Race Preview: Southwell 5:30 (Class 5 Handicap – Fillies & Mares)

This mile handicap looks quite competitive for the grade. Southwell’s Tapeta surface often suits certain horses, so course form is a significant plus. Recent form and handicap marks are key factors.

---

Runner-by-Runner Analysis

• Geo (9-10, OR69): Drops back into Class 5 after contesting similar races on turf. Her form figures (556) are okay without strongly suggesting a win is imminent. Needs to prove she handles the AW surface effectively.
• Zariela (9-12, OR68): Showed she’s competitive off this sort of mark when second at Leicester (1m, Gd-Fm) two starts back. Disappointed slightly since. Her AW record (1 win from 8) isn’t outstanding, but Jack Callan’s 5lb claim helps. Place chance.
• Ghaiyyath Park (9-8, OR67): Interesting runner making her UK and AW debut after campaigning in Germany. Form (4-626) is respectable, including a second last time out, but hard to translate accurately. The market might be the best guide. Rossa Ryan booked.
• Grey Phoenix (9-8, OR67): Consistent sort who has finished 4th on her last four starts. Ran respectably (6th) last time after a short break. Yet to win but usually runs her race at this level. Top jockey Hollie Doyle booked. Each-way claims.
• Mamma Maria (9-11, OR70): Comes here in great form. Won off OR65 in August and ran a cracker when a fast-finishing second at Chelmsford (1m, AW) last time out off OR69. Only 1lb higher today and looks progressive. Strong contender. ⭐
• Live Each Day (9-8, OR67): Impressive winner at Kempton (1m, AW) last time out off OR62. She’s up 5lb for that easy win, but jockey Ashley Lewis claims that 5lb back. Importantly, she’s a course winner here over 7f off OR58. Back on a winning surface and effectively off the same mark as last time. Major player. 🔥
• Calaxy (9-5, OR64): Won her maiden here over 7f last October impressively. However, her three runs since (090) have been extremely disappointing, including being beaten 11 lengths over 1m3f last time. Drops back in trip but needs a massive revival, even at her winning course.
• Midsummer Music (9-9, OR65): Won at Chepstow (1m, Good) two starts back off OR63. Ran okay when 4th at Kempton last time. Consistent enough type returning to AW.
• Biplane (9-6, OR62): A real Southwell specialist (1 win, 7 places from 16 runs). Ran an excellent 3rd here over 7f two starts ago off OR65. Disappointed on turf since, but returning to her favoured track and trip (1 win, 4 places from 7 runs over 1m here) makes her dangerous off a reduced mark. Course form gives her a big shout. 👍
• Salve Electra (9-5, OR64): Won at Brighton (1m, Good) in May. Form has been patchy since, finishing well beaten last time. Needs to step up on recent AW efforts. P J McDonald is a positive booking.
• Liberty Bird (9-2, OR61): Won over 7f on AW last year. Ran a good 3rd two starts back at Wolverhampton (1m1f) off OR62. Didn’t run well last time but could easily bounce back dropped 1lb.

---

Verdict

This looks like a good opportunity for Live Each Day. She won with plenty in hand last time, is a previous course winner, and effectively runs off the same mark thanks to her jockey’s 5lb claim. Mamma Maria finished strongly last time suggesting she’s still improving and looks the main danger. Course specialist Biplane ran very well here off a higher mark two starts ago and cannot be ignored back at her favourite track and trip. Grey Phoenix is consistent and has Hollie Doyle in the saddle, suggesting a good run is expected.

1. Live Each Day 🔥 2. Mamma Maria ⭐ 3. Biplane 👍 Each Way: Grey Phoenix