Lingfield afternoon racing tips: Best bets for Saturday, January 20

Scott Allen
19 January 2024

As the weather has wiped out all the turf meetings this Saturday, January 20, Lingfield's Winter Million Festival suddenly becomes the day's highlight. Can the Planet Sport tipsters find some winners?

ITV have had to divert their cameras away from the abandoned meetings at Ascot and Haydock towards deepest, darkest Surrey.

They are showing four races on Saturday, but as we are generous sorts we've provided a tip for all seven races.

Don't forget to check out the full racecard, results and live odds in Planet Sport's racing live centre.

Good luck and please gamble responsibly.

(Please be aware selections could become non-runners after article's first publication)

12:15 (Lingfield) Revolutionise

This could pan out nicely for Revolutionise. Trainer Stuart Williams is in excellent form and this six-time all-weather winner looks set for a return to winning ways after posting a solid third-placed finish off this mark at Chelmsford.

Runner-up in that contest Ultramarine is going the right way and with 5.5lb apprentice Jordon Williams back on board a bold bid is anticipated.

Thapa VC scored by a neck over course and distance and cannot be discounted bidding for a hat-trick.

12.50 (Lingfield) Roman Emperor

Roman Emperor makes the move from the novice sphere in the Boost Your Acca At BetMGM Handicap.

He gained momentum in each of three runs, graduating from third place on debut to second next time out and then victory at Southwell earlier this month. An initial mark of 80 looks reasonable.

13:25 (Lingfield) Amazing

Hollie Doyle has a strong chance with Amazing in the Boost Your Acca-Fenwa With BetUK Handicap.

The four-year-old shrugged off a lengthy absence to win first time up at a mile and a half on Boxing Day, showing plenty of heart to fend off Glory Nights by three-quarters of a length.

Given she had not run since June, Amazing can be expected to improve for the outing.

14:00 (Lingfield) Dragon Icon

The Roger Varian-trained Dragon Icon looks a most interesting contender resuming from an eight-month break having been pitched among German G2 company on the back of two impressive all weather successes.

May find this opening mark well within range from a nice draw.

Last-time-out Kempton winner Talis Evolvere rates a strong player with Ryan Moore booked.

Fantastic Fox could be firmly in the mix racing off the same mark as when third attempting a Class Two handicap over 1m at Newcastle on New Year's Day.

Each-way claims go the way of Al Rufaa and Forca Timao in what looks a competitive affair.

14:35 (Lingfield) Diomed Spirit

Doyle can double up with Diomed Spirit who is on a roll, with a fifth successive victory in his sights in the Build Your Acca With BetUK Handicap.

A winning juvenile back in June 2022, Stuart Williams then had to wait well over a year before his charge resumed the winning thread.

However, his patience has been rewarded as the four-year-old struck gold at Wolverhampton in October, before adding two Chelmsford victories and another win at Dunstall Park for good measure.

Diomed Spirit has progressed from a mark of 66 to his current rating of 85 but he does not appear to have reached his limit yet.

15:10 (Lingfield) Behind The Scenes

Behind The Scenes can take a starring role in the BetMGM Winter Oaks Fillies’ Handicap.

James Tate has tried her in Listed company the last twice, finishing a three-and-a-half-length third at Dundalk in November before being beaten less than three lengths when sixth at Deauville on her most recent run last month.

Her rating of 87 merited a shot at that kind of level but moving back to handicap company should help her cause.

A winner off 84 at Wolverhampton in August, the Saxon Warrior filly then went close off her current perch in October, when she got going a bit too late over a mile.

Behind The Scenes certainly looked to get an extended nine furlongs at Deauville, so this edge up to a full mile and a quarter should suit and offers a chance to eke out a little bit extra.

15:45 (Lingfield) Havanazam

Havanazam returned to the level with a success attempting 1m4f at Wolverhampton.

Now two from two on the Polytrack and with further improvement certainly possible a 4.4lb rise in weights may prove manageable.

Man Of Riddles caused a surprise in latest winning over two miles at Chelmsford. Not certain to back that effort up however is trained by Max Young and remains well-treated judging by earlier form.

Two Past Eight produced a decent effort finishing third at Wolverhampton on his last flat outing and could go well alongside Le Rouge Chinois.