All-Weather Finals Day preview: Levey set for Marathon win

The likes of Second Thought (3-Y-O Conditions Stakes at 4.10pm) and Ennaadd (Mile Conditions Stakes at 3.40pm) are both clear on Timeform weight-adjusted ratings, however each is a relatively short-priced favourite for their respective races on Friday. As a result, the better value bet comes in the second contest on Lingfield’s Easter Friday card – the Marathon Conditions Stakes at 2.10pm.

Pinzolo is currently trading at around 8/1 for the two-mile contest, despite an excellent record (unbeaten in three starts) at the track over one and a half miles. Two of his defeats at Lingfield have come over a two-furlong shorter trip, however he was far from discredited when a neck second to Convey in the Winter Derby last time, rallying to regain his place late on over an inadequate test. Pinzolo has successfully worn headgear in the past, both for former trainer Charlie Appleby and his (relatively) new handler Ismail Mohammed, and the step back up in trip here will suit as he is a proven winner over a mile and three quarters. Sean Levey is back on board (2/2 on the horse) and another big run is expected.

The Marathon has a more open feel than many of Friday’s televised races, with Natural Scenery heading the betting at a general 7/2. The Saeed bin Suroor-trained filly has won three of her last five starts - at Wolverhampton and Newcastle – and she cruised clear when beating London Prize by two and a half lengths over two miles in the North-East when last seen in February. She is clearly progressive, but potentially faces much stiffer opposition now stepping out of handicaps for the first time (though she does also have an entry in a Newcastle handicap on the same afternoon).

Watersmeet doesn’t always appear to be the most straightforward of characters, however he has an excellent record on the all-weather (eight wins on an artificial surface since leaving maidens behind) and he proved he has the stamina for this trip when beating Winning Story by three lengths at Chelmsford last time (Pique Sous back in third). Both Watermseet and Winning Story were well-placed in that steadily-run race, however, and this looks a stronger contest. Pique Sous has been below form over a mile and a quarter at Dundalk since, however that was to be expected over an inadequate trip, and the former Queen Alexandra Stakes winner should fare much better now stepped back up in distance.

Prince of Arran, who is also prominent in the ante-post market, had previously sported a variety of aids with mixed success. However, his form has improved significantly since Charlie Fellowes took all the headgear off, starting with victory at Kempton in November. Though he has not added to that win in two starts since, he has progressed again, including when third to the impressive Big Country at Kempton last time. Prince of Arran ran well after four months off there, failing to get a clear run as the race took shape two furlongs out and, though his stamina is untested, he merits close consideration here.

Others to mention include course (and distance) winner Winterlude and Cohesion. Winterlude failed to meet expectations when beaten over this C&D last time, but is best not judged on that run as he was forced wide and could never land a blow, while French recruit Cohesion produced a career-best when winning at Wolverhampton last month and the booking of Ryan Moore catches the eye, the former Champion Jockey having been second on his only other ride for David Bridgwater.

Recommended bet: Pinzolo in the Marathon Stakes (2.10pm, Friday 14^th April ) at 8/1