Horse racing tips: Catterick and Lingfield – Steve Mullen’s betting preview for Thursday, December 28

LINGFIELD

11.40

CEYHAN was good enough to win a handicap after a break at Chelmsford last time so looks the one to beat dropped into selling company.

He sees out 1m2f well and there’s no reason why this step up in trip will be an issue.

12.10 - Mullen's star bet (add to your betslip)

THE SPECIAL ONE should have won here last time but had to settle for third after being held up for too long.

She goes off the same mark here in a very similar race so she can make up for that disappointment.

12.45

EL TORITO showed some positive signs here last time, running a lot better than seventh place suggests. He was too far off the pace that day before finishing strongly.

This looks wide open but he’s better over this trip and has tumbled down the weights.

1.15

ODE TO AUTUMN has been gelded since showing some promise in three maiden runs this summer.

He started with solid seconds at Newbury and Salisbury before leading for a long way at Newmarket last time. He doesn’t have an ideal draw but should make his presence felt for John Gosden.

1.45

ISLAND BRAVE is an interesting young stayer in the making and can take this hike in distance in his stride. He was impressive in landing back-to-back wins at Wolverhampton with the 1m4f trip suiting well last time. He wasn’t stopping so there is seems to be plenty of stamina there.

2.20

PARADISE LAKE showed bits and pieces on form on turf for Sir Michael Stoute, including when beating in a bobbing finish at Windsor last time.

He’s been off for two months since then and has been gelded, which should see him spot on for campaigning at this lower level.

2.55

CORAZON ESPINADO had to settle for a close second over course and distance last time after letting the winner get away from him.

He finished well and a 3lb rise in the weights looks fair for this progressive colt on just his fifth run.

3.30

HAMISH MCGONAGAIN is going through a purple patch with a win and two places from his past three runs. They were at Wolverhampton but he likes it around here and goes off the same mark as his excellent runner-up effort last time. This looks open but he should be involved.

CATTERICK

12.30 Enola Gay

1.05 Mr Witmore

1.35 Mr Mafia

2.05 Middlebrow

2.40 Attention Please

3.15 Triopas

LEICESTER - ABANDONED

12.55 Gregarious

1.25 Criq Rock

1.55 Bekkensfirth

2.30 Harefield

3.05 Cultivator

3.40 Chieftan’s Choice