Kanzi did exactly what the market said she would in the 7:10 at Lingfield, taking the Calabash Cove EBF Fillies’ Restricted Novice Stakes by two and a half lengths at 8/11 for Callum Shepherd and Charlie Johnston.
| Pos | Horse | Jockey | SP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Kanzi | Callum Shepherd | 8/11F |
| 2nd | Ozone Friendly | Harry Davies | 5/1 |
| 3rd | Saffron Bay | Rob Hornby | 100/30 |
The Race Story
Experience is currency in these restricted novice events and Kanzi was the only filly in the six-runner field who had seen a racecourse before, having travelled strongly when second on her Ayr debut last month. It showed. Shepherd had her handy throughout over the straight mile, sent her on when it mattered and the result was never in serious doubt inside the final furlong.
The newcomers filled the places, which is its own form line. James Owen’s debutante Ozone Friendly (5/1) stayed on well for second and should know plenty more next time, with the Charles Hills newcomer Saffron Bay (100/30) a nose away in third after a long trip south from Lambourn. Norfolk Dream was a non-runner.
Tipster Accountability
Our Lingfield preview called it both ways: the verdict was Kanzi to make her experience tell, with the caveat that she was no wagering proposition at cramped odds against unraced rivals. Right on both counts — she won, and 8/11 (in from 10/11 this morning) paid for nobody’s dinner. None of the tracked national tipsters in today’s tipster review had a bet in the race, so the ledgers are untouched.
Looking Ahead
Next up at Lingfield is the 7:40 Hewanorra Handicap, the night’s feature, where Huscal — our verdict and the classiest horse on the card off 81 — heads the market at 6/4 for Charles Hills, with Arantes Nascimento the each-way alternative at 4/1. The evening acca died with Sunlit Sea in the 6:10, but Halimede’s banker win in the 6:40 means the verdicts themselves are warming up nicely.
