17:30 SouthwellThu 6 Apr 5f Hcap
Birkenhead is a C&D winner who had a below-par reappearance run last time out, but his trainer is likely to have him in better shape for this race, giving him a good chance to bounce back to form. Lynns Boy is a recent winner over 5f and has potential for further improvement, making him a strong contender for a place. Saaheq has been out of form but showed promise on his stable debut after a break, and his previous C&D win could be a sign of his ability to handle the course, making him an interesting outsider.
Hit Mac has been in good form over the winter and is consistent, but the competition may be too tough for him to win. The Tron has been running well over C&D and has a previous win at the course, but the draw may hamper his chances. Toptime has been off for over 300 days and has a new visor fitted, so it may take a run for him to get back to his best. Grandfather Tom has struggled for form and may struggle here.
Han Solo Berger has a mixed record on his seasonal return, and although he has shown ability in the past, he may not be at his best. Nellie French has been consistent but may struggle to improve on her current handicap mark. Thrilla In Manila had a surprise win over C&D in December but has struggled in his two runs since, and may not be able to repeat that success.
Overall, Birkenhead, Lynns Boy, and Saaheq are the top three horses with the potential to win this race, with Hit Mac and The Tron as possible contenders for a place.
18:00 SouthwellThu 6 Apr 1m3f Nov Stks
Al Asmakh made an encouraging start to her career, finishing third of ten in a Chelmsford novice over 1m five weeks ago. With the extra distance of today’s race, she is expected to improve, but she will need to step up to challenge for the win. Allo Al Khawaneej, a Nathaniel colt, makes his debut in this race and has an impressive pedigree, being a half-brother to several winners, including Delegator, a Group 2 winner and 2000 Guineas runner-up. Betting could guide his chances, and he should be watched closely. Banderas, a Lope De Vega colt, ran into trouble on his debut in November but showed potential when fifth in a 10f Newcastle maiden. He is expected to progress and is considered a leading contender. Clear White Light, a capable hurdler with three wins to his name, has not impressed in two flat runs but is expected to fare better over today’s trip. However, he still looks like a horse for the handicaps. Sweet William has shown promise in his two runs last season, finishing second in 1m4f novices, and is gelded ahead of his return. He has the potential to improve and is considered a leading contender. Rock N Roll Pinkie showed some promise in her second run over 1m2f on the Polytrack, but she will need to improve significantly to challenge for the win. Saint George has not lived up to his market prominence in two runs this winter, but he has displayed signs of ability and could improve. Overall, Banderas, Sweet William, and Allo Al Khawaneej are the top three horses with the potential to win this race, while the others are unlikely to win.
18:30 SouthwellThu 6 Apr 1m Hcap
Athmad looks set for another good run after his recent hat-trick of wins, including one over this C&D, with a rise in the weights offset by his clear consistency. Dubai Jeanius is also a contender, having won five times at this track this year, but the drop back in distance may be a concern. Plastic Paddy is another to consider, returning to the 1m distance which suits him better, while Kingmania has the potential to improve after a promising run in October and a good mark for her AW debut. Francesi could also be in with a chance, being consistent in defeat and off a break, partnered with James Doyle. The Mouse King and Vaccine may struggle in this company, while Intervention and Kaaranah need to improve to be competitive. Candy Warhol may deliver a bigger effort, but others are preferred. Overall, Athmad, Dubai Jeanius, and Plastic Paddy are the top three contenders.
19:00 SouthwellThu 6 Apr 1m Nov Stks
Apollo’s Angel is a well-bred filly making her debut with useful targets to aim at in her pedigree. Oisin Murphy is booked, and market support would be encouraging. Mubhijah has finished third in her last three runs, all over 7f, and should relish the step up to 1m. She sets a useful standard for her rivals to aim at and has obvious claims on her AW debut. Urban Decay made a promising debut when finishing second at Kempton (1m) in November and should improve for that experience. Open to further progress, she looks a major player. Sea Me Dance showed some promise in two runs over 1m on Polytrack last autumn and may do better, but others have more compelling claims. Spring Fever has modest form to her name and may do better, but is unlikely to be among the winners. Raincloud has been well beaten in two runs last month and is one for handicaps after this. Shazam showed some promise for Ralph Beckett last year but was well beaten on her only run for her new yard.
19:30 SouthwellThu 6 Apr 7f Hcap
Creme De Cacao made a big step forward when winning a fillies’ novice at Chelmsford three weeks ago and is expected to be a major player off a very attractive mark in her handicap debut. In The Giving ran well on her first start for the current yard, keeping on for second at Kempton, and looks ready for this extra furlong. Nuthatch has been progressing well recently and is another filly who could be in with a chance in this race.
Evolicatt has been consistent this winter but has been beaten off this mark on seven of her last eight handicap runs, making her vulnerable to less-exposed fillies. Miss Sarajevo has not shown much improvement since switching to handicaps and may need to do better to win this race. Tondeuse has been reliable but does not appear to be thrown in for her handicap debut, while Spirit In My Soul has not yet matched her 2yo form in two runs this year.
Kohana Breeze has a better chance in her handicap debut/reappearance with cheekpieces fitted, while Nuthatch is another filly who is progressing well and makes her handicap debut here. Winnaretta has not built on the promise of her Kempton debut but could improve in this handicap debut at a realistic level.
20:00 SouthwellThu 6 Apr 6f Hcap
In this race, Ustath has shown good form this year, winning three times over course and distance and finishing in the money in all seven starts. His latest performance was a bit below par, but he remains respected back up in trip, and he is likely to run another big race.
Jenever won over course and distance in February and was a creditable third of nine in a handicap at Kempton last time out, where he was racing closer to the pace than ideal. He still has time to progress, and his good form makes him a serious contender.
Giselles Izzy is a course and distance winner who finished a good second over the same trip here last time out. She has run some good races in defeat since her last win in December and is expected to continue in form.
Gunnerside has been consistent this year, making the frame in all seven of his starts, but he has been winless in 14 races since last year. He is likely to be in the mix but needs a couple of these to falter.
Autumn Flight ended a long losing run when winning at Lingfield last week, but he has a 4lb penalty and the widest stall, which makes his task more difficult. However, he remains well treated on his best form.
Too Funky was well supported in a minor event at Wolverhampton last time out but failed to justify the backing. She needs to improve in this handicap, but the fact that Oisin Murphy retains the ride is a positive.
Shining Crystal has run some decent races in defeat since her last win, including a fifth-place finish in a minor event at Wolverhampton last week. She returns to handicap company with visor and tongue strap back on, but she is drawn higher than ideal.
Liv Lucky has found it tough going since joining her new stable and needs to improve further. Cavalryman and Apache Portia are lightly raced and have yet to show their best form, while Dylan’s Lad and Mutabaahy have been winless for a long time and need to find improvement to feature.
In conclusion, Ustath, Jenever, and Giselles Izzy are the top three horses that have the potential to win, while Gunnerside, Autumn Flight, and Shining Crystal are in with a chance. Too Funky, Liv Lucky, Cavalryman, Apache Portia, Dylan’s Lad, and Mutabaahy are unlikely to win based on their recent form.
20:30 SouthwellThu 6 Apr 2m Hcap
Didtheyleaveuoutto hasn’t shown much impact in two runs for his current yard, but he did manage to win a 1m6f turf handicap in 2021. He is returning to the flat after a poor effort over hurdles last time out, and could potentially be in with a chance in this race.
Dynali has been placed over hurdles but has been fairly moderate in his recent flat runs. He finished well-held last time out, so may struggle to feature in this race.
Got Bright has had seven runs for his current stable and is yet to win, but he did finish fifth in a handicap at Lingfield last time out. He went close over C&D in December, so can’t be ruled out completely.
Huscari is coming into this race off the back of a win in a 2m handicap at Lingfield. She’s only 2lb higher for that win and has shown some promise over longer distances. She is making her Tapeta debut, but could still be in with a chance.
Kiss My Face is in flying form, having won his last three races (two over 2m and one over hurdles). He carries a 5lb penalty for last week’s win here, but was well on top at the finish. He could be difficult to beat in this race.
Kitten’s Dream is an unreliable type and was seventh of eight in a handicap over C&D last time out. He will need others to falter if he is to feature.
Lovers’ Lane has yet to win in seven attempts and didn’t convince with her stamina over this far when last of five runners at Lingfield. She is unlikely to be in the mix here.
She’s All In Gold has shown some appealing form on the Flat and was running well over hurdles when last seen in 2021. Her market position should be noted on her return from an absence.
Sulochana has had wind surgery since her last run and Oisin Murphy is booked for this return to the Flat. She has won twice over 1m6f on the Flat and could bounce back from a couple of disappointing runs over hurdles.
Vintage Valley is lightly-raced on the Flat and has been disappointing in his recent runs under both codes. He needs to improve significantly to be competitive in this race.
Wannabe Brave is having his second start in a handicap over 2m after not appearing to give his running last time at Lingfield. Cheekpieces are now added, and if he can get back on song, he could be in the mix.
Overall, Kiss My Face is the clear pick in this race, having won his last three races in a row. Huscari could be a danger to him, given her recent win at Lingfield and the fact that she is still unexposed as a stayer. Didtheyleaveuoutto has shown some promise on the Flat before and could potentially be in with a chance. Other runners like She’s All In Gold and Sulochana could also be worth considering depending on market positions.
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