12:20 Southwell - Betway Sprint Maiden Stakes
Ladies First ran a stellar race on debut for Michael Easterby, running into third over the extended mile at Wolverhampton behind a couple of half-useful yardsticks.
The Monsieur Bond filly was game that day and overcame trouble in running to do that and, with improvement forthcoming, she should put in a bold display over a shorter trip at Southwell early this afternoon.
Progeny of her sire usually act on Fibresand, and with her stamina assured over this shorter trip, the trip onto the surface for the first time is not overly worrisome.
13:50 Southwell - Betway Sprint Handicap
The surface ‘round the Nottinghamshire venue can throw up some big priced winners and it’s often worth looking to pick out something that might outrun its odds at a number. For that reason, we’re taking two runners against the field in this sprint with most firms offerings four places.
Our first selection is truly at home on the surface and holds a record of 2/2 on it.
A wide draw is less than ideal for Tricky Dicky, but he’s in good heart and if Sam James can manage to tuck his mount in early, he should have a say in the finish.
Further down the market, there’s a runner with a record of ⅔ on the surface who goes at a double-figure price.
Gnaad goes for Alan Baily over 6f, having won over 5f here in the past. His only fruitless visit to the course was over an insufficient 4f trip and a step back up in trip can see him involved at the tail end at lofty odds.