Bolivar To Deliver For Place Backers

Simón Bolívar was a legendary figure in South American military history, overthrowing Spanish rule to win independence for Bolivia, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela, and thereby gaining the nickname "El Liberator" (The Liberator). Beleaguered punters could do with a saviour at present, and the horse of that name may well provide relief from the gloom this afternoon.

El Libertador (16:40 Lingfield) is something of a course specialist at Lingfield, finishing in the frame on 11 of his 12 handicap starts at 12f/13f, and has been partnered by 7-lb claimer Joey Haynes for all 7 starts this year. There's no denying that he has his limitations, but he was far from discredited when third to a progressive pair in a better class contest over C&D last time, and is able to race off a 3 lb lower mark now. Tactically versatile, he's unlikely to get involved in what could be a contested pace, but this strong-travelling sort should be able to slot in where his rider wants before finishing off strongly. His tendency to find less than expected off the bridle means he's never a great bet for win purposes, but I'd be somewhat surprised if he was too far away at the finish, and he looks a rock-solid place option.

Backing Elusive Hawk (15:10) has been a fraught business historically, the gelding having spent most of his career under the Barney Curley banner, but he is hard to oppose today after a demolition job at Kempton last week, when tried in a visor. The fitting of headgear for the first time in his career looked a long overdue move as he travelled powerfully off a strong pace before bursting clear for a hugely impressive performance. It's possible to argue that he will be vulnerable under a penalty given he's now above his last winning mark, but the timefigure he posted at Kempton was the best of his career, and he really does look better than ever at the age of 9. Satwa Laird would be interesting if attracting support on his second start back from a break, but has been notably weak in the market in the last few hours, and may need another run to put him spot on.



Recommendations

Both at Lingfield

Back El Libertador to place in the 16:40 @ [3.05] (NAP)

Back Elusive Hawk in the 15:10 @ [2.66] (NB)