Southwell 8.30 – Race Preview

This is a very competitive Class 4 handicap over 1m 3f, featuring a large field of 13 runners. In a race this size, proven form on an all-weather (A.W.) surface, particularly Southwell’s Tapeta, is a significant advantage.

Several runners are A.W. specialists, but the race also features two horses—Always A Star and La Cadalora—who are incredibly consistent but find it very difficult to win.

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The Main Contenders

1. ALWAYS A STAR (OR 70)
   • Why he’s a contender: This horse is the most reliable runner in the field for a place. His recent form is a string of thirds and seconds (...52333). He has run at Southwell twice and finished placed both times (Course_0-2-2). He’s on a very low weight (8-13) and is almost guaranteed to be in the mix. The only question is whether he can finally get his head in front.
2. WAY OF LIFE (OR 79)
   • Why he’s a contender: A true all-weather veteran. From 31 A.W. starts, he has 5 wins and 13 places. His Tapeta record is exceptional (Tpta_2-8-16), and he finished 3rd on his only previous visit to this track. He is ultra-reliable, handles the surface, and consistently runs his race.
3. TIMELESS CHARM (OR 74)
   • Why she’s a contender: She comes into this in the best form, having won and then finished 3rd on her last two starts (both on Tapeta at Newcastle). She is a 2-time A.W. winner from 9 starts and is clearly in peak condition. She is a major threat.

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Best of the Rest

• LA CADALORA (OR 72)
  • She is the other “serial placer” in the race, with a similar profile to Always A Star. Her A.W. record is remarkable: 4 runs, 4 places. She was a good 3rd at Newcastle 14 days ago and is another who is almost certain to be on the premises.
• LIGHT SPEED (OR 74)
  • A 3-time A.W. winner, including 2 on Tapeta. His form is solid, and he won a decent race at Beverley in August. He is more than capable of winning this if things go his way.
• PLEASANT MAN (OR 82)
  • The class horse of the race, who is already a winner at Southwell. However, he carries top weight (2lbs “wrong” at the weights) and, more importantly, has not raced in 223 days, which is a huge ask in a 13-runner field.

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Verdict

This is a tricky puzzle, with several horses holding strong claims. The turf-bred runners like Charming Whisper (0/5 on A.W.) and Silver Gunn (0/6 on A.W.) can be safely ignored.

The race will likely be fought out by the specialists. Always A Star and La Cadalora are fantastic each-way propositions. Timeless Charm has the best recent winning form, but the rock-solid consistency and proven Tapeta record of WAY OF LIFE make him a very appealing option.

However, ALWAYS A STAR has perfect course form (2 runs, 2 places) and a featherlight weight. This could finally be the day he breaks his long winless streak.

1. Always A Star
2. Way Of Life
3. Timeless Charm