UK Horse Racing Tips: Southwell

SERJEANT PAINTER has dropped 4lb in the handicap following a distant third on his fencing debut at Worcester, so improvement should not be ruled out for Ben Pauling's seven-year-old given he was beaten by more experienced chasing rivals. Red Maple is an interesting contender on his first outing over the larger obstacles, having backed up a Worcester win with a creditable third here in his latest hurdling contest. Pawpaw may struggle off top weight given his most recent efforts.
Prediction : 1st Serjeant Painter 2nd Red Maple 3rd Pawpaw

FLOATING ROCK (also engaged to run at Hexham on Sunday) has been productive since making the switch to chasing and can supplement his nine-length victory at this course last month. His subsequent Perth third suggested that this stiffer test is likely to suit well and he makes his chasing handicap debut off a mark of 122, which can be exploited. Salley Gardens has developed an excellent level of consistency over hurdles, while Zoffalee drops significantly in trip and is worthy of consideration.
Prediction : 1st Floating Rock 2nd Salley Gardens 3rd Zoffalee

Experience could be crucial in a race comprising plenty of newcomers so it can go the way of FOREVER A DOVE, who recorded a promising second on her debut over C&D in April. Her dam won twice in bumpers over this distance and Jake Coulson's filly can make it second-time lucky. Tomona is expected to improve from her debut fourth at Newton Abbot, while Milton Harris' sole charge Copper Vale should not be underestimated given the yard's bumper record this year.
Prediction : 1st Forever A Dove 2nd Copper Vale 3rd Tomona

QUID PRO QUO backed up his hurdling debut success at Warwick when scoring easily under a penalty at Newton Abbot and the six-year-old is likely to be a cut above the opposition once again. Tardree appears the most likely to chase home the selection based on his recent performances at Stratford, while Felino De Bersy is taken to get the better of Switch Partner in the battle for third.
Prediction : 1st Quid Pro Quo 2nd Tardree 3rd Felino De Bersy

MATCHMAKING has improved plenty for stepping up in trip on his last couple of starts, winning over C&D before following up at Huntingdon earlier this month, and Caroline Bailey's gelding commands plenty of respect once again. Abington Park is capable of better on his first outing since an underwhelming effort at Newcastle last November, while Kings Creek and Robeam appear best of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Matchmaking 2nd Abington Park 3rd Kings Creek

A change to front-running tactics sparked a change in fortunes for Windy Cove as she ran out an easy winner at Warwick last month and she must be considered again. However, Warwick runner-up Maria Magdalena reopposes on better terms and the tables may be turned. Slight preference, though, is for ADDOSH, who has posted two good efforts in defeat since scoring at Huntingdon in March. The form of her latest third at Bangor has been boosted by the winner scoring again since and Stuart Edmunds' filly should go close off the same mark.
Prediction : 1st Addosh 2nd Maria Magdalena 3rd Windy Cove

Uknowcarty is an interesting Irish raider and should be monitored for support in the betting but the safer option appears to be DUKE OF LUCKLEY, who had London Eye well back in third when running out an easy winner over 2m here last month. Martin Keighley's five-year-old is on an upward curve and shaped as though this step up in trip would suit, so a 9lb hike may not be enough to halt him. Rare Clouds sprung a 28/1 surprise when scoring over C&D and a 6lb rise doesn't rule him out if he can repeat that effort.
Prediction : 1st Duke Of Luckley 2nd Uknowcarty 3rd Rare Clouds