Dream Lodge is on a long losing run and it's been over a year since Mia's Boy last got his head in front. Lowther seems best over 7f these days, while Layline and Tevez simply don't look good enough to win this. That leaves RAKAAN who won at Sandown in June before finding only one too good in a couple of decent handicaps subsequently. He hasn't been seen at the track since the summer but, with Kieren Fallon booked for the ride on his reappearance, it will be a surprise if he is not ready to strike.
Dream Lodge (IRE) 8-1 (9-7) Tracked leader until 2f out, ridden and one pace final furlong, 5th of 6, 2 1/4l behind Island Sunset (8-3) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp (2) pol.
Lowther 3-1fav (9-3) Raced wide, progress to mid-division over 4f out, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on same pace, 4th of 12, 1 3/4l behind Arteus (9-0) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-95 (3) pol in Nov.
Mia's Boy 9-2fav (9-6) Held up towards rear, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, not reach leaders, 6th of 12, 3 1/2l behind Angel's Pursuit (9-11) at Kempton 7f hcp (2) pol.
Tevez 5-2fav (9-7) Held up mid-division, ridden entering final furlong, soon headway, kept on to take 2nd towards finish, 2nd of 10, 1/2l behind Hinton Admiral (9-0) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Layline (IRE) 4-1 (9-4) Held up towards rear, pushed along and headway 2f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, took 3rd close home, 3rd of 8, 1 1/2l behind Mafeking (9-3) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-95 (3) pol.
Rakaan (IRE) 13-2 (9-4) Held up well in rear, ridden and headway on outside over 1f out, strong run inside final furlong, went 2nd post, not quite able to reach winner, 2nd of 12, nk behind Citrus Star (9-4) at Goodwood 7f 3yo hcp 0-105 (2) gd in Jul.
