UK Horse Racing Tips: Southwell

Soft ground wouldn't have suited SHETLAND BUS at Wetherby last month, having been off the track for 168 days. He remains well treated on his peak hurdles form and it would be no surprise to see an improved performance with forecast conditions set to be in his favour. Recent Plumpton scorer Tommie Beau can mount another serious challenge, along with Lounge Lizard, who bolted up at Catterick last time out.
Prediction : 1st Shetland Bus 2nd Tommie Beau 3rd Lounge Lizard

THELASTHIGHKING was suited by a drop in trip when winning over an extended 1m7f at Wincanton last month and Nigel Twiston-Davies' charge could have what it takes to deal with a subsequent 8lb rise in the handicap. Since Day One has been running to a consistent level in recent starts and he's likely to be in the thick of things once again, while In Excelsis Deo is fancied to chase them home.
Prediction : 1st Thelasthighking 2nd Since Day One 3rd In Excelsis Deo

Nicky Henderson has a terrific record in bumpers at this venue and MADAM RYDER could enhance that already impressive strike-rate. The daughter of Blue Bresil makes plenty of appeal on paper and Caoilin Quinn ought to further aid her chances with his handy 5lb claim. Sister Julienne is feared most, while Stuti and Anna Of Annandale are others to note.
Prediction : 1st Madam Ryder 2nd Sister Julienne 3rd Stuti

LITTLE MISS DANTE must hold every chance if building on a strong runner-up effort on debut at Huntingdon in January. James King's 3lb claim is another plus and she can see off the likes of Rogue Queen and Endless Supply, who is bound to improve on her first run under Rules at Chepstow. Bella Madonna and Blow The Budget are capable of being in the shake-up as well.
Prediction : 1st Little Miss Dante 2nd Rogue Queen 3rd Endless Supply

Now that the penny has dropped for SUPERSTYLIN, after an easy win at Market Rasen last month, Sue Smith's charge can follow up off an 8lb higher mark. He gets the vote ahead of the likes of Groom De Cotte and Shelikesthelights, who was value for more than the winning margin at Doncaster and could be interesting off an opening handicap mark of 101.
Prediction : 1st Superstylin 2nd Shelikesthelights 3rd Groom De Cotte

Slight preference is for SOLDAT FORTE, who ran a cracker when narrowly denied at Worcester last September and this appeals as an ideal opportunity on his first outing over hurdles. Great Samourai improved from first to second start when runner-up at Warwick last month and he must enter calculations, along with Bugle Major, who is well capable on the Flat but has yet to put it together in this sphere.
Prediction : 1st Soldat Forte 2nd Great Samourai 3rd Bugle Major

Gentleman Valley is still lightly raced over hurdles and could have a big impact in this company if he runs to the best of his ability. Hillfinch also warrants consideration in her bid to follow up last month's gutsy win at Huntingdon from just 3lb higher. However, ROCCO has been consistent since he reverted to timber just before Christmas and could be good value to exploit what looks to be lenient mark in comparison to his chase rating.
Prediction : 1st Rocco 2nd Gentleman Valley 3rd Hillfinch

Mole Court was the main beneficiary of a faller at the last when he won at Hereford in February but he is open to more improvement and is taken seriously. However, similar comments apply to CAN'T BEAT HISTORY, who only just failed to reward favourite backers when he was a close second over 2m3f at Doncaster last time. That was a notable improvement with the tongue-tie back on and he shades the nomination. Tedwin Hills and Miss Wachit complete the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Cant Beat History 2nd Mole Court 3rd Tedwin Hills