Saturday Evening – Southwell Preview
Saturday evening’s racing at Southwell might not have the noise and drama of a Saturday afternoon feature meeting, but it still provides several intriguing handicaps where small details such as a few pounds on the scales, a well-timed ride or simply a clear run can make all the difference. A few runners return from very similar marks to recent outings, while others look favourably treated compared with some of their rivals.
17:30 – Moon Over The Sea
Moon Over The Sea could start the evening well if things fall kindly. The gelding runs carrying around 9st 5lb, which is virtually the same burden as his most recent outing, so the handicapper hasn’t exactly slammed the door on him.
He’s been holding his form in similar company and the trip looks ideal. If the early gallop is sensible rather than frantic, he should travel comfortably before creeping into contention turning for home.
Of course, racing being racing, a clear run is never guaranteed. But if Moon Over The Sea sees daylight at the right time he could be right there when the serious work begins.
Bet
1 pt each way
18:00 Southwell – Qazaq
Qazaq makes plenty of appeal in the 18:00. Michael Appleby’s runner carries around 9st 6lb, only about a pound higher than his previous run, so the handicapper has barely lifted an eyebrow.
Appleby’s horses often do well at Southwell and Alistair Rawlinson knows how to ride the long straight here — patience early, effort late. If Qazaq settles behind the pace he should have every chance to stay on strongly when others begin to paddle.
It would be no surprise if he quietly appears in the final furlong and suddenly becomes everyone’s problem.
Bet
1 pt win
18:30 Southwell – He’s An Angel
He’s An Angel could represent the value angle in the next race. Stuart Williams’ runner carries roughly 9st 3lb, very similar to his latest start, and meets several rivals on comparable terms.
Marco Ghiani is likely to ride and he’s particularly effective when delivering a late challenge on the all-weather. If the early leaders decide to take each other on a little too enthusiastically, He’s An Angel might just glide past late on.
With his running style, he may not be obvious for much of the race — but sometimes the quiet ones cause the biggest surprises.
Bet
1 pt each way
19:00 Southwell – Woodraff
Woodraff looks one of the stronger contenders on the card. Marco Botti’s runner carries around 9st 8lb again, virtually identical to his last start, and that performance suggested another win might not be far away.
Hollie Doyle takes the ride and her timing on the all-weather tracks is often excellent. If Woodraff travels as well as he did last time he should be well positioned entering the straight.
At that point the question becomes a simple one: does anything have a little more left than he does?
Bet
1 pt win
20:00 Southwell – Don Simon
Don Simon has the profile of a horse who could go close here. He carries around 9st 4lb, only a small change from his latest run, and looks well matched with several of his rivals on paper.
The yard has been sending out runners in good form and the Southwell straight should allow him time to gradually build momentum rather than needing an instant burst.
If he finds a smooth passage through the race, Don Simon could easily find himself arriving on the scene just as others begin to run out of ideas.
Bet
1 pt win
20:30 Southwell – Sports Coach / Master Of My Fate
The final race of the evening could revolve around Sports Coach and Master Of My Fate.
Sports Coach lines up carrying around 9st 7lb and returns from almost the same mark as his latest run. He has been running consistently and looks well placed if able to sit close enough to the pace.
Master Of My Fate carries roughly 9st 5lb, giving him a slight weight advantage of a couple of pounds compared with some of his rivals. That difference may not sound much beforehand, but in the closing stages it can suddenly feel rather significant.
Between them they look likely to have a major say in the outcome if things fall their way.
Bet
1 pt win – Sports Coach
Saver: 1 pt win – Master Of My Fate
Selections
17:30 – Moon Over The Sea – 1 pt each way
18:00 Southwell – Qazaq – 1 pt win
18:30 Southwell – He’s An Angel – 1 pt each way
19:00 Southwell – Woodraff – 1 pt win
20:00 Southwell – Don Simon – 1 pt win
20:30 Southwell – Sports Coach – 1 pt win
20:30 Southwell – Master Of My Fate – 1 pt win
