UK Horse Racing Tips: Southwell

Double Time, Havana Touch and Ernie's Valentine are all on workable ratings, but they have their flaws and none is without risk. AL HOFZAN is a far less-exposed contender who won't need to raise his game much after posting a respectable effort over 7f on his handicap debut at Wolverhampton. Running off the same mark, Georgina Nicholls' gelding gets the vote based on potential.
Prediction : 1st Al Hofzan 2nd Double Time 3rd Havana Touch

MASKATTO returned from a short break to cement the theory that he is capable of further progress by scoring in a game manner in a maiden at Lingfield a fortnight ago. That was his first attempt at a mile and he steps into a handicap on a very attractive mark. Recent Newcastle winner and fellow handicap debutant Beckon has similar scope and is taken seriously in her follow-up bid. Popty Ping is reliably effective on Tapeta and is another to seriously consider.
Prediction : 1st Maskatto 2nd Beckon 3rd Popty Ping

PINK SOCKS is hard to oppose after emphatic successes at Newcastle and here over 7f on Tuesday. Even the welter burden of 10st 7lb fails to diminish her chances of completing a hat-trick, with Ryan Kavanagh's 5lb claim helping in that regard. Of the opposition, Taskheer has the most convincing recent form and looks the logical one for the forecast. Dash Power and Balqaa complete the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Pink Socks 2nd Taskheer 3rd Dash Power

Secret Road found only one too strong when bidding for a hat-trick at Chelmsford and he merits the utmost respect, despite giving weight away all round, but RELEVANT RANGE gets the nod. Ivan Furtado's charge went agonisingly close over C&D before bumping into a progressive rival at Newcastle. On favourable terms, especially when taking into account Jordan Nason's 3lb claim, compensation may await. Spirit Of Bowland heads the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Relevant Range 2nd Secret Road 3rd Spirit Of Bowland

Ralph Beckett has been in irresistible form so his 175,000gns newcomer You Got To My Soul, who is related to a host of useful performers, must feature prominently in calculations. Fellow debutant Knowledge warrants a market check, but this could be all about the returning VENETIAN PRINCE. Far from disgraced in a red-hot Newmarket maiden in July, Andrew Balding's colt was one of a number to enhance the form next time. He's sure to have loftier targets when the turf campaign resumes, but connections will be hopeful that he is forward enough today.
Prediction : 1st Venetian Prince 2nd You Got To My Soul 3rd Knowledge

NORTHERN SPIRIT appeared to have excuses at Newcastle when slowly away and weakening in the closing stages. A subsequent wind operation should aid his cause and the six-year-old is only 2lb higher than for his last success at Gosforth Park in August. Star Chorus was left on the same mark after his third at Lingfield last week and is capable of being in the mix, while the drop back to 5f gives Ay Gee Ell every chance of being competitive.
Prediction : 1st Northern Spirit 2nd Star Chorus 3rd Ay Gee Ell

MR NUGGET has won twice at this venue, including on his penultimate start, and the five-year-old ran with plenty of credit under a 5lb penalty at Lingfield a fortnight ago. His recent consistency further aids his cause and this appears to be an excellent opportunity to get his head back in front. Harlington didn't seem to stay 2m at Goodwood when last seen and is better judged on his efforts prior. Hackney Diamonds heads the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Mr Nugget 2nd Harlington 3rd Hackney Diamonds

Mademoiselle Belle was no match for a well-bred rival who has since won twice over C&D on New Year's Day and a repeat of that effort would see her bang in contention. That said, the less-exposed AL NAJASHI shades the vote. Ollie Sangster's colt showed some promise in a couple of runs at Wolverhampton and the return to 6f appears likely to suit on his handicap debut. Woody Y Fernandez and Mythical Night can fight it out for the minor honours.
Prediction : 1st Al Najashi 2nd Mademoiselle Belle 3rd Woody Y Fernandez