Horse Racing tips: Timeform's top plays at Southwell on Thursday

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at time of publication but subject to change

12.50pm – Byzantia (NAP)

BYZANTIA started favourite for her debut at Haydock last year and was again well found in the market on her return to action at Lingfield in June. She could only run to a similar level as on her debut, but she left the impression that race didn’t get to the bottom of her, still having plenty to do entering the straight and keeping on well without being knocked about. It is a slight concern that Byzantia hasn’t been seen since, but there is plenty about her physically, and her pedigree is an ongoing recommendation. The surface is an unknown but John Gosden does well with the horses he runs at Southwell.

1.20pm – Split Down South (Each-Way)

Admittedly, SPLIT DOWN SOUTH ran no sort of race at Chelmsford earlier this month, never on terms and finishing well beaten, but his form at this venue earlier in the year makes him of some interest. He has a very positive record on fibresand and has now fallen back down to his last winning mark which came over six furlongs at this course. This race has an open feel to it and it would be no surprise were Split Down South to bounce back to form returned to this venue.

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1.50pm – Young John (NB)

YOUNG JOHN goes well at Southwell and confirmed his return to form when narrowly beaten by another horse who bounced back to near his best over course and distance earlier this month. Young John was in front a furlong from home but didn’t help his cause by hanging left in the closing stages and was just nabbed on the line. He is very well handicapped on his best form – now 16lbs below his last winning mark – and Young John is expected to launch another bold bid now fitted with first-time cheekpieces.

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at time of publication but subject to change