when winning 3m handicaps there in November (beating pair of subsequent winners) and December. This is tougher and he'll need a career-best to land the hat-trick from 3 lb out of the handicap.
16. Special John
J: Dylan JohnstonT: Sam Thomas
F: 4422-211
Price History:
-
Age:
7
Weight:
9-13
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
108
Days Since Last Run:
46
Verdict
Runner-up on all 3 handicap hurdle outings prior to making a successful stable/chase debut at Exeter. Justified support when following up in a solid handicap for grade at Wincanton (26.7f) next time. 3 lb out of the weights but he's lightly-raced and improving. Engaged 3.35 Windsor Sunday.
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