Turf Talk: Arab Spring coiled for top-quality action at Lingfield

Arab Spring, ridden by Ryan Moore, on their way to victory in Duke of Edinburgh Stakes back in 2014.

Sir Michael Stoute would not be a trainer known to persevere with seven-year-olds like this, but one cannot help but think Arab Spring has been something of an underachiever so far.

That may be a harsh judgement on a dual Group Three winner, but his Royal Ascot victory back in 2014 promised so much more before a series of injuries limited his opportunities.

Arab Spring had just two starts in 2015 and did not kick off his 2016 campaign until August, winning the September Stakes at Kempton before being edged out in the Cumberland Lodge at Ascot.

His final run over 12 furlongs in an Italian Group One last October failed to yield that all-important top-level success.

He is matched closely on ratings with both Decorated Knight and Grendisar, but he should come out on top with the conditions in his favour.

Pretend hit the mark on his return last month and can follow up in the Betway Best Odds Guaranteed Plus Cleves Stakes.

Another whose career has been punctuated with a lengthy absence, Pretend is well-regarded by Charlie Appleby and was returning from a five-month break when winning by a length and a half in Sunbury.

He won the Sprint Final at this track on the big Good Friday card in 2015 and looks sure to be making his mark in that division again this winter.

Garrick looks a likely type to make a winning debut for John Gosden in the Sun Bets Maiden Stakes at Newcastle. His yard is mopping up in this sort of race at the moment.It has been a topsy-turvy few days for Buveur D’Air who began the week as a leading contender for the Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase but will actually be out to underline his Champion Hurdle claims at Sandown instead.

SOBOT’S SELECTIONS

LINGFIELD: 12.50 Saleh, 1.20 Byron Flyer, 2.00 PRETEND (NAP), 2.30 Fly True, 3.05 Arab Spring (next best), 3.40 Gabrielle, 4.15 Treble Strike.

MUSSELBURGH: 12.25 Gaitway, 12.55 Major Ridge, 1.30 Charli Parcs, 2.05 Alvarado, 2.40 Tap Night, 3.15 Drumcliff, 3.45 Wonderful Charm, 4.30 Premier Grand Cru.

NEWCASTLE: 5.45 Indian Dandy, 6.15 Jack Flash, 6.45 Cool Strutter, 7.15 Garrick, 7.45 Bint Arcano, 8.15 Sugar Town, 8.45 Hadley.

SANDOWN: 12.40 Sergio, 1.15 Grey Gold, 1.50 Buveur D’Air, 2.25 Top Notch, 3.00 Rolling Dylan, 3.35 Vyta Du Roc, 4.05 Druid’s Folly.

WETHERBY: 1.05 All My Love, 1.40 West Wizard, 2.15 Rock My Style, 2.45 Missed Approach, 3.20 Soupy Soups, 3.55 Grand Vision, 4.25 Oscar Mor.