UK Horse Racing Tips: Southwell

This looks like an ideal opportunity for BASCINET to get off the mark, having finished runner-up behind the same rival at Wolverhampton the last twice. A winner at Brighton on his penultimate start, Knight's Gambit can feature, as can Siofra, who hasn't been too consistent since joining the George Scott stable. The well-handicapped Whitwell and Habanero Star can also have a say in proceedings.
Prediction : 1st Bascinet 2nd Siofra 3rd Knights Gambit

AZTEC EMPIRE got the hang of things late on when staying on for fourth on his introduction at Sandown in August of last year and with improvement expected over further, he can overcome the absence to get off the mark on his all-weather debut. Iftikhaar performed with credit when making the frame at Wolverhampton and is likely to be thereabouts. A stablemate of the selection, Espada looks like the pick of the newcomers.
Prediction : 1st Aztec Empire 2nd Iftikhaar 3rd Espada

A comfortable winner at Lingfield when last seen, DRAGON GLORY should be open to improvement on her first start for new connections and she is narrowly preferred to Rajwaan, who ran a career-best on his nursery bow at Haydock last time out. Kodi Dancer was runner-up over C&D on her latest outing and is not to be dismissed, while Doctor Mozart has been running with credit too.
Prediction : 1st Dragon Glory 2nd Kodi Dancer 3rd Rajwaan

Another Bertie is of interest having won twice here in February and he can be forgiven a poor run at Catterick, with all his better form on the all-weather. Six months off the track is a concern, though, and he may have to settle for a place if PRIMO is at his peak. A C&D winner off 2lb lower in September, he possibly failed to see out 6f when fifth at Newcastle and could be far better suited by the minimum trip. Keep Me Happy and Tilsworth Ony Ta are others for the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Primo 2nd Another Bertie 3rd Keep Me Happy

A small field could see this turn tactical and there is every chance that DAME ETHEL SMYTH may be forced to make her own running, having raced prominently before finishing sixth at Windsor. Her Yarmouth second in September seems the best form on offer, where she came home three lengths ahead of Infinitive, who may prove her main rival here with any further improvement. Ring Fenced seems likely to hold off La Belle Vie in the battle for the third.
Prediction : 1st Dame Ethel Smyth 2nd Infinitive 3rd Ring Fenced

LIGHT OF PEACE may not be the best filly in the Charlie Appleby stable, but the daughter of Dubawi looks to have been found a good opportunity to get off the mark. Only beaten a length in a class 2 Newmarket handicap last month, she reverts to maiden company now and is difficult to oppose. Regatta Queen might have to settle for another place barring any incidents, with the ex-Irish Flash Bulb one to watch for future reference.
Prediction : 1st Light Of Peace 2nd Regatta Queen 3rd Flash Bulb

HEATHERDOWN HERO finally got off the mark at Chelmsford recently and he has been found a moderate race in which to follow up, so Michael Bell's three-year-old should make light work of a 3lb rise if in anything like the same form. Funky Town Pinkie remains unexposed and might be the biggest danger if staying this trip, which represents a big step up for Yellow Bear but if he does possess the stamina, he's handicapped to go well.
Prediction : 1st Heatherdown Hero 2nd Yellow Bear 3rd Funky Town Pinkie

GRIGGY has been in incredibly consistent form of late and although a 7lb rise for his latest win clearly makes life tougher, he has run well off much higher marks in the past so is fancied to go in again on his first start for Adrian Wintle. Wee Fat Mac is on a hat-trick mission, but he hasn't had much up his sleeve for either of those Newcastle victories so the biggest danger could be handicap debutant Bayraat.
Prediction : 1st Griggy 2nd Bayraat 3rd Wee Fat Mac

Another challenging handicap to conclude the card, but STARSONG seemingly relished her first start on the all-weather when making a successful UK debut at Newcastle a fortnight ago and she's fancied to take all the beating once again with that victory under her belt. Star Of Aria found 5f a bit sharp here on his handicap debut so a return to this trip looks the right move for him. Impressor is weighted to go well if putting his best foot forward.
Prediction : 1st Starsong 2nd Star Of Aria 3rd Impressor