RED VERDON is the class act on show at Lingfield as he goes in the Betway Conditions Stakes.

The Ed Dunlop-trained five-year-old was most unlucky not to pick up a big prize in his three-year-old season.

He finished sixth in the Derby at Epsom and fourth in the Irish equivalent, before being agonisingly denied on the line in the Grand Prix de Paris.

A setback unfortunately meant he missed the St Leger and, in truth, last year never reached the heights of 2016. That said, he did finish the campaign with victory in a Listed event at Kempton and can hopefully go forward from there.

The late defection of the mare Mountain Bell certainly makes this appear a relatively straightforward task for today's nap selection, who has Kieran Shoemark in the saddle.

POETIC IMAGINATION changed hands for 48,000 guineas at Tattersalls at the start of the month and offered an immediate return when third on her debut for Archie Watson.

The filly failed to strike in five starts for John Gosden but certainly has a smidgen of ability and was good enough for third dropped back to five furlongs on her first effort for Watson.

She did not look quite quick enough for the minimum trip but stepped back up to six furlongs, and lining up off a mark of 74, she is not one to discount in the 32Red.com Handicap under Oisin Murphy.

Warren Greatrex does not have that many Flat horses but GREAT RETURN has proved a nice money spinner for the yard since joining the team in December.

After three placed efforts, Great Return finally hit the target in the hands of the trainer's son Edward when romping home by seven lengths at Wolverhampton last week.

The application of first-time cheekpieces clearly worked wonders that day and a swift return to Dunstall Park under a 6lb penalty looks a smart move, as the handicapper is sure to hike him a fair bit in the weights now.

DIVINE SPEAR is among the possibles for the JLT Chase at next month's Festival and it is perhaps telling that Nicky Henderson sends him on the long trip to Musselburgh for the 188Bet Mobile Novices' Chase.

Henderson usually heads to the Edinburgh track in search of better ground and Divine Spear is a runner who appears to turn in his best efforts when conditions are not too deep.

He was seen to good effect on soft ground at Ascot before Christmas, producing an excellent round of jumping and looking for all the world a horse who will make his mark in good company eventually.

This could be a nice stepping stone on the way to Prestbury Park.

SELECTIONS

Lingfield: 1.50 Carouse, 2.20 Marshal Dan, 2.50 Wilde Oscar, 3.20 Poetic Imagination, 3.50 RED VERDON (NAP), 4.20 Billyoakes, 4.50 Pivotal Flame.

Musselburgh: 2.00 Misfits, 2.30 Silver Concorde, 3.00 Divine Spear, 3.30 Toarmandowithlove, 4.00 Canny Style, 4.30 Royal Mandate, 5.00 Perfect Myth.

Towcester: 2.10 Goodnight Charlie, 2.40 Grand Introduction, 3.10 Braventara, 3.40 North West Wind, 4.10 How's My Friend, 4.40 Know The Score.

Wolverhampton: 5.15 Tellovoi, 5.45 Secret Return, 6.15 Breaking Records, 6.45 Something Lucky, 7.15 Great Return, 7.45 Ghost, 8.15 Danzay.

Double: Red Verdon and Great Return.