Lepido - 15.30 Lingfield (Tuesday)

Fineform · 09-11-2009 09:46PM #1

My first golden rule of betting is to concentrate on a stable in form and I made a note to keep a close eye on all of Gary Moore’s handicap hurdlers over the forthcoming weeks. Harry Tricker was very impressive and Psi got caught close home in 2 decent events at Sandown on Saturday.

Gary Moore’s stable should never be underestimated and an eye on the weather forecast tomorrow will determine whether his lightly-raced, progressive performer Lepido is worth chancing in the 3.30 at Lingfield. Providing conditions do not detoriate (he will not want it too testing) then he may prove to be the first viable betting opportunity of the week for me.

Fairly useful on the flat when with Luca Cumani, Lepido had a fairly uninspriring start to hurdling. I take the view that this was more to do with the way he was ridden - rather than his ability. Hold up tactics do not suit his style of racing with the key to Lepido being to have him sitting prominently. This proved successful at Wincanton as he showed considerable improvement when winning a Novices’ Handicap back in April. Lepido got to the front between the last 2 hurdles and held on well. He was below that form at Hereford 3 weeks later ruining his chances by making mistakes. I put this below-par performance down to the fitting of cheekpieces. It is perhaps significant that these are removed for tomorrow.

Indeed, if we were to discount this run, then Lepido is potentially very well handicapped. I also don’t think that the race will be run with very much early pace and Lingfield’s easy 2 miles is likely to suit his handy style of racing.

With the stable in cracking form, I have priced him up at 5-1 for a bet.