Dear My Friend is all set to continue his impressive winter form at Lingfield on Friday as he eyes a significant bonus opportunity.
The talented charge, under the guidance of Charlie Johnston, is part of a quartet of winners from Newcastle's AWC Trials seeking to secure a lucrative £75,000 prize.
Alongside Blue Prince, Penzance, and Shades Of Summer, Dear My Friend stands to gain a £30,000 bonus if he can replicate his Newcastle triumph on Finals Day. This amount could swell by an additional £45,000 should he clinch a second victory at Lingfield.
With an impressive handicap rating of 107, Dear My Friend is the highest-rated contender among the 79-strong field on Friday's card. He is aiming for a third consecutive win in the BetMGM AWC Mile Trial Handicap after securing victories at Gosforth Park and the Listed Tandridge Stakes earlier this year.
Johnston expressed mixed feelings about stepping back into handicap company after a Listed win, acknowledging the allure of the substantial prize money on offer. Despite the challenging handicap rating, the potential gains are driving the decision to compete at Lingfield.
Dear My Friend's recent success can be attributed to significant changes, including being gelded, undergoing a wind operation, and a more suitable race distance. These alterations have contributed to his return to top form.
The Lingfield card features other notable contenders such as King's Code and McLean House in the quest for hat-trick victories. Additionally, strong challengers like Penzance, Zealot, Base Note, and Old Peculiar promise an exciting day of racing at the AWC Trials.