Knight chasing Listed honours at Lingfield

Molly Hunter
February 21, 2020 5:45 pm

Wide draw concern in Hever Sprint.

Archie Watson is hoping Corinthia Knight can overcome a wide draw when he lines up for the Listed Betway Hever Sprint Stakes at the Surrey track on Saturday.

The five-year-old will also need to reverse the outcome of his most recent run, when beaten into sixth of seven in a five-furlong contest at Newcastle by fellow Hever contenders Royal Birth and Hareem Queen.

Watson said: “I’m really happy with him at home, but he’s got the same problem he’s had for most of the winter – and that is a bad draw.

“He’s drawn out wide, so he’ll have that to overcome – which is very difficult over five furlongs. I hope he can do that and go on to run a good race.

“He’s got very good form at Lingfield – and he was third in this race last year.”

Karl Burke’s Hareem Queen lines up in a bid to collect some black-type form.

The four-year-old has not been out of the placings when running over five furlongs on an all-weather surface this season, claiming three Southwell victories from five attempts in all.

The grey filly bids to maintain that impressive strike-rate in Listed company.

“She goes to Lingfield looking for black type,” said Burke.

“There are only a couple of fillies’ black-type races run over five furlongs, so it makes sense to run her while she’s in great form.

“We’re a bit nervous of the track. I don’t think going downhill at Lingfield will particularly play to her strengths, but I think we’ve got a chance.”

Stuart Williams is represented by Royal Birth, who was victorious in 2017 before coming home second last year – ahead of Corinthia Knight.

Watchable also runs for David O’Meara’s Yorkshire yard, and arrives in winning form after a Wolverhampton success last time.

Daniel Kubler’s Chitra, David Simcock’s Furious and the Richard Hughes-trained Puds complete what is a seven-strong field, after likely favourite Good Effort was declared a non runner.