12:40 Southwell Racing Tips (18th November) £20 RISK-FREE BET AT UNIBET NURSERY HANDICAP

A 0-60 Nursery Handicap over 6f on standard going. Nine two-year-old horses take part, the lowest rated 45. Not the most illuminating of contests. Richard Whitaker doesn't have many juveniles in his care but knows how to train a winner and they are often progressive types. At this grade it pays to identify a horse which is in form and one that is likely to finish its race with spirit. Sparkling Sapphire is a roan filly and daughter of Monsieur Bond out of a winning mare who was similarly houses at Hellwood Racing Stables. The Nice Day Out Partnership have done well with thoroughbreds running in their familiar silks. Tumblewind has proven a fair sprinter. 

In truth, Sparkling Sapphire is no great talent but a determined horse who deserves to win at some level. She showed a glimmer of hope when running at Newcastle and then ran a sound race at Southwell last time out when given a confident ride by Paul Quinn. She may have started astronomical prices on Betfair but that didn't stop backers from taking odds on in-running when she looked the winner with a furlong to go. Fading in the closing stages over seven furlongs, gave way to a fair third place. This drop back to six furlong should see he finish with verve and remains on the same official rating [45]. I'd be tempted to back in-running as bigger odds should be available as there is a chance this February foal could be a touch outpaced in the early stages. At this lowly level the greatest strength is running to the line. Has each-way claims if odds allow.