Chelmsford & Southwell Race Day Analysis: December 19th

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This report provides a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of the complete race cards for the meetings at Southwell and Chelmsford. The analysis proceeds chronologically through each meeting, leveraging TimeWise Master Ratings, expert commentary, and key race statistics to assess the primary contenders in every race. We’ll be sorting the genuine contenders from the pretenders in a packed day of all-weather action.

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Part 1: Southwell Race Analysis

1.1. Southwell 1.22: Read Meg Nicholls’ Blog At betmgm.co.uk Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap

This Class 6 amateur jockeys’ handicap over 7 furlongs presents a competitive field where recent form and rider ability are crucial factors. With several runners looking to capitalize on favorable handicap marks, the analysis will dissect the top-rated contenders to identify the most likely winner in a challenging opening contest.

TimeWise Top-Rated Selections

HorseTimeWise Total RatingOdds
Von Krolock2354/1
Overlooked2319/2

In-Depth Analysis of Top Two

1. Von Krolock The ex-Irish 6-year-old demonstrated a marked improvement for his new yard on his third start, “when just holding on at Wolverhampton (7f) in a first-time visor (retained) last month.” That victory was only his second career success, coming two years after his first.

Assessment: The James Owen yard appears to have quickly found the key to this runner. Given the decisive nature of his last win and the retention of the successful headgear, the commentary suggests it is “unlikely he’ll have to wait anywhere near as long for the third” win. He is a primary contender.

2. Overlooked This horse has been “running with credit in defeat lately,” consistently hitting the board with a recent third-place finish at Wolverhampton. Despite this consistency, his win record is notably poor, standing at 0-23. His TimeWise rating of 231 places him joint-second in this field alongside last-time-out C&D scorer Cable Beach.

Assessment: While Overlooked is highly likely to be involved in the finish once again, his extensive record without a win suggests he may be more of a place prospect than an outright winner. The analysis notes it “may pay to look elsewhere for win purposes.”

Spotlight Verdict

It hasn’t taken long for James Owen to find the key to VON KROLOCK and he can add to last month’s Wolverhampton success. Last-time-out C&D scorer Cable Beach may give him most to do ahead of Overlooked, Bad Habits and Sir Maxi. [Andrew Sheret]

Key Race Statistics Detailed race statistics such as ‘Age Groups’ or ‘Fate of Favourites’ are not provided for this specific race in the source documents.

This analysis now moves to the novice stakes, where potential and pedigree come to the fore.

1.2. Southwell 1.52: Bet £10 Get £40 With BetMGM EBF Novice Stakes (GBB Race)

This 6-furlong novice stakes for 2-year-olds features a fascinating mix of experienced runners with established form and well-bred newcomers from powerful connections. In contests like these, assessing debut promise and pedigree is as important as dissecting the form of those who have already raced.

TimeWise Top-Rated Selections

HorseTimeWise Total RatingOdds
Baker Blue3024/6
Mr Juggles2328/1

In-Depth Analysis of Top Two

1. Baker Blue This colt brings “fairly useful form” from his time in Ireland with trainer Jessica Harrington, where he was placed on three of six starts. He was sold for 31,000gns after a good second-place finish at Down Royal in September.

Assessment: Baker Blue sets a clear standard based on his turf form. The primary question is whether he will be as effective on Tapeta in his first run for a new stable. A “bold show looks assured” if he handles the surface change.

2. Mr Juggles From the family of a very useful sprinter for the same yard, this colt “showed definite ability” on his course and distance debut four weeks ago when finishing fourth.

Assessment: With the benefit of that initial race experience, Mr Juggles is considered “likely to progress.” He represents the most credible challenger among those with prior racecourse exposure.

Spotlight Verdict

Baker Blue sets the standard on his turf form in Ireland but he did have a few chances over there so he’s taken on with well-bred newcomer FIREWALKER. Kevin Philippart De Foy sent out the winner of a similar race in the Amo silks last week so market support would heighten confidence in the chance of this Kingman colt. Mr Juggles looks best of the remainder. [Andrew Sheret]

Key Race Statistics

• 2024 Winner: Don Pacifico (2yo, 9-4), an 8-13 favourite for Simon & Ed Crisford ridden by Jack Mitchell, won from stall 1 of 10. An improver with an RPR of 88, he had previously finished 3rd at Wolverhampton (6f).

• Previous Winner: Line Of Force (2yo, 9-5), the 8-13 third favourite for Joseph Parr ridden by Alice Bond, won from stall 2 of 10. An unexposed type with an RPR of 87, he had previously won at Ripon (6f).

The following nursery handicap provides a compelling rematch between recent C&D rivals.

1.3. Southwell 2.22: Win £250,000 With BetMGM’s Golden Goals Nursery Handicap

This Class 4 nursery handicap brings together a group of progressive 2-year-olds who recently competed in a tightly contested race over this course and distance. The race sets the stage for a tactical rematch over the 6-furlong trip, with minor adjustments in weight potentially proving decisive.

TimeWise Top-Rated Selections

HorseTimeWise Total RatingOdds
Ten Carat Harry32113/8
Eternal Solace27111/4

In-Depth Analysis of Top Two

1. Ten Carat Harry A “progressive sort,” this colt boasts a perfect 4-4 record over 6 furlongs on the All-Weather. His most recent victory came over this C&D, where he showed a “good attitude again to edge out Eternal Solace and One And Gone.”

Assessment: Ten Carat Harry is described as being “very much in the winning groove” and his proven determination makes him the one to beat. He is well-positioned to confirm the form.

2. Eternal Solace A winner on both turf and Polytrack, this runner quickly bounced back from a poor run in a Listed contest to finish a close second to Ten Carat Harry here last month.

Assessment: As the primary challenger based on their recent encounter, Eternal Solace is expected to “go well again.” He is a clear danger and looks set to be involved in the finish.

Spotlight Verdict

There’s little to separate TEN CARAT HARRY, Eternal Solace (second choice) and One And Gone on last month’s C&D form, but the first-named is very much in the winning groove which just tips the vote in his favour. [Andrew Sheret]

Key Race Statistics

• 2024 Winner: Rock N Roll Rocket (2yo, 9-8), an 18-1 shot for David Loughnane ridden by Rossa Ryan, won from stall 8 of 12. Rated OR 72 and achieving an RPR of 77, this unexposed type had previously won a Maiden at Cork (5f).

The analysis now turns to a fillies’ novice stakes featuring a short-priced favourite.

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Part 2: Chelmsford Race Analysis

Note on Ratings Data

A key data limitation must be noted for the Chelmsford analysis. The ‘TimeWise Master Ratings’ are not available for these races in the provided source documents. To fulfill the analytical spirit of this report, the analysis will instead use the ‘master’ RP Rating (Racing Post Rating) from the official racecard to identify the top two contenders in each race.

2.1. Chelmsford 5.00: EBF ‘Confined’ Novice Stakes

The opening 1-mile novice stakes at Chelmsford is confined to horses that have had three or fewer runs, placing a strong emphasis on unexposed talent. With several top stables represented, this race offers the potential for a promising juvenile to emerge.

RP Rating Top-Rated Selections

HorseMaster RP RatingOdds
Roc De Fer7310/1
Windbreaker7311/4

In-Depth Analysis of Top Two

1. Roc De Fer

• Profile: Form of 9386 04, runs prominently (P), trained by Sir M Prescott, whose stable is in excellent form (67% runners to form in 14 days).

• Assessment: While his rating and the white-hot form of the Prescott yard demand respect, his mixed recent results are a concern. As a prominent racer, he’ll need to be sharp from the gates, but he must rediscover his best form to fend off promising rivals.

2. Windbreaker

• Profile: Form of 9203 5, held-up runner (H), trained by W Haggas, whose yard is operating at a remarkable peak (100% runners to form in 14 days).

• Assessment: The combination of a strong rating and a trainer operating at a flawless 100% strike-rate is exceptionally powerful. As a horse who is typically held-up, he will need a fair pace to run at, but if he gets it, the Haggas yard’s current form suggests he will be primed to deliver a career-best performance.

Spotlight Verdict A Spotlight Verdict is not provided for the Chelmsford races in the source documents.

Key Race Statistics

• 2024 Winner: Rajeko (2yo, 9-11), a 4-6 favourite for Michael Bell ridden by Hector Crouch, won from stall 9 of 13. An unexposed type with an RPR of 96, he had previously finished 4th in the July Stakes (6f).

• Trainers in this Race: Michael Bell has a record of 1 win from 1 runner in this race.

Attention now shifts to a competitive nursery handicap.

2.2. Chelmsford 5.30: Sky Bet Request A Bet Nursery Handicap

This 7-furlong nursery handicap appears to be a competitive Class 5 contest for 2-year-olds. The analysis will focus on the top-rated runners to identify the most likely contenders to handle the challenge and feature in the finish.

RP Rating Top-Rated Selections

HorseMaster RP RatingOdds
Paranjape759/2
Flash Rascal7411/4

In-Depth Analysis of Top Two

1. Paranjape

• Profile: Form of 9062 531, tends to press the leaders (P), trained by S Woods, whose yard is in good form (67%).

• Assessment: He comes into this race on a high following a last-time-out victory, and the strong form of the S Woods yard suggests he remains in peak condition. As a horse who likes to press the pace, he’s likely to be in the right position, and his progressive profile makes him a leading candidate to defy a rise in the handicap.

2. Flash Rascal

• Profile: Form of 9202 464013, a held-up runner (H), and has been a beaten favourite (BF) in the past.

• Assessment: His high rating, which is matched by fellow contender Zooella, ensures he can’t be dismissed. However, as a hold-up horse (H), he will be reliant on a strong pace, and he must reverse a slightly disappointing recent effort to justify his position in the market. He has the ability, but needs things to fall right.

Spotlight Verdict A Spotlight Verdict is not provided for the Chelmsford races in the source documents.

Key Race Statistics

• 2024 Winner: Silver Arrow (2yo, 9-6), a 12-1 shot for Amy Murphy ridden by Sean D Bowen, won from stall 5 of 9. An improver rated OR 68 with an RPR of 72, he had previously finished 3rd at Newcastle (6f).

• 2023 Winner: Maverick Style (2yo, 9-2), a 15-2 shot for Paul & Oliver Cole ridden by Rob Hornby, won from stall 7 of 10. An improver rated OR 53 with an RPR of 66, he had previously finished 5th in a Chelmsford Handicap (1m).

• Fate of Favourites: 42 (suggesting a challenging race for market leaders, though the specific methodology for this figure is not provided).

Next, we analyze a nursery over the minimum trip of 5 furlongs.

2.3. Chelmsford 6.00: Sky Bet Build A Bet Nursery Handicap

This Class 6 nursery handicap over the specialist distance of 5 furlongs will test the raw speed of these juveniles. Runners who have shown an aptitude for sprinting are likely to hold an advantage in what is expected to be a fast-run race.

RP Rating Top-Rated Selections

HorseMaster RP RatingOdds
Rosieisme Darling643/1
Kuiama634/1

In-Depth Analysis of Top Two

1. Rosieisme Darling

• Profile: Form of 9026 0792, presses the leaders (P), trained by H Burton, whose stable is in peak form (100%).

• Assessment: Her strong second-place finish last time out confirms her well-being, and she represents a trainer currently firing on all cylinders. This potent combination makes her a formidable contender, especially as her prominent running style (P) should keep her out of trouble in this sprint.

2. Kuiama

• Profile: Form of 9026 658213, typically leads (L), trained by D D Cunha (71% stable form).

• Assessment: A recent winner who backed it up with a solid third, Kuiama brings consistency to the table. As a confirmed front-runner (L), her main challenge will be fending off early pressure, but if she gets her own way out in front, her proven effectiveness over this sharp trip makes her a major danger.

Spotlight Verdict A Spotlight Verdict is not provided for the Chelmsford races in the source documents.

Key Race Statistics

• 2024 Winner: Blue Lakota (2yo, 9-8), a 10-11 favourite for Kevin Ryan ridden by Warren Fentiman, won from stall 6 of 10. An in-form horse rated OR 66 with an RPR of 73, he had previously won a Newcastle Handicap (6f).

• 2023 Winner: Via Blanca (2yo, 8-9), a 5-1 shot for Amy Murphy ridden by Ryan Kavanagh, won from stall 7 of 12. An improver rated OR 53 with an RPR of 69, she had previously finished 2nd in a Chelmsford Handicap (6f).

• Fate of Favourites: 61 (suggesting a strong record for market leaders, based on an unspecified metric).

The analysis continues with a novice stakes for older horses.

2.4. Chelmsford 6.30: Sky Bet Club Novice Stakes

This Class 4 novice stakes is contested over 5 furlongs and is open to horses aged three years and older. The field is small but contains runners with solid official ratings, pointing towards a competitive sprint where established ability will be key.

RP Rating Top-Rated Selections

HorseMaster RP RatingOdds
Raveena837/4
Middleton View8211/4

In-Depth Analysis of Top Two

1. Raveena

• Profile: Form of 9056 8-452, runs prominently (M), trained by J Channon (33% stable form). She has an official rating (OR) of 70.

• Assessment: Her top rating marks her as the clear standard-bearer in this contest. The strong second-place finish on her last outing suggests she’s hitting peak form, and as a horse who races midfield (M), she should be able to get a good tow into the race before launching her challenge. She is the one they all have to beat.

2. Middleton View

• Profile: Form of 7672 00-270, a held-up runner (H), trained by S C Williams (40% stable form). He holds an OR of 73.

• Assessment: While his high master rating and solid official rating give him the credentials to challenge, his recent form figure of ‘0’ is a significant red flag. As a hold-up horse (H), he’ll need the race to be run at a searching gallop to be effective, but he must first prove he has bounced back to his best to be considered a serious threat.

Spotlight Verdict A Spotlight Verdict is not provided for the Chelmsford races in the source documents.

Key Race Statistics Specific race statistics are not listed for this event in the provided document.

We now turn to a Class 6 handicap sprint.

2.5. Chelmsford 7.00: Sky Bet Extra Places Every Day Handicap

Another 5-furlong dash, this Class 6 handicap for older horses brings together a field of seasoned sprinters. Several runners have strong course and distance form, which will be a significant advantage in this tightly-knit contest.

RP Rating Top-Rated Selections

HorseMaster RP RatingOdds
Bluebells Boy777/2
Mick’s Spirit769/4

In-Depth Analysis of Top Two

1. Bluebells Boy

• Profile: Form of 9226 536732, a leader (L), trained by H Burton, whose stable is in peak form (100%).

• Assessment: He was only narrowly denied last time out and comes from a stable in untouchable form. His front-running (L) style is a major asset in sprints, and if he can dominate from the stalls, the combination of his high rating and his trainer’s hot streak makes him a very likely winner.

2. Mick’s Spirit

• Profile: Form of 9253 575139, presses the leaders (P), trained by C Allen (100% stable form). He is a previous course and distance winner.

• Assessment: A previous course and distance winner from another stable firing at 100%, Mick’s Spirit is an obvious danger. His proven ability to handle this track and trip is a significant plus, and his prominent running style (P) will likely see him challenge Bluebells Boy for the lead early, setting up a fascinating tactical battle.

Spotlight Verdict A Spotlight Verdict is not provided for the Chelmsford races in the source documents.

Key Race Statistics Specific race statistics are not listed for this event in the provided document.

The feature race of the evening, the ‘Timeform Sprint Series Final’, is next.

2.6. Chelmsford 7.30: ‘Timeform Sprint Series Final’ Handicap

This is the evening’s feature event, a highly valuable Class 2 handicap over 6 furlongs. The race is a final, restricted to horses that have qualified through the series, ensuring a large and competitive field of in-form sprinters chasing a significant prize.

RP Rating Top-Rated Selections

HorseMaster RP RatingOdds
Cherry Cobbler935/1
Mesaafi924/1

In-Depth Analysis of Top Two

1. Cherry Cobbler

• Profile: Form of 9273 3-4135, runs prominently (M), trained by S C Williams (40% stable form). She was a beaten favourite (BF) last time out.

• Assessment: As the top-rated horse in the field, she commands maximum respect in this valuable final. Although she was a beaten favourite last time, her overall profile is strong, and a return to the form that saw her win earlier this season would make her very tough to beat. Expect her to be delivered from midfield (M) with a strong late run.

2. Mesaafi

• Profile: Form of 9243 054434, presses the leaders (P), trained by R Burdon (100% stable form) and was also a beaten favourite (BF).

• Assessment: His high rating is backed up by the perfect form of his stable. A string of consistent placed efforts shows he is in rude health, and as a horse who presses the pace (P), he is tactically versatile. He looks primed to convert that consistency into a victory.

Spotlight Verdict A Spotlight Verdict is not provided for the Chelmsford races in the source documents.

Key Race Statistics Specific race statistics are not listed for this event in the provided document.

The penultimate race is another competitive handicap.

2.7. Chelmsford 8.00: Sky Bet Matchday Assist Handicap

A valuable Class 4 handicap over 7 furlongs, this race has attracted a large field of capable performers. The ratings suggest a tight contest, where tactical positioning and the form of the respective stables could prove crucial.

RP Rating Top-Rated Selections

HorseMaster RP RatingOdds
Uncle Don994/1
United Approach994/1

In-Depth Analysis of Top Two

1. Uncle Don

• Profile: Form of 9251 540364, a held-up runner (H), trained by R Fahey (59% stable form).

• Assessment: Tied for the highest rating, his class is undeniable. As a hold-up horse (H), he is dependent on a strong early pace to show his best, which is not guaranteed in a big field. While he needs to improve on his last run, his back-class makes him a major player if the race sets up for his closing style.

2. United Approach

• Profile: Form of 9207 -38026, a held-up runner (H), trained by J Osborne (40% stable form). He was a beaten favourite (BF) last time out.

• Assessment: Sharing the top rating of 99, United Approach possesses significant ability. His last run as favourite was disappointing, but his prior second-place effort is the key piece of form. He’s another hold-up runner (H) who will need the leaders to go a good clip, but a return to his best would see him firmly in contention.

Spotlight Verdict A Spotlight Verdict is not provided for the Chelmsford races in the source documents.

Key Race Statistics Specific race statistics are not listed for this event in the provided document.

The final race of the day concludes the analysis.

2.8. Chelmsford 8.30: Flutter Proudly Supporting Pancreatic Cancer UK Handicap

The closing race is a Class 4 handicap over 1 mile and 2 furlongs. The event is for horses rated 61-80, and the presence of several lightly raced, progressive types from top stables suggests it will be a strong contest to conclude the card.

RP Rating Top-Rated Selections

HorseMaster RP RatingOdds
Parlando9210/1
War Chant9112/1

In-Depth Analysis of Top Two

1. Parlando

• Profile: Form of 9138 44-985, a held-up runner (H), trained by I Williams (57% stable form).

• Assessment: His top rating suggests he possesses the highest performance ceiling in this field. While his recent form figures are uninspiring, a return to his best would make a mockery of his odds. As a confirmed hold-up horse (H), he’ll be played late, and could be dangerous if the pace collapses.

2. War Chant

• Profile: Form of 8798 194-88, a held-up runner (H), trained by E Smyth-Osbourne (0% stable form). He is a previous course and distance winner.

• Assessment: His high rating combined with his status as a previous course and distance winner makes him a serious threat, even with his stable currently out of form. The ability to act on this specific track is a huge positive that can’t be underestimated, and he’s another closer who will appreciate a strong gallop.

Spotlight Verdict A Spotlight Verdict is not provided for the Chelmsford races in the source documents.

Key Race Statistics

• 2024 Winner: Mighty Nebula (4yo, 10-1), an 11-4 favourite for Stuart Williams ridden by Sean Levey, won from stall 3 of 9. An exposed type rated OR 81 with an RPR of 89, he had previously finished 2nd in a Chelmsford Handicap (1m2f).

• 2023 Winner: Wadacre Gomez (3yo, 9-11), a 7-4 favourite for Charlie Johnston ridden by Franny Norton, won from stall 2 of 7. An exposed type rated OR 76 with an RPR of 84, he had previously finished 2nd in a Kempton Handicap (1m3f).

• 2022 Winner: Storm Catcher (4yo, 9-12), a 7-2 favourite for Simon Pearce ridden by David Probert, won from stall 6 of 8. An exposed type rated OR 73 with an RPR of 84, he had previously finished 5th in a Lingfield Handicap (1m2f).

• Age Groups: 3-year-olds have won 1 of the last 3 renewals, while horses aged 4 and older have won 2.

• Fate of Favourites: 111 (indicating a very strong historical record for favourites in this race, based on an unspecified metric).

• Trainers in this Race: Stuart Williams has a record of 1 win from 1 runner in this race.

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