UK Horse Racing Tips: Southwell

Having capitalised on a career-low mark at Newcastle 24 days ago, HARTSWOOD looks more than capable of going in again. A 2lb nudge up in the ratings looks on the lenient side for Richard Fahey's charge and he edges the vote over Star Pupil. The four-year-old arrives on the back of a close-up second over 7f at this venue and today's extra furlong shouldn't prevent another bold showing. Overnight Oats and River Wharfe are others to consider.
Prediction : 1st Hartswood 2nd Star Pupil 3rd Overnight Oats

A 185-day break worked the oracle for recent 1m course scorer Northbound and he has to enter calculations under a 4lb penalty. However, today's 7f distance isn't certain to suit the seven-year-old and it could be worth taking a chance on ALYARA. Joe Ponting's mare has acquitted herself with credit in classified company of late and a return to handicap company could prove fruitful. Spartan Fighter and Hawajes could make their presence felt too.
Prediction : 1st Alyara 2nd Northbound 3rd Spartan Fighter

VIXEY makes plenty of appeal dropping into 0-55 company. The five-year-old was beaten just under two lengths when weakening into fourth over C&D eight days ago and she looks primed to strike. The biggest threat may emerge from recent Newcastle fourth Yaahobby, who enjoys a 1lb drop in the ratings. Monsieur Fantaisie could also play a leading role if settling better.
Prediction : 1st Vixey 2nd Yaahobby 3rd Monsieur Fantaisie

THE NEW BAY PEARL took a sizeable step forward from her first start to hit the woodwork at Newcastle last month and that effort might be the strongest form on offer in this contest. Roger Varian's three-year-old looks well placed to put her experience to good use, with her main threat possibly being Left Over Love. The daughter of Inns Of Court failed to justify short odds at Lingfield last time but may appreciate this step back up in trip. Blazing Spirit sports a first-time hood and is another to note.
Prediction : 1st The New Bay Pearl 2nd Left Over Love 3rd Blazing Spirit

ROYAL ZABEEL justified favouritism in good style at this level at Wolverhampton last month and a 5lb rise might prove to be on the lenient side. The four-year-old hasn't finished out of the top two since joining the Michael Appleby yard/being gelded and could continue his rise in the ranks. Yorkshire is in fine form at present after completing a double at Wolverhampton in November and could have a say off a 3lb higher mark than his most recent success. Our Havana completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Royal Zabeel 2nd Yorkshire 3rd Our Havana

ASADJUMEIRAH made it two wins out of his last three starts when scoring in convincing style at Newcastle earlier in the month and while in this sort of form, he will prove very difficult to beat. Lezardrieux occupied the runner-up spot at this level at Newcastle six days ago and could get into contention, along with track-and-trip winner Neptune Legend.
Prediction : 1st Asadjumeirah 2nd Lezardrieux 3rd Neptune Legend

The handicapper is in charge of most of these but SOPHOSC, who has won at this course off 20lb higher in the past, is one who has slipped under the radar and could be worth chancing. A close-up third over 1m6f at Wolverhampton off this mark 13 days ago, Ian Williams' nine-year-old retains enthusiasm and is of high interest stepping back up in trip. Last-time-out winners Rubellite and Mamdoh are feared most, although Mirabello Bay is another who could have a say.
Prediction : 1st Sophosc 2nd Rubellite 3rd Mamdoh

Something clicked into place with MASTER OF MY FATE after he underwent wind surgery last year and his winter campaign has been exemplary with four wins from seven starts since last October. Even though he chases a four-timer off a career-high mark, the son of Foostepsinthesand boasts the most convincing profile and has a good chance of taking advantage of dropping back in class here. The hat-trick seeking Counsel is respected under an 8lb penalty but fellow last-time-out winner Rhythm N Hooves is feared most off just 2lb higher.
Prediction : 1st Master Of My Fate 2nd Rhythm N Hooves 3rd Counsel