Horse Racing tips: 6 sparkling selections for Southwell on Thursday

Southwell 14:00

LIGHT LILY will have to race from 3 lb out of the handicap, but she has been seriously impressive on her last two starts switched to this surface, and will prove very hard to beat.

She was a surprise 50/1 winner on her debut at this track last month, and followed up in emphatic fashion over C&D last time, leading on the bridle over a furlong out and drawing clear under a hands-and-heels ride. There could be even more to come from her and she is readily fancied to complete a hat-trick.

Southwell 14:35

SHOOT TO WIN was a cheap purchase – was resold for £2,000 guineas as a yearling – but showed plenty to work on when runner-up at a big price on debut at Newcastle last time. He was no match for the experienced winner on that occasion, but is entitled to improve for that experience, and this doesn’t look the strongest race of its type.

Southwell 15:10

Admittedly, backing LACAN comes with risks attached, as he finished he time with Michael Bell hopelessly out of form, but he was a near-useful performer at best. Moreover, his new stable has an excellent record with getting the best out of new recruits, especially round here, and Lacan is well worth chancing at this level on fibresand debut.

Southwell 15:45

THE EAGLE’S NEST has been totally transformed by the switch to fibresand, winning back-to-back handicaps here in January and February, and narrowly failing to complete a hat-trick when coming up shy over this C&D on Saturday. He travelled well on that occasion, pulling clear of the remainder, too, so he has strong claims of going one better turned out quickly from the same mark.

Southwell 16:20

Tony Carroll continues in good form and DOC SPORTELLO confirmed that he is back in form when beaten a neck in second in a C&D handicap last time. The winner that day has an excellent record over C&D, and the pair pulled clear of one who has been in great form at this course recently, so the form has a solid look to it. He therefore has very strong claims able to race from the same mark here.

Southwell 16:50

MUKHA MAGIC proved better than ever on fibresand debut when winning a C&D handicap last time, staying on well to lead inside the final furlong in first-time eyeshields. He carries a 5 lb penalty for that success, but looks ahead of his mark, and is taken to come out on top again.