ROBERT WINSTON'S return to the saddle has predictably produced a flood of winners, a trend likely to continue via Orchard Supreme (4.40) at Lingfield.
The Malton-based pilot suffered a broken jaw in a terrifying fall on a fateful visit to Ayr last August, but time is a great healer and Robert is back and hoping to land a first champion jockey's title.
In common with many of the top riders, Winston is limbering up for the beginning of the turf season later this month by getting fit on the all-weather circuit. Orchard Supreme has been supremely consistent of late, winning on two of his three previous starts, including nine days ago, when he posted a hard-fought victory at the course over seven furlongs.
Pace judgement is going to be crucial now the selection steps up to one mile for the first time, however it's a task sure to be relished by Winston, who is looking as sharp and hungry as ever.
One of Orchard Supreme's former stable-mates, Enford Princess, has recently left the Hannon team to join new handler Brooke Sanders.
Enford Princess (3.10) was once hovering around Group 3 class, sadly she never quite made the grade at the highest level, although there's no reason why the mare can't be competitive in a slightly lower grade.
Certainly the Betdirect Fillies' Handicap is an event well within the remit of the five-year-old, moreover Brooke has taken the precaution of securing the services of in-form Neil Callan to do the steering.
One of the real success stories of the winter campaign so far has been Newnham, currently standing on the brink of a fabulous five-timer.
By virtue of picking up his races in close photos and therefore small margins, Newnham has only been raised a miserly 10lbs as a result of his fantastic winning streak.
Such unusual largesse is rare these days since the normal hike for one win is approximately 7lbs.
In view of this leniency, Jim Boyle's money-spinner might still be one step ahead of the handicap in his quest to land the £10,000 Littlewoods Handicap.
* Taunton and Ludlow must pass 7.30am inspections due to the freezing overnight temperatures.
Neither Folkestone nor Wetherby survived similar inspections yesterday.
Read more about the Quakers here.
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