NAP
16:50 Southwell – Motahassen
Clipsham Tiger is entitled to respect having won three times in succession, including here twice, but he has gone up 6lb for his latest victory and faces a very well-treated rival in Motahassen. The five-year-old improved markedly for the drop back in trip and switch to Fibresand when successful here last week, scoring by seven lengths and proving his effectiveness on the surface in no uncertain terms. He will prove extremely difficult to beat under a penalty if running to a similar level.
NEXT BEST
19:30 Southwell – Thahab Ifraj
Thahab Ifraj has won three of his five starts at Southwell and has finished placed on the other two outings, so he clearly relishes the Fibresand surface. He won cosily here on his most recent outing in October, hitting the front two furlongs out before drawing clear to score by two and a half lengths. A 5lb rise for that success is not severe, and he should have the speed to cope with this drop in trip. He can enhance his excellent course record at the chief expense of Tynecastle Park, who also goes well here and arrives on the back of a career-best effort.
EACH WAY
16:15 Southwell – Tiger Balm
Tiger Balm has been brought along steadily in maidens, showing a bit more on each start without threatening to reach the frame, but she can now tackle handicap company and appeals as a potential improver for the switch to Fibresand. Tiger Balm has the outside stall to overcome, but it’s worth noting her half-sister was a wide-margin winner on this surface, while another sibling showed her best form on Fibresand. She is completely unexposed and looks capable of making an impact from her lowly opening mark. Oasis Song ran her best race last time and also has a pedigree which suggests Fibresand will suit, so she is considered the main danger.
Timeform’s Tips Summary:
16:15 Southwell – Tiger Balm
16:50 Southwell – Motahassen
19:30 Southwell – Thahab Ifraj
