7.15 Southwell – Racing League Race 39 Handicap (Class 3, 2m102y, AW, £50,000)

·

Pace & Draw:
Southwell’s Tapeta can be testing over 2m. Likely an even-to-strong gallop with several who like to press or make the running (Golden Rules, Hardy Bloke, possibly Artisan Dancer if ridden forward). Draw not critical here, though inside-to-middle stalls (2–6) tend to save ground into the first turn.


Leading Contenders

  • Miller Spirit (9-7, OR 90, Draw 8) – Progressive.
    Thriving this season, ran to 104 RPR at Yarmouth, then close at Ascot and Yarmouth in deeper races. Travels strongly, stays well, and has form on soft and AW. Big player if he settles.
  • Artisan Dancer (8-12, OR 81, Draw 5) – In form.
    Consistent this term, York and Ascot efforts solid, stays 2m well. Handles AW (Kemp 2nd Apr). Can sit handy and grind it out – looks suited by Southwell.
  • Sheradann (9-3, OR 86, Draw 7) – Promising AW angle.
    Ran close in strong Kempton races (RPR 106) and shaped well at Newcastle. Stays, travels kindly, and Williams has him well-placed off 86. Could relish this switch back to AW.
  • Golden Rules (9-3, OR 86, Draw 2) – Ex-classy stayer, but fragile.
    Lightly raced, still retains big ability (115 RPR Ascot 2023). Second here recently, should strip fitter. Suspect finisher at times but well treated if near peak.

Dangers / Outsiders of Note

  • Dreams Adozen (8-4, OR 73, Draw 6) – Each-way player.
    Solid efforts at Chester and Newcastle, not disgraced in better class. Consistent mare, handles AW, gets light weight, could pick up pieces late.
  • Zealandia (8-3, OR 72, Draw 9) – Well handicapped.
    Former 111-rated, now in the 70s. Recent Newcastle third hinted at revival, but long losing run. Needs a pace collapse.
  • Francesco Baracca (8-2, OR 71, Draw 11) – Progressive at lower level.
    Lightweight 4yo, yet to prove stamina fully at 2m, but unexposed and shaped with promise at Kempton last winter. Needs another step forward.
  • Sir Bob Parker (9-12, OR 95, Draw 10) – Topweight, long absence.
    French G2-placed in 2022, but not seen since. Huge class if fit, but 840 days off suggests caution. Market will tell.

Runner Scores (Suitability /10)

  • Miller Spirit – 8/10 (strong current form, stays, progressive)
  • Artisan Dancer – 8/10 (in form, consistent stayer, track suits)
  • Sheradann – 7.5/10 (solid AW, running into form, sneaky player)
  • Golden Rules – 7/10 (class horse, but fragile & finishing doubts)
  • Dreams Adozen – 6.5/10 (game mare, light weight, place claims)
  • Zealandia – 6/10 (well handicapped, but unreliable)
  • Francesco Baracca – 6/10 (unexposed, but stamina to prove)
  • Hardy Bloke – 5.5/10 (admirable stayer, but class may find him out)
  • Postileo – 5/10 (well past peak, not convincing this season)
  • Sir Bob Parker – ?/10 (classy, but impossible to rate off 3yr absence)
  • Kitsune Power – 5/10 (more 1m4–1m6 type, doubtful stayer at this level)

Private Tissue Odds

  • Miller Spirit 3/1
  • Artisan Dancer 4/1
  • Sheradann 5/1
  • Golden Rules 6/1
  • Dreams Adozen 10/1
  • Zealandia 12/1
  • Francesco Baracca 14/1
  • Hardy Bloke 16/1
  • Postileo 25/1
  • Sir Bob Parker 25/1 (wild card – shorter if strong support)
  • Kitsune Power 25/1

Summary & Smart Play

Competitive Racing League handicap, likely a solid pace suiting stayers who can travel into it. Miller Spirit is thriving and looks ready to strike at this level, while Artisan Dancer is a tough, reliable yardstick with a strong chance. Sheradann appeals as a dangerous AW improver under Williams, and Golden Rules is respected if retaining his old spark.

Smart Play:

  • Win bet – Miller Spirit (progressive profile, best recent figures, strong staying effort expected).
  • Each-way saver – Artisan Dancer (tough, consistent, handles trip/AW, drawn to sit handy).

Leave a comment

Get updates

From art exploration to the latest archeological findings, all here in our weekly newsletter.

Subscribe