12:50 Southwell Racing Tips (12th Nov) 32RED MAIDEN AUCTION STAKES (CLASS 5) (2yo)

Day 4 of the 30-Day Challenge. I've got a man cold so not feeling in a particularly humorous mood. Not bad win prize money for such a restricted race type: Maiden Auction Stakes over 7f on Standard going. Eleven two-year-olds take part, seven with experience. This doesn't look the most competitive of heats. Zio Gianni was noted by us last time out and unlucky not to win. This American-bred son of Lemon Drop Kid is a decent yearling buy at just $21,000. Jamie Osborne's bay colt has claims but once again there isn't much meat on the bone at 7/4. Must go well. 

2:40 Southwell Racing Tips (3rd Nov) DAILY PRICE BOOSTS AT UNIBET EBF MAIDEN STAKES (CLASS 5) (2yo)

A Maiden Stakes over 5f on Standard going. Fourteen two-year-olds, nine raced, six fillies taking on the colts. Just a quick summary of  few who may go well. Not bad prize money for this class of race.

Hold On Magnolia is trained by Richard Fahey who always needs respecting with his juveniles. Should go well. 

James Givens has done well with his two-year-olds this season. Many have run well on debut which has defied the characteristic of previous years. Feeling Dicky is owned by The Cool Silk Partnership. They have been a force to be reckoned this season. Worthy of respect.

Scott Dixon does well on the all-weather and the stable are not afraid to put their money down when they expect a horse to go well. Socialites Zero has been on our radar since receiving a Stakes race entry very early in the season. This son of Milk It Mick is owned by the Socialites who won with stablemate Socialite Red. Kieran O'Neill [jockey] has a decent strike rate for this yard and if this bay gelding  is backed I'd expect a bold show. 

Another trainer who should be noted on debut when fancied in the betting is David Brown. Time Again is a homebred filly owned by Peter Onslow. He is no stranger to a good horse: Trick Or Treat [2006] trained by James Given. This daughter of Kyllachy would be high on my list if fancied in the market. In fact, if priced 7/1 & less SP I'd be surprised if she wasn't in the frame. 

Interesting that there has been some money for Bit Of A Lad. If backed 7/1 & less SP it would be of note. The blinkers first time doesn't inspire in some respect, but the price is key. 

Belle Mare Plage is a good-looking type with plenty of pace and far from disgraced in a higher class. This daughter of Canford Cliffs cost 60,000GNS. Stuart Williams is a clever trainer and this race looks cherry picked for a big performance. This bay filly has showed good speed although there is always a slight fear dropping in distance could see her tapped for toe. However, it could be a strength to finish this race with verve. Interesting. 

Conclusion: Not the easiest race to assess in some respects. Hold On Magnolia and Belle Mare Plage have experience and a level of ability. I'd be surprised if Belle Mare Plage doesn't hold fair each-way claims. The betting is key for Socialites Zero, Time Again and Bit Of A Lad. If priced 7/1 & less SP I'd be expecting a big run. Time Again/Bit Of A Lad would be a fair bet if backed with conviction. Feeling Dicky may go well at a price. 

2:05 Southwell Racing Tips (9th April) BRITISH STALLION STUDS EBF MAIDEN STAKES (CLASS 5) (2yo)

An EBF Maiden Stakes over 5f on standard going. Five debutantes from a mix of trainers. Two geldings, two colts and one filly. Fair prize money on offer. 

Mark Johnston has made a lively start to the two-year-old season with plenty of horses fielded and winners, too. Rainbow Rebel is a son of Acclamation out of a poor mare [trained by Eric Alston] who didn't race until three. This bay colt cost 22,500GNS at the yearling sales and half-brother to Wonder Of Qatar. There seems money for this juvenile on the betting exchanges and will almost certainly start a short priced favourite. Johnston's debutantes are difficult to asses but the stable have a good strike rate at this course and plenty of form lines to make a judgement. A few of the opposition have something to prove and this may not be the strongest of races.

Bill Turner doesn't let the grass grow under his horse's feet and a few two-year-olds have raced so far. Just That Lord was a touch disappointing in the Brocklesby Stakes and probably showed a similar level on his next start when third. Other juveniles have made their racecourse bow but shown little. Raise The Game is an Irish-bred son of Bushranger out of a twice-winning mare. He was a 7,000EUR foal, not sold as a yearling for £4,500. He is a half-brother to multiple-winning Red Pike [Bryan Smart] and Just Past Andover [who represented Bill Turner in 2012 Brocklesby Stakes].  He is an early February foal, racing in the familiar red and white silks of E A Brook, who is a loyal owner who is no stranger to talented two-year-olds. Sigwells Farm Stable are reputed to do well with their debutantes although their strike rate doesn't read well [they usually have one or two fair juveniles and other poor horses]. It slightly concerns me that Just That Lord didn't set the world alight in the Brocklesby which may limit the string. A difficult horse to assess. The owner gives me more confidence but I'd have to take a watching brief. 

Luvly is trained by Brian Baugh, who isn't known for training juvenile winners with just five runs in five years. This son of Multiplex is out of a winning mare and similarly owned. This horse is the oldest in the race being born on 1st February. Although a home bred racing in the silks of Richard Hunt he went through the yearling sale and bought in for £1,800 [often a technique used to gain entry to lower class median races]. Best watched.

Jo Hughes [the other half of Paul Blockley] are very much a gambling stable. In recent years, their juveniles have been either very fancied or weak in the betting. In fact, their strike rate is poor with just one debut winner [Lady Chantilly, 2013] in the last four years. Go Marnie is a bay gelding sired by Multiplex out of an unraced Italian mare. This May foal is a half-brother to Ivor's Rebel, who is a decent sprinter. Unless seriously backed, I'd take a watching brief. Their juveniles often go well when fancied second start.

One trainer who is worth a second look is Tony Coyle. Zeebriva Stables send out their first two-year-old of the season, a filly named New Road Side. This daughter of Paco Boy is out of a twice-winning mare. This bay was bought by the trainer at the yearling sales for £11,000 and half-sister to Byzantium who started her career at Listed class before winning second start. The stable's juveniles often show promise on their racecourse bow but struggle to win. One of the more likely contenders.

 Conclusion: Southwell can be a tricky course and the surface isn't always to horse's liking. In many respects this looks potentially a poor race because the majority of the trainers struggle to win on debut or field unfancied types. I am often indifferent about Mark Johnston's debutantes but Rainbow Rebel must have fair claims. This son of Acclamation could well start odds-on and the focus of this race. Raise The Game is well owned and not badly bred but Turner's Brocklesby fourth could be a negative for the string. I'd take a watching brief. New Road Side hails from a trainer who often shows promise with juveniles but they struggle to win. Go Marnie & Luvly are best watched. An uninspiring contest and if Rainbow Rebel has ability he could run these ragged. However, at the odds I would have to watch with interest. 
  

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.   

4:20 Southwell (27th February) Free Racing Tips

A Median Auction Maiden Stakes over 5f on standard going. Nine three-year-olds take part: five colts/geldings and four fillies. A mix of raced horses with a sales median price of not more than £22,000. Quite a restricted race type, which favours those with a proven level of form. While many racing fan will be keen to see the Cheltenham betting this all-weather race could be worth an interest. 

2:40 Southwell (4th February) Free Horse Racing Tips

A maiden Stakes over 6f on standard going. Eleven horses take part: all three-year-olds bar a horse of five and six who look to have little chance on form. A mix of colts, geldings, filly and one mare. This turning course often favours those with a lower draw. 

Royal Encounter, trained by Ed Vaughan and ridden by Jimmy Quinn, hails from stall one. This son of Royal Applause is out of a winning mare, who finished fourth in the Nell Gwyn Stakes (Group 3), achieving an official rating of 104. This bay colt cost 45,000gns at the Tattersall's October Yearling Sales, purchased by Oliver St Lawrence Bloodstock. This youngster was in need of the run when making his debut in December at Lingfield at odds of 25/1. Connections expected much better next start at Wolverhampton racing over 7f. Royal Encounter showed good pace to take the lead that day and battled well in the closing stages playing second fiddle to Hardy Black. This April foal lost by just under one length, although the winner looked to hold a clear advantage by the line. Even though that was a relatively small field, the first two where expected to run big races and neither disappointed or lacked in determination. The third horse has since hit the frame and albeit no world beater this race is most probably of a similar level. Royal Encounter drops down to 6f which may take the edge off his pace. However, from a low draw, his jockey is likely to try and hold this favourable position. As long as the surface doesn't cause any problems, this grandson of Dayjur, should finish well. The main opposition - Jaeger Train & Bretherton - have both opted for head gear in an effort to find improvement. The former trained by Karl Burke has been a short-priced fancy on both his starts and will appreciate this drop back in trip and with Joey Haynes claiming 5lb it looks like connections mean business. However, Royal Encounter has fair each way claims if prices allow. 

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1:30 Southwell (30th January) Free Horse Racing Tips

1.30 Southwell - there are two horses that can lead if there's no early pace: Sir Geoffrey and Guishan. I don't think they will need to set the pace  in this race as Cadeaux Pearl is a natural front runner. Back down to 5f and now running off its lowest handicap mark, it will probably go to the front and stay there. At odds of 10/1 it's worth an each way wager. 2.00 Southwell - Upper Lambourn is top rated but this race is very hard to evaluate as there's no known front runner in the field. To be honest, none of them are very consistent so I would leave the race alone. However, if you do have a bet keep it to the minimum. 7.20 Kempton - with only six runners and the only known front runner Foxtrot Jubilee, I'm hoping Gabrial's Gift can sit just behind the leader and hold a decent position. This is its third run back after a break and the last two runs have been at Southwell. This course will suit him much better. I would like to back each way at 8/1 but with only two places it might not be the value bet.

 1.30 Southwell - Cadeaux Pearl 10/1 ew
 2.00 Southwell - Upper Lambourn 11/2 
 7.20 Kempton  -  Gabrials Gift 8/1 

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2:10 Southwell (23rd January) Free Horse Racing Tips

2.10 Southwell - Rambo Will likes to sit just off a decent pace and with Mister Manannan, Bapak Bangsawan, Beacon Tarn, all possible pace setters, it will win or at least make the frame.

 7.00 Kempton - another race that could be run at a decent pace as there's four possible front runners including: Fat Gary, Top Cop, Lexis Hero. Angels Pursuit is aptly named as it is likely to be held up just behind the leaders and finish strongly - hopefully a winner or at least a place.

7.30 Kempton - this race has six possible front runners. The selection, Volito, has never won on the all weather from nine attempts but only one has been over course and distance. I have a feeling the trainer has been running this horse on unfavourable courses to gets its rating down to a winnable mark. It had a run seven days ago, its first for three months, and I think it could be primed to run a good race.

8.00 Kempton - this race is very hard to work out mainly because I've no idea where the early pace will come from, so could be a bit tactical.  The selection *Dear Maurice comes out top and can either be held up or track the leaders. At a big price, 25/1, it might be worth a small each-way bet. 

2.10 Southwell - Rambo Will 11/2 ew 1st (6/1)
7.00 Kempton  - Angels Pursuit 9/2 ew 5th (11/2)
7.30 Kempton  - Volito 11/2 ew 6th (14/1)
8.00 Kempton  -  Dear Maurice 25/1 ew  (NR)

2:30 Wolverhampton (20th January) Free Horse Racing Tips

2.30 Wolverhampton: Dorback has the best time - so the best chance of winning. The reason I haven't gone nap on this race is because I don't know where the early pace will come from and could become a tactical affair. (7/1 EW)

3.40 Southwell:  Maakirr has won its last two runs and in tip top form. It has been raised in class again but it has recorded the fastest time of them all so may go in again. (4/1 W)

4.10 Southwell: I thought with fourteen runners Ghostwing might be a bit bigger price. Its form at first glance doesn't make it a stand out bet but it's the fastest horse in the race by quite a bit and the draw shouldn't make too much difference on the straight 5f course. Two or three other horses Two Turtle Doves,  Confidential Creek, Novalist - are likely to make sure there's a decent early pace, which will help Ghostwing's chances. These are the fastest horses in each race and should have a chance of winning but as you have probably noticed I do like to get some sort of picture in my mind how a race should/could pan out and then I'm more confident. (5/2 W)

2:00 Southwell (9th April) Free Horse Racing Tips

An EBF Maiden Stakes over 5f.  Five two-year-olds take part, two colts, three fillies, one with form. 

Kitty Brown is the only horse with experience, finishing second from last at Kempton at the end of March. This daughter of first-season sire Bushranger had little chance after a tardy start but wasn't hard pressed to be competitive thereafter. Evans had three starters that day and it is difficult to know what this little filly can achieve. Substantial improvement is needed to meet a winning level of ability. However, the stable are in good form, their two-year-olds have been hitting the mark and experience is a huge advantage. I would expect this April foal to ping from the stalls but there are questions to answer. If substantially backed it would bring more confidence but probably best watched.

It is never easy assessing debutantes because statistically they have it all to prove. However, one trainer who often bucks the trend is Richard Fahey. Musley Bank Stables have just about the same strike rate with their two-year-old debutantes as they do with those on their second start. This is a remarkable statistic and reason why Jaga Time must be respected. This chestnut son of Compton Place cost £10,000 at the yearling sales. The winning mare was a sprinter although a low-grade handicapper. The most likely winner on statistics but whether you wish to take a relatively short price is open to debate.

Split Rock hails from Mark Johnston's stable. He has had a few juveniles race this season but all have disappointed. This home bred son of Shamardal is out of a Listed-winning mare, who raced at Group level before retiring at three. She was bred to need a trip and beyond her debut raced over one mile. It is sensible to consider this chestnut colt will appreciate a stiffer test of stamina. There is little doubt if this March foal had gone through the sales ring he would have made a lot of money. Mark Johnson has an indifferent record with his debutantes.  They are either easy winners of disappointing losers. The stable usually test the water these first two months of the season and bring out their better early types late April to May. The greatest pointer may be Split Rock racing at Southwell because the stable have a superb win rate at this course. Win or lose, I would have to take a watching brief.

Another trainer who has a great strike rate at this course is Brian Ellison. They field two fillies: Claudia Octavia & Livia Drusilla. 

Brian Ellison owns and trains Claudia Octavia who was a cheap purchase at £3,000. This daughter of Holy Roman Emperor is out of an unraced mare who was bred to need a trip. Whether this minimum distance will be suiting is something of an unknown. 

Livia Drusilla is similarly sired and out of a poor mare who was bred for stamina. Ellison purchased this yearling for 15,000gns but she has since been sold privately. 

The main stumbling block for these two horses is that the stable often struggle to win on debut. Any stable can defy the stats but it takes a certain type of horse and intention. If in need of the race, it would be a surprise.

Conclusion: This is a tricky race to hold strong views. Kitty Brown is likely to make the most of her experience and David Evans is no ones fool. He will make every advantage count and if this little filly has ability she could well set the pace. If backed it would bring greater confidence.  The debutantes are difficult to assess because you can never be sure whether they are fit, ready and have their required distance. Jaga Time ticks the boxes on a statistical point and by far the most likely winner based on trainer credentials. Whether it would be wise to bet at relatively short odds is a matter for debate. Split Rock is well bred and the stable have a good strike rate here. However, Johnston's two-year-old debutantes run so indifferently that I wouldn't dare bet, especially at this time of year,  when he is testing the water. This horse will either win easily or be a big disappointment. Brian Ellison is a talented trainer but he too struggles to win with horses making their racecourse bow. Unless seriously backed I would have to watch. I would play it safe, take a watching brief. 


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2:20 Southwell (Wednesday 3rd April) Free Horse Racing Tips

A restricted maiden auction stakes over 5f. Five colts take part, two raced. Experience counts for a lot at this time of the season. El Duque & Far Gaze both showed promise when making their debutes at Lingfield & Wolverhampton, respectively. The former is trained by Bill Turner who has the talented Mick's Yer Man, winner of two stakes races. 

El Duque, a son of Byron, was quite fancied on debut when ridden by Ryan While. This yearling cost 3,500gns when purchased by the trainer. He didn't have much luck on his racecourse bow when checked in the early stages, which meant he was always on the back foot. I think his jockey resigned himself to a considerate introduction but this bay ran on with some spirit in the closing stages giving the impression he could have finished closer if all had gone to plan. As it happens, the form of that race has been franked with the fifth and sixth winning next start and the seventh running a sterling race at kempton. Considering El Duque was in front of those horses he must be respected in what is most likely an ordinary race.

On form Far Gaze looks to have a stiff task beating the above mentioned. This American bred colt, sired by Belmont, was pretty much thrashed by Stan Moore's Outback Lover who succumb to El Duque on her initial start. By all accounts Far Gaze needs to improve a good number of length to put down any challenge. However, two-year-old horses often improve considerably for their first start and I get the feeling this bay colt will show up well today. He is a fair-looking juvenile for this grade. A tardy start cost him any chance at Wolverhampton. It is interesting to note that this youngster has been entered to run in two stakes race, which indicates the stable have plans. A Brocklesby entry went amiss after the ground turned for the worse at Doncaster. The Brocklesby has been a fair pointer to the stable's better early juveniles in previous seasons and most ran creditably on their second start. The majority improved quite markedly. 

The debutantes wouldn't need to be anything special to win although they will most certainly need to be primed. It is never easy for juveniles to win on their first start. 

Red House is probably best watched. 

Alan McCabe is a trainer to respect with his juveniles and Red Warrior cost 8,000gns. The owners, Premspace, have had winning horses with Ed McMahon. Money is often the key pointer for this stable. In general, they feature a poor strike rate with their debutantes although when fancied they can go close. In such a small field it is difficult to assess the market as bookmakers will be unwilling to push the prices too far unless they consider a horse has next to no hope. I would take a watching brief unless seriously backed.

Tyrsal is trained by Robert Eddery who certainly knows how to train a horse. They have had a few horse well backed on debut and they are  a canny outfit. If backed this son of Jeremy is worth noting.

Conclusion: Small fields don't enthrall me as value races. On form El Duque looks every inch a winner and could take this in some style. He is a fair-looking colt and the apprentice allowance is a plus. He showed spirit at Lingfield and should run all the way to the line. The horse to beat. I'm quite interested in Far Gaze simply because Moore has entered him for two stakes race, including the Brocklesby which I'm convinced is a pointer. He is a fair looker with a bit of strength and I expect a marked improvement. If prices allow, I would be tempted to have an each way bet. Whether he has enough ability to win only time will tell but it would put me off betting on the favourite. It may be a mistake to consider El Duque has no opposition. The debutantes are difficult to assess. Alan McCabe is a talented trainer and if backed it would bring more confidence. It's a similar story with Tyrsal who hails from a canny stable. If betting, I would fancy Far Gaze at an each way price. 

HCE (4th Oct) Free Horse Racing Tips

3:30 Southwell

John Jenkins is a canny trainer and I always take note of his two-year-olds at Southwell. In recent years he has proven a rich seam of gold taking these restricted auction races over the minimum trip. Oscar's Journey, a son of Dubai Destination, showed ability on his first two starts. This gelding ran with credit on his first two starts and fancied to go well when making a return to Yarmouth but ran no race. In this poor race I expect a big run. A good each way bet at 4/1+. 

5:40 Wolverhampton

If anyone has read our well received article: ''I Followed That Horse Over A Cliff'' Then my next, tentative, selection could well be followed by a quick read to recap the error of my ways. However, Hats Off has always been a horse on my radar. A good-looking gelding, the wheels seemed to fall off this son of Royal Applause after a respectable introduction. I have little doubt this youngster has been held in some regard. In fact, I know it from the trainer's mouth. There must have been some issue with his juvenile and Best has given him time. This handicap mark is as good as it will get and if this time on the sidelines has been of benefit he could run a big race at odds of 20/1+. 

4:50 Southwell (28th August) Free Racing Tips

A Maiden Stakes over 6f on standard going.

Eight juveniles take part - all raced - colts, two geldings & a couple of fillies. A fascinating race with a number of two-year-olds showing enough ability to win a race of this nature.

Lyric Piece is a chestnut daughter of Dutch Art. This home bred for Cheveley Park Stud is a progressive type out of a talented mare who was placed at two but came into her own when stepping up in distance at three: winning at Listed & Group 3 class. Sir Mark Prescott trained the dam so knows the family. This February foal has ability but her downfall on those first two starts was due to being outpaced in the early stages, which made her looked rather slothenly. There is little doubt she progressed from that initial start when chasing home clear winner Bottle Blonde. The betting suggested a big run was expected that day so I can imagine connections thought she would show more pace. That looked fair form and Lyric Piece is capable of winning and could - in time - be a talented three-year-old. This slower surface is likely to suit but I would still have concerns this filly will struggle for pace in the early stages. However, I would expect her to run on with vigour. I would imagine bigger odds could be achieved betting in running. A live chance, although she may not enjoy the kick-back and if finding herself too far off the pace may have an uphill climb. Ideally 7f/1m would be more suiting but her trainer must feel this is a race she can go close.

Saeed Bin Suroor has an exception 50% win rate with his juveniles at this course over the last five years. Muharrib cost 115,000gns as a yearling and son of Oasis Dream. He was relatively fancied for a poor Redcar maiden but was never a factor. Only time will tell whether that was his true running although much more will be needed today. The betting is the best guide. If priced 13/2 & less I would expect a bold show. If weak in the market, best watched.  

Mark Johnston's two-year-olds can be difficult to assess at times but Double Your Money probably run into a couple of talented horses at Nottingham when finishing fifth of eleven. This son of Shamardal is a half-brother to Bikini Babe. The mare was a Listed winner in France at two and a Group class performer at three. The Spence horses are usually given a considerate introduction so there could be ample improvement to come. More is needed today but he could go well especially if strongly backed.

Look On By comes from a a breeding line Ed McMahon knows particularly well, training for  S L Edwards. The stable have been in flying form with their juveniles, with a number winning on debut. There was late money for this gelding when he ran over 5f at this course. He was completely outpaced but made sterling headway in the closing stages giving the impression he would have won with another half furlong. That was probably no more than an average race but there could be improvement over this extra furlong. The stable have a good strike rate with their fancied juveniles on their second start and with the stable having a purple patch it makes this runner worthy of note.

One of two fillies in the line up, Marmot Bay has claims. This daughter of Kodiac was a big price when running over 7f on debut at Kempton but I was quite struck by her physically stature. This bay is a good-looking juvenile and far from disgraced when showing good pace until tiring in the closing stages. This drop back in distance should not be a problem as she is bred to be a sprinter. Jamie Osborne must have been pleased with that introduction and he does well at this course. It is slightly surprising to see connections have her entered for a couple of Claiming races at the end of the month which could be viewed as a negative although they may be focused on simply winning a race. I would keep the faith but the betting will be the best judge. If priced 13/2 & less I would expect this filly to be placed and have a fighting chance of a win. 

Marhaba Malayeen is a tricky juvenile to assess although narrowly denied at Musselburgh. This colt was quite an expensive yearling purchase at 62,000gns but the application of the blinkers suggests Karl Ryan feels he isn't doing his best. He has run a number of times on soft ground and could be better suited by this all-weather surface. A tough horse to assess and best watched.

Dumbarton Rock shown no ability on debut. However, he would have strong win and place claims if substantially backed. 

Exzachary is best watched. 


Conclusion: A difficult race to assess with a number of progressive horses primed for a big run today. The betting will be the best guide to most. Double Your Money, Look On By & Marmot Bay all have sound each way claims if priced 13/2 & less. I would prefer the latter pair. I was impressed by the look of Marmot Bay and I would be confident she will be placed if strong in the market. Jamie Osborne does well at this course with juveniles on their second start. Muharrib need to improve to have any hope. He is another who could go well if well supported but a difficult one to assess. Lyric Piece sets the standard. If this was over 7f I would give her the edge. However, this 6f trip could be a bugbear for her supporters and I would be tempted to bet in-running. I'm pretty sure bigger odds will be available if struggling for pace. Perhaps these first two efforts have blown away the cobwebs and she will sit handy? I can see her making a late charge and most likely the horse to beat. If touching big odds mid race I would be tempted to chance my arm. 

6:05 Southwell (10th July) Free Horse Racing Tips

A 0-65 Nursery over 5f. A poor race - but someone has to win. It will be interesting to see how tactics play a part in this race. There are a couple of speedy types who may blaze a trail and could be hard to catch. Crystal Cove is a very fast filly over four furlongs. Connections have employed hold-up tactics the last couple of races because she was struggling to get home. Unfortunately that didn't work. Allan is likely to make a bold attempt here. I can see her touching short prices in-running and looks a good back to lay bet. However, I would still have fears she will be caught in the closing stages. La Sylphe is another speed merchant. David Barron is a canny trainer and this youngster is probably a little better than we have seen. Probably the most likely to win. Khefyn, Di Laney & Stripped Bear each have question marks, the latter two just don't look interested. Lincolnrose ran well on debut but has disappointed since. McCabe gave the impression this daughter of Verglas has ability so may be well in at the weights if showing that initial promise. It takes a leap of faith. Could go well if substantially backed.

Conclusion: A poor race. Winning connections will be pleased to gain a victory although prize money is dire. This could be a race of the tortoise and the hare. A couple of speedsters are likely to blast clear. I would be tempted to back Crystal Cove and lay at short odds in-running. She is very fast over four furlongs and I can see them trying to steal a lead and then hope to hold on at the line. I'd would lay a few quid at 1.01 because she is the type who could zoom clear and then stop - fast. La Sylphe is probably the most likely winner although a tricky affair.

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HCE Mentions:

4:45 Wolverhampton - Jumeirah Moon (recent Stakes entry gives encouragement)

6:35 Southwell     - Miss Starry Eyed (likely to touch shorter prices in-running, unlikely to win)