Runners to Watch from Southwell’s 18:45 Handicap (24th January 2025) – Updated with Harry Did’s Latest Run

The 6f Class 4 handicap at Southwell on 24th January provided some valuable insights for future races. The way the race unfolded suggests a pace collapse, where early leaders struggled, and hold-up horses were favoured. Some front-runners could be worth keeping onside in a race where speed holds up better, while a few unlucky closers could be well worth tracking for their next starts.

Since then, Harry Did has reappeared at Kempton (5th Feb), and his performance provides further clues about his future prospects.


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Race Recap – Southwell (24th Jan 2025, 18:45)

The race was run at a strong pace, with Counsel setting a fierce gallop before fading inside the final furlong. This allowed Many A Star (1st), Ormolulu (2nd), and Harry Did (3rd) to come through from the rear, highlighting how the race suited closers rather than those who raced prominently.

Many A Star (1st, 6/1): Held up mid-division, made smooth headway, and led entering the final furlong. The perfect trip, but an honest performance.

Ormolulu (2nd, 9/2F): Slowly away, held up last, had trouble in running but still finished strongly. Huge eye-catcher.

Harry Did (3rd, 5/1): Another hold-up runner who finished well and responded to pressure.


This race was one where closers dominated, meaning front-runners like Counsel and Mahato could be worth revisiting in a more suitable race.


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Updated: Harry Did’s Next Run – Kempton (5th Feb 2025, 18:30)

After his strong run at Southwell, Harry Did returned in a Class 5 handicap at Kempton. Here’s how he fared:

Winner: Grenham Bay (100/30 JF) – Made all, unchallenged, went clear 4f out.

Runner-up: Hierarchy (7/1) – Held up in rear, strong late run, but no chance with the winner.

3rd Place: Hiatus (14/1) – Chased leader, stayed on but lost 2nd late.

4th Place: Harry Did (100/30 JF) – Held up towards the rear, ran on inside final furlong but never on terms.


Analysis of Harry Did’s Run at Kempton

✅ Race Setup Wasn’t Ideal

The race was dominated by front-runner Grenham Bay, who controlled the pace and was never caught.

Hold-up horses had no real chance, which meant Harry Did’s style worked against him.


✅ Still in Good Form

He made late headway, suggesting he retains ability.

Another stronger-run race or a step up to 7f could suit better.


✅ Not a Bad Run Despite the Positioning

Was 100/30 joint-favourite, showing market confidence.

Although he finished 4th, his late run still suggests he has a race in him.



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Future Betting Angles

Horses to Follow

1️⃣ Ormolulu (2nd at Southwell)
🟢 Why follow?

Slow start and found trouble in running, yet still finished second.

Market confidence (9/2 favourite) suggests connections expected a big run.

If he gets a clearer trip next time, he’s got a strong winning chance.


2️⃣ Harry Did (3rd at Southwell, 4th at Kempton)
🟢 Why follow?

Strong-finishing run at Southwell confirmed he’s improving.

Kempton run wasn’t bad – he just needed a stronger pace to aim at.

A step up to 7f might unlock more improvement.


3️⃣ Mahato (4th at Southwell)
🟢 Why follow?

Raced prominently but still finished a respectable fourth.

Looked to need a better-positioned ride – wasn’t fully comfortable when edging left.

If he gets an easier lead, he could be dangerous.


4️⃣ Counsel (5th at Southwell)
🟢 Why follow?

Set a furious pace and still stuck around until inside the final furlong.

If he gets a race where front-runners hold on better, he could bounce back strongly.


Horses to Oppose

❌ Lucky Man (9th) & Admiral D (10th) – Southwell

Both should have been suited by the race shape (favouring closers) but made no impact.

Would need a class drop to be considered.


❌ Filly One (12th) – Southwell

Chased the early leader but folded tamely inside the final furlong.

Might need a drop in trip or weaker opposition to be competitive.



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Key Takeaways

✅ Ormolulu & Harry Did remain strong contenders for future races.
✅ Mahato & Counsel may improve if they get an easier lead or a more front-runner-friendly race.
❌ Lucky Man & Admiral D didn’t fire despite the race favouring their style, so they’re ones to be wary of.

Tracking Harry Did & Ormolulu

They remain horses to watch, but conditions need to be right:

If Harry Did gets a stronger pace to aim at, he’ll be dangerous.

A step up to 7f might bring out improvement.

Ormolulu’s strong finishing speed means he’ll be winning soon when given a clearer run.