UK Horse Racing Tips: Southwell

A slow start proved costly for COME ON JOHN when finishing a never-nearer third over 1m4f at Wolverhampton six days ago. A winner over that same C&D the time before, James Owen's charge should take all the beating here if coping with a quick turnaround and he makes plenty of appeal racing before his revised mark takes effect. Busby didn't enjoy the smoothest of passages when finishing fifth over shorter at Dunstall Park earlier this month and the veteran is feared most, ahead of Spartan Times.
Prediction : 1st Come On John 2nd Busby 3rd Spartan Times

Having dominated his rivals on his debut over C&D at the start of this month, there should be more to come from MICHAEL SCOFIELD. The son of Tiz The Law scored with something in hand and he's preferred to another likely improver in Oursin. Charlie Hills' colt displayed plenty of promise when staying on for second over 1m at Kempton in December and that initial experience seems sure to bring him forward. Gunship also warrants respect after scoring on his racecourse bow at Newcastle.
Prediction : 1st Michael Scofield 2nd Oursin 3rd Gunship

Proceedings may be dominated by penalised winners King Of York and FIRST GREYED, with preference for the latter. Thomas Faulkner's inmate benefitted from the reapplication of a visor and more patient tactics when landing the spoils at Wolverhampton last week, and that comfortable success suggests he is the better handicapped of the pair. The aforementioned King Of York arrives on the back of a 7f double at Southwell, but a 5lb penalty and an extra furlong may just prove his undoing. Handicap debutant It's Tim is worth a second look in the betting.
Prediction : 1st First Greyed 2nd King Of York 3rd Its Tim

Placed on each of his last five starts, including the last three over 7f here, BILLY MCGARRY deserves a change in luck, and the step up in trip could see him get back to winning ways. That may be at the main expense of Al Suil Eile, who shoulders a 4lb penalty following his determined success over C&D last week. A capable sort on his day, River Wharfe is another to note, along with Ring Of Gold, who made the frame over C&D last time out.
Prediction : 1st Billy McGarry 2nd Al Suil Eile 3rd River Wharfe

A winner of three of his last four starts over C&D, it is difficult to look past LEGAL REFORM and he can take the rise in grade in his stride. A respectable fifth in Listed company at Deauville in December after scoring over C&D on her penultimate start, Aquacell is a key player, as well as Ormolulu, who has finished in the first two home on each of her last two starts here and may improve for going up in trip.
Prediction : 1st Legal Reform 2nd Aquacell 3rd Ormolulu

KING OF ITHACA looked on good terms with himself when scoring over C&D last time out and a 5lb rise may underestimate him as jockey Rossa Ryan retains the ride. The five-year-old gets the vote ahead of Kempton winner Lessay, and Federal Envoy, who has been a revelation since joining new connections. He has scored on two of his last three starts over C&D.
Prediction : 1st King Of Ithaca 2nd Lessay 3rd Federal Envoy

LEON TROTSKY landed a gamble when he successfully stepped up in trip over this C&D last month and, with his stamina now proven, he can follow up off just 4lb higher. The reliable Balgowan should also go well given he has finished placed off this mark on two of his last three starts. Scylla was a respectable third with blinkers added at Wolverhampton nine days ago and could also have a say.
Prediction : 1st Leon Trotsky 2nd Scylla 3rd Balgowan

Moulin Booj and Popular Dream are both C&D winners with strong chances, while Rock Of England was in good form towards the end of the last turf season and, having undergone wind surgery since, he also merits a betting check. However, his stable companion SPRING IS SPRUNG runs off a competitive mark and, having previously won when fresh, the son of Oasis Dream is forwarded as the pick of Paul Midgley's pair.
Prediction : 1st Spring Is Sprung 2nd Moulin Booj 3rd Popular Dream