UK Horse Racing Tips: Southwell

HIGH COUNSEL has made the podium off this rating the last twice and Gary Hanmer's veteran could finally take advantage of that lenient-looking figure to land a first victory since 2017. Rollerball Rocco (first) got the better of Carlo Rocks (second) when they met in heavy ground at Uttoxeter last December, but it would be no surprise to see Caroline Bailey's nine-year-old reverse the form on better terms this time.
Prediction : 1st High Counsel 2nd Carlo Rocks 3rd Rollerball Rocco

DOUBLE COURT brought up a hat-trick with a course-and-distance victory in September and a return to this venue could see him leave his recent Fakenham effort in the past and return to the form that saw him flourish in the summer. Nautical Twilight relished the heavy ground when scoring over track and trip on his stable debut for Neil King last month and wasn't beaten far off this mark when upped to three miles here last time. The return to 2m4f is likely to suit and the nine-year-old rates as the chief danger ahead of course regular Indian Native.
Prediction : 1st Double Court 2nd Nautical Twilight 3rd Indian Native

SHAN BLUE was still to be asked a question when falling three from home when favourite for a hot Newbury novice contest last time and Dan Skelton's five-year-old, who had chased home useful rivals in his two Rules appearances before that, could pick up some compensation here if that tumble hasn't left a mark. Skelton also saddles Aheadfullofdreams and Call Me Chris, but Sedgefield runner-up Stonific could provide the biggest test to the selection following an encouraging second on his first hurdles appearance, where the front two drew well clear of the rest.
Prediction : 1st Shan Blue 2nd Stonific 3rd Aheadfullofdreams

ECHIQUIER has some smart form in competitive races behind the likes of Thyme Hill and Stoney Mountain, and is fancied to double his career tally for Nigel Twiston-Davies. The five-year-old should appreciate these much calmer shores, while the drop in distance is also in his favour. Keen On showed a nice attitude to strike at Sandown last month and will prove a major threat, while Blackfinch, second in a bumper and over hurdles, is also noted.
Prediction : 1st Echiquier 2nd Keen On 3rd Blackfinch

GETARIVER has been successful in three of her four starts in the UK under Rules and can continue on the upwards curve for Dan and Harry Skelton. This left-handed circuit should suit her better than Ludlow last time, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see her make all once more. Darling Du Large struck on her first start after a wind operation at Hereford 41 days ago and an 8lb rise isn't too harsh, while Pink Legend is another with pretty clear credentials for the in-form Venetia Williams.
Prediction : 1st Getariver 2nd Darling Du Large 3rd Pink Legend

SANDYMOUNT ROSE bumped into a useful rival when finishing second over 2m2f at Exeter last month and, in this slightly easier test, the five-year-old can be expected to go one better. Whatsdastory makes her debut for these connections having run well on her Rules debut at Killarney in May and any market support for her would have to be noted. Others who merit consideration are Redbridge Gold, Elk Bridge and Arans Choice.
Prediction : 1st Sandymount Rose 2nd Whatsdastory 3rd Redbridge Gold

In a moderate race to close the card the clear preference is for SHE'S GINA, who failed to fire last time out but won twice over this C&D earlier in the year. Remember The Man's last couple of performances both offer some encouragement for his chances, while Court Dismissed merits a market inspection on his return to racing under Rules.
Prediction : 1st Shes Gina 2nd Remember The Man 3rd Court Dismissed