NAP of the Day: The Moores at Lingfield? Yes please…

Does the ‘never back the early kick-off’ theory apply to horse racing? I certainly hope not, as Tuesday’s NAP goes in the very first race of the afternoon.

When it comes to jump racing at Lingfield, there’s nobody more successful than Gary Moore and son Jamie.

In the last five years, the former boasts a 24% strike rate having saddled 16 more winners than any other trainer, while the latter (32% strike rate) has ridden 14 more than any other jockey.

You should pay extra attention to everything they run/ride here – and All Authorized has well and truly caught my eye for the 2m3½f maiden hurdle that opens the card.

The four-year-old won a bumper at Fontwell on his rules debut back in April in good style, despite doing plenty wrong. It wasn’t a particularly strong contest, I must admit, but it was a promising start nonetheless.

He then went on his summer break and returned 17 days ago in a warm bumper at Ascot, won by the well-regarded Celtic Dino for Sam Thomas. I’ve just watched back the replay and I thought he travelled as well as anything before fading into sixth. I suspect he needed the run, and will come on plenty for it.

He should also improve significantly for jumping – and as a half-brother to Irish Grand National winner I Am Maximus, you’d have to imagine that this longer trip, on soft ground, will suit.

I also think it’s notable that he runs in the same race stablemate Authorized Speed won last year. He was fifth in the 2022 Champion Bumper won by Facile Vega before landing this event by a mere 15 lengths – after which he contested a couple of Grade 1s, including the Tolworth which he was sent off favourite for.

Could this be the best of Gary Moore’s crop of novice hurdlers? I’ll stop short of saying that, but I’d be surprised if he isn’t up there.

Given all the above, and the fact he has a fitness edge over all his main market rivals, I think All Authorized is a huge price. Let’s hope I’m right.