UK Horse Racing Tips: Southwell

Provided that she takes to this surface, OPHELIA GRACE should be difficult to beat. Runner-up to a rival with strong debut form in the book on her debut at Beverley, the Starman filly can make that same leap herself. Showcasis Oasis has produced a similar level of form across both of her starts and is the most likely threat, while Steelblue Ladybird is also noted.
Prediction : 1st Ophelia Grace 2nd Showcasis Oasis 3rd Steelblue Ladybird

James Fanshawe landed this 12 months ago and he could do so once again courtesy of CAPTAIN ROBERT. A trio of novice/maiden efforts haven't resulted in much, but he looks a potential improver now handicapping over this longer trip. Blinkered for the first time, New York Minute is another that could step forward and, although below-par recently, dual C&D winner Swinging London should not be overlooked.
Prediction : 1st Captain Robert 2nd New York Minute 3rd Swinging London

Tiempo Alegre scooted clear to record an emphatic C&D latest but although respected, a wide draw and subsequent 8lb rise could scupper her chances. Tresca enters handicaps for the first time and is entitled to progress, while Woodleigh, who wears blinkers for the first time, is another to consider. However, a chance can be taken on VENTURA DREAM. The son of Earthlight has yet to score since February's track and trip success, but he's berthed well and is now 1lb below that winning mark.
Prediction : 1st Ventura Dream 2nd Tiempo Alegre 3rd Tresca

BREAKDANCER, who cost connections 450,000gns as a yearling, was a ready winner on his handicap debut at Kempton earlier this month. Still green and learning, the son of Wootton Bassett could very easily kick on now and appears well placed to follow up if the retained hood still has an impact at third time of asking. Mahogany Bay has already been cut some slack by the handicapper and could have a say off a mark of just 73, while Flightofthephoenix and Chesneys Charm may also be on the premises.
Prediction : 1st Breakdancer 2nd Mahogany Bay 3rd Flightofthephoenix

SHEIKH RAJ was well found in the betting market when he made his debut for Richard Hughes in a handicap over a mile at Windsor last month. A close-up fourth in that race, the son of Pinatubo notably drops back a furlong and having also undergone wind surgery, this could be a good time to catch him. Tattie Bogle has dropped to a handy rating and looks a danger at the weights, while Dapper Guest is also of interest with a first-time visor added.
Prediction : 1st Sheikh Raj 2nd Tattie Bogle 3rd Dapper Guest

A winner over a mile at Kempton in May, OPENING BAT has been thereabouts at the finish in both subsequent starts. He likes to race prominently, so this shorter trip should not prove too much of an inconvenience, and the son of Bated Breath gets another chance. Dannick could feature with a repeat of last month's third at Ascot and is preferred to Zabeel Road, who opened his account over 6f at Chelmsford recently.
Prediction : 1st Opening Bat 2nd Dannick 3rd Zabeel Road

Placed at Newmarket on a couple of occasions over the summer, Royal Musketeer but has not been done any favours here drawn on the outside. The unexposed VINATERA ran her best race in a handicap so far when third at Windsor last month. That race has worked out well, with the winner going in again, and Stuart Williams' filly could make a bold bid off a similar mark. Blue Force goes well fresh and is worth noting on his return.
Prediction : 1st Vinatera 2nd Royal Musketeer 3rd Blue Force

LAURENS DREAM bounced back with a close third at Ayr last time. The daughter of Advertise has done all her winning on the all-weather so far and, 7lb lower than when last successful, she gets the vote back on this surface. Chasing Gold has been thereabouts off similar marks since returning to the fray in June, while Toota gets a change of headgear having endured a frustrating string of placed efforts and could also get involved.
Prediction : 1st Laurens Dream 2nd Chasing Gold 3rd Toota