At The Races

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Race Cards, Odds & Results Fri 3rd Sep

FAIRVIEW (South Africa)

Meeting(s) televised on ATR Channel
Archived race video footage available

Southwell

This might surprise you, but in my view Southwell is one of the very toughest tracks for a novice chaser in the country. By design the portable fences are extremely upright and horses must be solid jumpers in order to get round. This, combined with frequently soft ground, means that Southwell has a high percentage of non-finishers, so look for a good jumper with plenty of stamina in novice contests here.

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Jumps

The only track with a Fibresand surface, Southwell’s long straights and sweeping bends tend to suit relentless gallopers. The surface, however, can be deep and testing, particularly following dry or frosty weather.

Consequently, horses with form beyond the trip they are racing over often prevail. This is worth factoring into your race analysis, particularly in the depths of mid-winter.

Over the straight 5f, those drawn up the middle usually seem to be at an advantage, but historically the draw bias varies. Decide where the true pace horses are drawn, as they hold the key to how a race unfolds. On the round track, wide draws over 6f and 7f are considered to be a definite disadvantage.

David Baron has about a one in three strike rate in 3yo handicaps, and an even better record with older horses. In the saddle, Tony Culhane and Neil Callan are definite allies.

Directions

By road: Southwell has free parking for 1000 vehicles and is situated seven miles west of Newark. There is easy access from the A1 and the M1 via the A46 and the A617.

By rail: Southwell Racecourse is served with it's own railway station at Rolleston, which is adjacent to the course, on the Nottingham to Newark line. Journey times are six minutes from Newark and just over 20 from Nottingham.