With just a few days to go now until the All-Weather Three-Year-Old Mile at Lingfield Park, a total of 13 horses and their trainers are eyeing the coveted £150,000 prize.
The race will take place at the Surrey-based course from 3pm on Good Friday, and sees one of the most exciting flat races on the racing calendar this Easter. Among this year’s contenders are Four Seasons and Emirates Skycargo, who has been tipped at 4/1 to take the prize.
But while Emirates Skycargo may have favourable odds, it seems that many experts have got their eyes on Lexington Times to walk away victorious this year. After a neck victory over Angelic Lord in the Listed Spring Cup recently, Lexington Times is now top-rated with a mark of 108.
The three-year-old Bay Colt has been attracting the attention of many high profile figures in the racing industry, including Tim Palin, a spokesman for Middleham Park Racing. He said: “Lexington Times definitely goes for the All-Weather Three-Year-Old Mile.
“We did think of going for a 2,000 Guineas trial but, in fairness to Lingfield Park and the All-Weather Championships, £150,000 is a massive pot and not to be sniffed at. “He is the ante-post favourite and, although there is a lot of water to pass under the bridge between now and post time; we are really looking forward to it.”
Lexington Times has now been entered in the Guineas.
Steve Knight, who has shares in Lexington Times, says that he feels the horse will fare even better next year. Last year, there was disappointment after his run in Solario, but things are now looking up for the Middleham Park Racing-owned colt.
Palin continued: “I would be surprised if he was a Group One horse but he is very talented and might be a horse who warrants his place in the Guineas. He only needs to improve two or three pounds to be competitive in Group races and I think he has the potential to do that.”
Though owners are looking forward to this week’s events, it’s been said that Lexington Times will really come into his own on by the summer. With 12 horses to contend with on 3rd April, the All-Weather Three-Year-Old Mile will provide the perfect opportunity for trainers to prove just how much potential he has before then.
Until then, things are look optimistic, with Palin adding: “Lexington Times is still a work in progress and it could be that come June or July he runs up light on us again. At the moment though, he is on point.”
Lexington Times is top-rated with a mark of 108 after a neck victory over Angelic Lord in the Listed Spring Cup over seven furlongs at Lingfield Park last week a Fast-Track Qualifier for the All-Weather Three-Year-Old Mile.
The son of Paco Boy was beaten half a length into third by Aktabantay in the Group Three Solario Stakes at Sandown Park in August, but did not replicate that in two subsequent starts at Doncaster and Newbury.
Tim Palin, spokesman for owners Middleham Park Racing, said: “Lexington Times definitely goes for the 32Red All-Weather Three-Year-Old Mile. “We did think of going for a 2000 Guineas trial but, in fairness to Lingfield Park and the All-Weather Championships, £150,000 is a massive pot and not to be sniffed at.
“It will be a super day out for the owners as well because none of them will be at work and everyone should be able to get there. There will be a great carnival atmosphere from what I can gather from last year and it is privilege to be part of it all.
