UK Horse Racing Tips: Southwell

ALI STAR BERT produced another fair effort to only be denied by two lengths into second at this venue last month, and he's only 2lb higher. The nine-year-old has two previous course victories to his name and it would be no surprise to see him get his head back in front. Impatient failed to back up his success at Ffos Las when only fourth at Leicester in November, but he might be worth another chance after a break. Dr Kananga is next best.
Prediction : 1st Ali Star Bert 2nd Impatient 3rd Dr Kananga

HAREL DU MARAIS made his way through the field to score in good style over track and trip earlier in the month and the handicapper might have been kind to only put him up 5lb. With a repeat of that performance, he will prove very tough to beat. Gwennie May Jem is the obvious danger after his respectable second at Leicester and Harry Skelton is back on board. Previous C&D winner Jolyjump is noted too.
Prediction : 1st Harel Du Marais 2nd Gwennie May Jem 3rd Jolyjump

Escapologist was far from disgraced when hitting the crossbar at Fakenham last month and he holds an obvious chance boasting a rating of 121. However, it may pay to side with SOUTH OMO ZONE, who ran too bad to be true when pulled up on heavy ground at Exeter last time. If he can build on his victory at Wincanton prior to that, then he could be the one to beat. Jack Hyde is another to note.
Prediction : 1st South Omo Zone 2nd Escapologist 3rd Jack Hyde

ALEXANDRA LAROSE was narrowly denied on her handicap debut at Leicester but she made no mistake when on target at Huntingdon last time, and a subsequent 7lb rise should be no barrier to further success. Viva Valentina is pitched in at a moderate level for her handicap bow so must be of interest off an opening mark of 95, and Time Was should not be overlooked.
Prediction : 1st Alexandra Larose 2nd Viva Valentina 3rd Time Was

An opening mark of 104 proved to be lenient for Market Rasen winner INISHNABRO, who looked strongest in the closing stages of that extended 2m2f contest. A step up in trip ought to suit Henry Oliver's gelding on that evidence and he is taken to defy a 3lb higher mark. Aggagio recorded a commanding success at Warwick recently and, given he escapes a penalty, he's a real danger. Foreverwalking finished 13 lengths behind Albert Bartlett fifth Wendigo at Wetherby latest and also commands respect.
Prediction : 1st Inishnabro 2nd Aggagio 3rd Foreverwalking

It's hard to get too excited about any of these, so only a tentative vote can go the way of DEFENCE WITNESS. His two latest efforts, both at Musselburgh, have been relatively encouraging and any further progress might suffice in a contest lacking depth. Trevor's Lad hit the frame here last time out and boasts place claims on that basis. Lady's Present is another to consider.
Prediction : 1st Defence Witness 2nd Trevors Lad 3rd Ladys Present