*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
13:20 Eamon An Conic
EAMON AN CNOIC was a long way clear of the rest when finding only an unexposed rival too good at Chepstow a fortnight ago, going with plenty of zest and probably doing too much out in front. He he looks ahead of the game able to race from the same mark and is preferred to Will Sting, who routed the opposition at Warwick last month and demands respect from a 13 lb higher mark.
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13:55 Numitor
NUMITOR has proved a totally different proposition since sent chasing, which isn’t surprising given his big physique, and he built on his Ffos Las success with another authoritative win from the front at Wincanton last time. His jumping was again an asset and he showed a good attitude as he lost the lead mid race but looked strong again between the last two and pulled clear on the run-in after jumping the last. The handicapper has raised him another 8 lb in the weights, but he is a big, robust sort who shouldn’t be bothered by that, and the hat-trick is very much on the cards.
14:30 Little River Bay
Some progressive mares on show for this Grade 2 event, but perhaps none more so than LITTLE RIVER BAY, who has won all three of her starts over hurdles so far this season. She was strong in the market ahead of her latest run at Newbury and defied a double penalty in good style, looking more professional than she has previously, but still idling on the run-in which suggests she have even more to offer. That came in testing ground, so conditions won’t be a problem, and she should be able to take this step up in grade in her stride.
15:05 No Getaway
This looks an open handicap chase, but there should be more to come from NO GETAWAY, who shaped with plenty of encouragement on his chasing debut at Market Rasen in November, and that form has worked out well. Admittedly, he didn’t build on that at Newbury last time, but he perhaps doesn’t stay that far, and he is well worth another chance back at two and a half miles for the in-form Dan Skelton yard.
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15:40 Pipesmoker
Plenty of potential on show, but PIPESMOKER is very much the one to beat on what he achieved in two starts over hurdles last season. He got within two and a quarter lengths of stablemate Chantry House (strong form) on his hurdling debut at Cheltenham and ran into another above-average sort in Sporting John on his next start over two and a half miles at Ascot. The level of that form is much better than any of his rivals here have shown, and he could yet make up into a smart performer.
16:15 Highest Sun
HIGHEST SUN is on an appealing mark and has shaped as if back in top form, just stretched by the trip when fourth at Haydock a couple of months ago, so he boasts excellent claims of scoring back over three miles here. There’s plenty of in-form opposition, however, and the likes of Eclair Surf and Eclair de Guye should ensure it’s not all plain sailing for the selection.
16:50 Gastara
Lots with chances but Johnny Farrelly’s GASTARA has long given the impression there is much better to come once stepping into handicap-company and he should be seen in a much better light now from what looks a lenient opening mark. Talented conditional Kevin Brogan is an eye-catching booking and he is fancied to go well in a first-time hood. Dorking Lad, one of two for Gary Moore, heads the list of dangers, although Grangeclare Glory can have a say too now going up in trip.
Timeform’s tips at Southwell
13:20 Eamon An Conic
13:55 Numitor
14:30 Little River Bay
15:05 No Getaway
15:40 Pipesmoker
16:15 Highest Sun
16:50 Gastara
*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
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