Date: Saturday 7th February 2026
Venue: Southwell (Tapeta)
Race: 6.00 Win 250,000 With BetMGMs Golden Goals Fillies Handicap (Class 5, 6f)
We head to the Tapeta at Southwell for a competitive Class 5 sprint. With Alpine Girl declared a non-runner, we are left with a field of seven. The market is tight, but the data points toward a specific profile needed to unlock this race: tactical speed and the ability to see out the stiff six furlongs.
Here is the breakdown of the key contenders and my final verdict.
The Leading Contender: Mereside Diva (2/1)
There is a lot to like about T D Barron’s mare, specifically the trip. Her last outing on 30th January at this track was over 7f. The run comment is telling: “switched left going okay 2f out… no extra and headed near finish.” She traveled like the winner but didn’t quite get home over the extended trip.
Dropping back to 6f today looks like the perfect strategic move. With a 40% Horse Class Win stat and the Barron yard operating at a 19% strike rate for the month, she sits rightfully at the top of the market. If Callum Rodriguez can hold her up and unleash that turn of foot a furlong later than last time, she is the one to beat.
The Course Specialist: Brazilian Rose (3/1)
You cannot ignore course form at Southwell. Brazilian Rose has won two of her last four starts, both at this venue. While she finished 5th in her last run, the comments note she “took keen hold” and “dwelt.” If she breaks cleanly and settles better under Kaiya Fraser, she remains a massive threat. Her Horse Track Win stat stands at a solid 40%, indicating she thrives on this specific surface.
The Statistical Value: So Sassy (13/2)
If you are looking away from the front two, So Sassy offers significant appeal based on connections.
Jockey: Hector Crouch has a formidable 24% win rate at Southwell.
Trainer: James Fanshawe is in fine fettle with a 23% win rate this month.
She was a solid 2nd at Lingfield last time out, leading until near the finish. She is knocking on the door, and at 13/2, she represents the value in the race, particularly with the yard in such form.
The Others
Ziggys Queen (11/4): Consistent sort for Richard Fahey. Hasn’t been out of the top three in her last three runs. She led 1f out last time before fading to 3rd. She will be thereabouts but might lack the finishing kick of Mereside Diva.
Handle With Care (12/1): Hollie Doyle takes the ride, which is always a positive booking. However, she was “kept on one pace” at Kempton last time and needs to find more to trouble the principals here.
Pineapple Island (25/1): Hard to fancy on current form. The comments are littered with “never threatened” and “weakened.”
The Verdict
This race likely boils down to the trip suitability. Mereside Diva showed plenty of dash over 7f last time and looked like a winner waiting for a shorter trip. The drop to 6f on this surface should see her capitalize on that speed.
So Sassy is the danger given the impressive track stats of the jockey and the current form of the Fanshawe yard.
Win: Mereside Diva
Next Best / Forecast: So Sassy