Lingfield preview: Mini Muck handicapped to shine
Published:
David Metcalf | December 21, 2015
Mini Muck has shaped well in her last two starts and can take advantage of a drop in the weights to get back to winning ways in the 2m 3f handicap hurdle on today’s card at Lingfield (14.40).
The Nigel Twiston-Davies trained mare was a three-time winner over hurdles in 2013, with the last of those successes coming at Warwick where she readily beat Definite Lady by 3 1/2 lengths off a mark of 110.
Mini Muck got put up to 117 for that success and has largely struggled since, including in two starts over fences at the beginning of this season.
However, that has resulted in the handicapper cutting the nine-year-old plenty of slack and Mini Muck is now able to race off a reduced rating 108.
That is 2lb lower than when last successful and makes the daughter of Kayf Tara dangerously well-treated on the pick of her form.
Mini Muck also comes into the contest on the back of two decent efforts since being switched back to the smaller obstacles, finishing fourth of 15 to Dazinski at Warwick and a solid third at Leicester last time out.
Those runs suggest that Mini Muck is ready to strike, and with underfoot conditions to suit this looks a nice opportunity for her to get back on the scoresheet.
Zero Visibility a clear favourite
In the 2m novices’ handicap chase (13.10), Zero Visibility is going to be very hard to beat granted a clear round.
The gelding was a point winner in Ireland who has won three times over hurdles since joining trainer Alexandra Dunn.
In the last of those successes at Plumpton last month, Zero Visibility looked better than ever when making all and staying on strongly to score easily by six lengths off a mark of 79.
It was an effort which suggested there could be better to come, and the eight-year-old was poised to follow-up and make a winning debut over fences when falling at the last at Fontwell 13 days ago.
Zero Visibility was well clear and had the race at his mercy, and has to go down as one of the unluckiest losers of the season.
Although now 6lb higher in the weights, the son of Classic Cliche would have gone up far more had he remained on his feet and looks well ahead of his current mark of 85.
Selections
12.40: Who’s Micky Brown
13.10: Zero Visibility (NB)
13.40: Light Well
14.10: Jennys Surprise
14.40: Mini Muck (NAP)
15.10: Bold Bachelor
15.40: Little Acorn
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