Will Summer In Milan Triumph in Lingfield’s Handicap Chase?

A retired trainer’s eye always catches the subtle signs, and the 2:35 pm race at Lingfield Park paints a vivid picture for those in tune with the rhythms of equine sport. In this Class 5 handicap chase spanning nearly three miles, Summer In Milan steps onto the scene, poised to capitalize on both form and favorable conditions.

This six-year-old gelding’s potential shines through like a beacon, drawing us back to his last performance when he clinched a respectable third place after stretching his legs at Fontwell. That outing displayed his stamina and willingness—a horse that dances on his toes right to the finish line, leaving a feeling that he might have more up his sleeve.

The slight drop in weight, shedding a modest pound, might not seem earth-shattering on the surface, but in the world of racing where every ounce counts, it could make all the difference. Such adjustments by the handicapper often serve as a nod to a horse’s latent capabilities, setting the stage for an impressive showing.

And then there’s trainer Chris Gordon, a name synonymous with success, boasting a form that would make any owner beam. With his recent win rate sitting at a robust 23.81%, Gordon’s horses have been pulling up sound across various tracks. His son Freddie’s recent streak—averaging wins on 36.36% of his rides in the last fortnight—adds an impressive layer of confidence to this tip.

The Lingfield venue itself appears to favor Gordon’s charges, particularly in races where the competition is dialed back a notch. With 11 wins out of his last 33 appearances from chasers in Class 4 or below, Gordon’s record here resembles art more than science, a tapestry of strategic entries and astute skill.

Beyond statistics and recent victories, there’s an old-school insight into horse behavior that reinforcement of faith in Summer In Milan’s prospects. When Freddie last partnered with this gelding, it was in a bustling field where the horse tussled through to a commendable fourth, beating several runners who have since found the winner’s circle themselves.

It’s a betting landscape where odds can tell stories as compelling as the race itself, and at 11/2, there’s a whisper of undervaluation surrounding Summer In Milan—a potentially juicy proposition for those with an eye for detail.

Earning a place as the Nap of the Day is neither arbitrary nor without foundation. Since debuting on this platform, the daily tipster’s record boasts a consistently profitable run, with an upward trajectory that would make any punter’s ledger a little more heartening.

The profitability path from September 2024, showing each month’s highs and lows, underscores the insightful nature of these selections. Although January 2025 might have sung a different tune, every horseplayer knows the gamble is naught without a little unpredictability.

As Thursday beckons, Summer In Milan stands ready, perhaps greener than spring grass, but with a seasoned trainer’s hand to guide him through the artful landscape of Lingfield Park. Eyes will be on him to measure heart and grit against the challenge that awaits.