At The Races

DRAWNFROMTHEPAST would be getting 5lb less from Mottley Crewe if this were a handicap and gets the verdict in the belief the latter may be best on the Fibresand at Southwell. The selection has been in rude health at plating level of late and, proven over both this track and trip, is taken to complete the hat-trick. Brenin Taran returned from a lengthy absence with a creditable third in a 6f handicap here last month and cannot be left out of calculations either.

• Top Tip: DRAWNFROMTHEPAST (3)
• Watch out for: BRENIN TARAN (2)

ALHABAN was awarded his latest victory in the stewards room after a tussle with Wisecraic, who was first past the post by a nose but was deemed to have caused interference when edging to his left. The selection is open to further improvement over this trip and remains one to consider while operating at this level. Daniel Thomas was denied a four-timer in a 1m handicap here on Saturday but has to be taken seriously now lowering his sights. Jordaura, another eased in grade, looks a bigger danger at the weights and is feared most.

• Top Tip: ALHABAN (1)
• Watch out for: JORDAURA (4)

GOOD MORNING STAR scored over C&D on his penultimate outing in January, with the reopposing Athletic back in second, and although he was denied a double off this mark when attempting to follow up at Wolverhampton subsequently, the slight drop in trip may have counted against Mark Johnston's charge. A return to the winner's enclosure may now be on the cards while the yard continues to fire on all cylinders. Bramshill Lass and Palmyra both broke their maidens at this track last time and warrant respect now turning their attention to handicaps.

• Top Tip: GOOD MORNING STAR (3)
• Watch out for: BRAMSHILL LASS (2)

Look At Me Now remains a maiden after six runs and while he hinted this longer trip would suit when staying on into third over 5f here last time, it might be worth taking a chance on PERFORMING POCKET. The selection returns from a 159-day absence after disappointing in a Newbury conditions race. However, he would take all of the beating in this company if reproducing the form of his preceding Kempton third over this trip. The Kicking Lord may improve with the benefit of a run under his belt and looks best of the rest.

• Top Tip: PERFORMING POCKET (3)
• Watch out for: LOOK AT ME NOW (2)

Even Bolder has been threatening to score off this mark for a while now, without quite delivering, and preference therefore is for DIAMOND VINE, who has edged up 2lb for a near miss over C&D earlier in the month and looks capable of holding his own in a grade higher than this 0-65 banding. Catalinas Diamond looks the main danger being only 3lb higher than when scoring over C&D in November, while the popular and vastly experienced Dvinsky is respected on the back of yet another victory at his favourite stomping ground, Kempton.

• Top Tip: DIAMOND VINE (1)
• Watch out for: CATALINAS DIAMOND (6)

PALE ORCHID was backed as if defeat was out of the question over 7f here last time and failed to deliver the goods, touched off by a short-head. However, David Evans' filly was unproven over that longer trip and is expected to return to winning ways now dropped back to 6f, even if she races off a 5lb higher rating. Oratorian is another whose stamina may have been stretched over further last time and he could reverse form with his conqueror, Adranian, reverting to 6f. Abi Scarlet went close in a muddling Wolverhampton event on debut and is another to consider.

• Top Tip: PALE ORCHID (1)
• Watch out for: ORATORIAN (2)

Irish raider DRINMOY LAD made his journey to Southwell a worthwhile one when landing a 5f handicap last month and looks an interesting prospect off 6lb higher now stepping up in trip. First Bid was touched off by just a head over this trip on Fibresand last time and looks the main danger although a chance is also given to Purple Affair, who was having his first start since August when third at Kempton last time and may strip fitter for the run. C&D winner Lana and the consistent Songbird Blues complete the shortlist.

• Top Tip: DRINMOY LAD (6)
• Watch out for: FIRST BID (3)