Saturday selections: It’s all systems go at Lingfield and Leopardstown

The opener of the day (12:00) at Lingfield presents a fascinating handicap over seven furlongs.

Indeed, the well-fancied favourite Talking Point appears the one to beat on paper - having finished a very respectable second ahead of subsequent winner Desert Boots - but at such a short price, it seems wise to look elsewhere for one to fill the frame.

That is why it may be wise to opt for Richard Fahey’s HALWA AZYAN, who has been going the right way on his previous two appearances.

His penultimate start came over six furlongs at this course when finishing sixth of twelve, but, his placing didn’t justify his performance, as he had to overcome a multitude of hindrances to hit the line strong.

Drawn in stall eleven, the son of Dandy Man was slowly into stride and had to settle at the rear of the field - coming five wide round the first bend. From that position, he travelled strongly into the home turn and was met with traffic before switching right and finishing with a flurry.

His most recent appearance at Southwell saw him dictate the pace, before kicking off the bend and looking the likely winner (going 1.11 in-play) - but ultimately being stretched by the track’s long home straight and slower surface.

He’ll undoubtedly benefit from the return to this sharper track, and is 3lb lower than his last run here. Now drawn in stall three, the Fahey-trained three-year-old looks poised to mount a strong challenge to the well-fancied favourite.

Selection: HALWA AZYAM 11/2 EW