Southwell 1.50
Southwell 1.50 3 Tara View @ 7/1 / 5 Some Kinda Lama @ 9/1 - both 1/2 point each way
4 Nautical Nitwit @ 16/1 - 1/4 point each way (Lads/Coral/SkyBet odds to 4th - see very specific notes)
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A Class 3 Handicap Hurdle and a very decent race for the Course. It is hard to safely rule anything out and a nice mixture of
potential v proven form and also some who have dabbled at Chasing, coming back to Hurdles on very nice marks and would
also point out that these are "portable hurdles" at Southwell, that actually have more characteristics of a small Chase fence;
than a conventional "picket style hurdle".
The favourite is Red Rising and it is hard to rule out but no real value at the price and just a nagging doubt that it could pull too
hard at the front, which it has done before and be prone to a finisher. The likes of Linguine; No Planning and a few others like
to run from the front, and for that reason, we will pass over the favourite, although it is a big danger.
The form of TARA VIEW last season bears very close examination in this field and is probably the best overall on offer; at face
value the reappearance run was very poor, but I recall for the day and have watched back, the Going was bottomless and awful;
Tara View hated it, and was pulled up sensibly before any damage was done. At least she has had a run round and at 7/1 in
my opinion is outstanding each way value. Ganbei may need the run and the likes of Raz De Maree and Rolling Maul; though
on good Handicap marks and proven winners, must surely be vulnerable to fresher more progressive horses?
The other very good bit of form belongs to Skipthecuddles; another who disappointed on seasonal debut but ran well to a point
when you look closely. I am just put off this horse by the fact its best form is at about 3 furlongs shorter than this and so far not
conclusively proven at the trip, IF it gets the trip; a big danger but I think there is a bigger one lurking. SOME KINDA LAMA may
be just below Tara View and Skipthecuddles on best hurdle form, but not far away and reverts to hurdles after 2 Chase runs;
so we know the horse is fit. It has some smart Hurdles form and if it produces anything like the mark it did last season back in
this sphere is very competitively handicapped and at 9/1 looks cracking each way value.
This is an enhanced odds race with Ladbrokes; Corals and SkyBet going odds to 4th, IF you have access to those Bookmakers;
you might like to consider a small bet on NAUTICAL NITWIT; has winning Course and Distance form here, will enjoy the conditions
comes from an in form yard and a slight drop in Class too and the 16/1 in context of being able to bet to 4 places looks massive.
If you want to play a small Tricast perm add the favourite in to the mix with the 3 named selections.