(Wednesday, 11th Feb)
Conditions: 6f Handicap, Class 5, Tapeta
With Wisetanck a non-runner, we are left with a compact field of six. Don’t let the small number fool you; this is a tactical puzzle featuring high-speed figures, weight penalties, and potential “plot” horses.
The Main Players
Grey Horizon (7/1): The “Southwell Specialist” in all but name. He’s had a prolific winter, racking up a hat-trick of 6f wins before a narrow third over the 5f minimum trip last week. He was outpaced early there but stayed on strongly—returning to 6f is exactly what he needs. He beats King Of Chaos on revised weight terms from their January meeting.
Marra Donna (9/4 Fav): The market’s fancy. She was caught late over 7f at Wolverhampton recently and looks likely to appreciate the drop back in trip. Receiving 9lb from our selection, she is the primary danger if the “unexposed” tag translates to track speed.
King Of Chaos (5/1): Arrives under a 6lb penalty for a dominant maiden win at Lingfield only four days ago. He’s clearly in top form, but carrying 9st 13lb in a competitive Class 5 sprint is a massive ask for a three-year-old.
Henriette Ronner (3/1): Found a new lease of life in first-time blinkers at Newcastle. She’s up 8lb for that 2.5-length victory and moves up a grade today. The headgear needs to work twice for her to feature.
The Verdict
The market is obsessing over Marra Donna’s potential and King Of Chaos’s recent win, but the value lies with the horse that has already “done it” at this level and distance.
GREY HORIZON is a hard-knocking, consistent sprinter who thrives on the Tapeta surface. His last run was a perfect “tune-up” over an inadequate trip, and back at 6f, he is the percentage call to out-battle his less-experienced rivals.
Selection: Grey Horizon (Win)