Southwell Horse Racing Tips

This might go to KING OF YORK, who has been on a frustrating run of second place finishes but likes it here and remains competitively weighted even after a 2lb rise. The 8yo Judgment Call is strongly considered back up in trip, having run well over the C&D in early January, and he looked to hit the front too soon over 6f at Newcastle last time. Another to consider is Cill Mocheallog, who won well over C&D two starts back before a flat run last time. He could easily bounce back, though, with a pace to aim at a help.

This looks competitive but the bang in-form filly DREAM ILLUSION makes plenty of appeal under a penalty following wins at Newcastle and here last time over 8f. Strong at the finish of her races, she won over this 7f trip earlier in her career and a decent pace to aim at here will assist. The top one Chola Empire has put together two good runs in a row over C&D and appears to hold solid claims once more, although the selection might prove too progressive. No Knee Never is considered also. He runs the C&D well and is largely consistent.

Something put in a solid effort at Kempton last time, closing well to chase home an improver having not got the best of runs, but he hasn't exactly shone in previous starts at this course. It may instead pay to side with the admirably consistent WONDER, who has been holding his form well, including running well over this C&D two starts back, and now has the assistance of both Oisin Murphy and first-time cheekpieces. He stays further too, which is never a bad thing here. Also worthty of considering is Knight Templar, who wasn't at his best last time when finding little but was in earlier in winning form on his return to the Flat and he may prove just as effective on his drop in trip.

It took him a while to get his head back in front again, but CARGIN BHUI was strong at the line when a good winner at Wolverhampon last time and, even after a 5lb rise, he still looks nicly treated given he was running well from marks in the high-70s last summer. Zoulu Warrior failed in his hat-trick bid at Wolverhampton last time but blinkers now go on and there could still be some juice in his mark. Farandaway is respected also and comes in as third choice, with the step back up in trip looking in his favour.

Stanley Spencer was by no means out of things when hampered last time and he still appeals as being on a competitive mark while he likes it here. The same can be said of BETSEN, however, and he's preferred as the number one choice. He sprang a 40-1 shock at the course on his stable debut, having formerly been trained in Ireland, and things just haven't panned out in two starts since. He's been eased 1lb and having Billy Loughnane in the saddle for the first time can only be a good thing.  Aberama Gold is admirably consistent and can be expected to put up another good showing, although he may prove vulnerable for win purposes.

The drop in trip won't be an issue for ZRYAN, who travelld well en route to success over 10f at Newcastle last time and looks to have the pace for this, indeed he was just denied over C&D back in September. He looks progressive enough to defy his latest rise. Dingle has won three of his last five starts, showing improved form off the front at Newcastle last time, and there's no reason why he won't go well again, making him the danger to the selection. Third choice is First Ambition, who wasn't seen at his best last time but is already a C&D winner and still has potential after just a handful of starts.

You'd have wanted long odds about the 7.30 at Southwell on a Friday night becoming one of the most talked about and eagerly anticipated races of the season, but that's what we have due to the participation of former champion hurdler Constitution Hill, who makes his Flat debut following falls on three of his last four starts over hurdles. The race in which he completed out of the quartet resulted in disappointment, however, albeit with excuses, and he is now a 9yo. There are more appealing options, namely SQUARE NECKER, who got off the mark in good style over this trip at Dundalk. He's now with his third trainer in as many runs but, given his fine breeding, it's reasonable to expect further progress from the 4yo. Daddy Long Legs looks the danger for Willie Mullins, being Grade 1-placed over hurdles and last seen finishing third behind subsequent St Leger fifth Carmers back on the Flat at Ballinrobe in May. Also worthy of respect is Gambino for Dan Skelton. He ran twice on the Flat for Noel Meade, winning on debut and then finishing a good second off a mark of 82 at Gowran Park. He must concede weight all round here, however.

This can go to EXISTENT, who ended a lengthy losing run over C&D last time, under this rider, and still appeals as being well treated following a 3lb rise - he's got plenty of form to his name from marks in the mid-80s from last summer. Sam's Hope is respected despite her new mark having kicked in. She needs to bounce back but the drop in trip should suit and she could give the selection most to think about. Juan Les Pins has found his form again of late, finishing a good third over C&D last time, and a reproduction of that should again see him go well.

Plenty to consider in an open race. The change of yard might work the trick for the mare MADAME DE SEVIGNE, who has the services of Oisin Murphy back from 79 days off. She ran really well to just miss out from this mark over C&D in October and there was little wrong with her most recent effort at Kempton. Down To The Kid has been in red-hot form over C&D. He came up short in his hat-trick bid last time, but now drops in grade and his current mark isn't necessarily beyond him. Eligible might be a 10yo, but she's in red-hot form, having won three on the trot, with two of them coming over C&D. She's up 3lb but can again go well.