8.15 Southwell – Racing League Race 41 Handicap (Class 3, 1m3f, AW, £50k)

·

Pace & Draw Angles:
Southwell’s Tapeta over this trip often rewards those racing handily, but the long straight allows late closers a chance. Likely pace from La Pulga (if reverting to front-running), Liberty Coach (can lead), and possibly Crowd Quake if connections press forward. Hold-up horses such as Fantasy Believer and Whathappensinvegas will want a strong tempo. Draw looks fairly neutral at this trip, though extreme wide stalls (9–12) can force early decisions.


Strongest Contenders

Andaleep – Proven
Remarkably consistent Racing League veteran, runner-up in this contest last year and fourth in 2023. Still running to 100+ RPRs at 9yo, narrowly denied at Wolves latest. Carries top weight (OR 96) but ultra-reliable and loves this kind of setup.

La Pulga – Proven
Third in this race last year. Has mixed turf/AW campaign but very solid second to Charging Thunder at Wolves last month (RPR 102). High in the weights but this is exactly his level.

Fantasy Believer – Progressive AW profile
AW specialist with a course record, regularly running to 100+ RPRs. Third in this in 2023 and winner of the same Chepstow prep last year. Reliably hits the frame; Saffie Osborne knows him well.

Charmaine – Promising
Lightly raced filly, steadily progressive this season with figures of 1–2–3–3–3. Often produced late; needs pace to collapse. Handles AW and turf equally well, one of the unexposed types.

Kitty Furnival – Promising
Lightly raced filly from the Crisfords. AW specialist, generally reliable. Forgive last run at Southwell when never in it. RPRs suggest she can run to low 100s, which gives her a live chance.


Main Dangers

Liberty Coach – Progressive
Improving 4yo with cheekpieces doing the trick. Third at Chelmsford in a stronger race latest; tactical speed could prove useful if pace is steady.

Bowerchalke – Progressive 3yo
New Bay filly improving sharply, won at Southwell in July and looked better the further she went. Steps up in class but receives big weight-for-age allowance.

Whathappensinvegas – Well-treated
On a good mark (OR 79), recent Goodwood 4th (RPR 99). Still to win beyond 1m2f, but shaping as though 1m3f–1m4f within range. Big step up in grade but a sneaky outsider.

Educator – Revived
Well handicapped compared to old ratings, two wins this summer after a wind op. Stamina assured, though up in class now.


Interesting Outsider

Crowd Quake
Rapid improver through the grades (six wins this summer, mostly turf). Now rated 75, which still leaves him well in on recent RPRs (102). First time tackling this level, but he’s thriving and could surprise if he transfers turf form back to AW.

Big Sip
Lightly raced 3yo. Won a maiden well but has been unreliable since. Not one to trust but clearly has ability.


Suitability Scores

  • Andaleep – 8.5/10 (classy, reliable, but top weight)
  • La Pulga – 8/10 (solid RL profile, weighted near ceiling)
  • Fantasy Believer – 8.5/10 (C&D record, consistent, likely place banker)
  • Charmaine – 7.5/10 (progressive, but may need everything to drop right)
  • Kitty Furnival – 7/10 (consistent AW filly, capable but not bulletproof)
  • Liberty Coach – 7.5/10 (progressive, handy style a plus)
  • Bowerchalke – 7.5/10 (improving 3yo, receives allowance)
  • Educator – 7/10 (revived, but this deeper)
  • Whathappensinvegas – 6.5/10 (mark ok, stamina slight doubt)
  • Crowd Quake – 7/10 (thriving but this big leap)
  • Father Of Jazz – 5/10 (classy in old days, but stale profile on Flat return)
  • Big Sip – 5.5/10 (inconsistent, risky)

Private Tissue Odds

  • Andaleep 4/1
  • Fantasy Believer 5/1
  • La Pulga 6/1
  • Charmaine 7/1
  • Liberty Coach 8/1
  • Bowerchalke 8/1
  • Kitty Furnival 10/1
  • Educator 12/1
  • Whathappensinvegas 14/1
  • Crowd Quake 14/1
  • Father Of Jazz 20/1
  • Big Sip 25/1

Summary & Smart Play

This looks a typically deep Racing League middle-distance handicap. Pace should be honest, with La Pulga and Liberty Coach ensuring no dawdle. That sets it up for the usual RL finishers.

  • Top win bet: Fantasy Believer – rock-solid, C&D record, peaking again at the right time.
  • Each-way saver: Andaleep – superb RL horse, second in this last year, still running as well as ever.
  • Dark horse: Crowd Quake – thriving lower-level winner, rates a potential big improver if AW no issue.

Market watch advised – particularly on Bowerchalke (3yo allowance) and Educator (well handicapped if recent revival continues).

Leave a comment

Get updates

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

Subscribe