The Easter Classic is a Conditions Stakes that takes place over 10 furlongs at Lingfield. It is one of the main races on All Weather Finals Day, which is run on Good Friday (April 19). Previous winners have included Victory Bond, Convey, Grendisar, Tryster, and Robin Hoods Bay.
Easter Classic Five-Year-Trends
- Winners have been aged four, five, or six
- Winners have been rated between 103 and 111
- Winners had run 10 to 147 days previously
- SP’s of the winners ranged from 3/1 to 10/1
Easter Classic 2019 Main Contenders
Wissahickon
John Gosden’s four-year-old has already surpassed the rating achieved by any of the previous five winners, and his mark of 117 is five pounds and upwards higher than any of his rivals can boast. He also won all four of his previous races over course and distance, with his win in the Winter Derby last time his most impressive win at Lingfield so far. His trainer John Gosden also runs Court House, who should also ensure the fast-pace Wissahickon likes to chase before unleashing his trademark turn-of-foot.
Matterhorn
Another improving four-year-old who has won his only start over course and distance. However, he seemed to get outstayed at this distance at Kempton last time when stepped up to this sort of class. He also holds an entry in the mile race on the same card and that could offer him a better chance of success.
Court House
Won on his first two visits to Lingfield but is rated ten pounds lower than stablemate Wissahickon after finishing three lengths or more behind him on both his last two runs. He did fluff the start slightly last time but will probably have to settle for some place money once again.
Master The World
Rated ten pounds below Wissahickon and, after finishing seven lengths behind him last time, it’s asking a lot of this eight-year-old to find the improvement needed. However, he’s still capable of useful course and distance form, as when winning last season’s Churchill Stakes. He also finished in front of Victory Bond and Matterhorn at Kempton last time.
Victory Bond
He’s not been at his best so far this season at Kempton or Wolverhampton but his form here reads 2/2/1, including a win in last year’s Easter Classic. However, even his win from Master The World there suggests he has plenty to find with Wissahickon.
Pactolus
Another creditable eight-year-old, but he looks held having been fourth in last-year’s renewal and having finished well-behind Wissahickon already this season.
Easter Classic 2019 Summary
If Wissahickon is in anything like the same form as when last seen in February, he should take all the beating. He already holds Court House, Master The World, Victory Bond, and Pactolus on this season’s form, whilst he also holds Matterhorn on collateral form. Matterhorn, who may prove better at shorter, distances, also has the option of the mile race on the card.
Easter Classic 2019 Tip
- Wissahickon