Southwell hosts jumps action on Monday afternoon, before attention switches to all-weather racing from Wolverhampton.
2.45 Southwell – Smurfette and Solar System headline
A field of six has been declared for Southwell’s feature Grace And Dotty Fedora’s And Feathers Handicap Chase over the 3m½f trip.
Tom Ellis’ mare Smurfette has been in consistent form since switching from Dan Skelton’s yard, which has included a course-and-distance success three starts back. The question mark, however, is whether she can defy a higher mark in her bid to record a third chase win.
Philip Hobbs and Johnson White saddle Solar System (for JP McManus) who is having only his second start beyond three miles and is seeking a first win since justifying favouritism at Haydock over a year ago.
Kayce Dutton is an intriguing runner wearing the cheekpieces for Charles and Adam Pogson. The eight-year-old has won two of his three starts with the headgear on so another bold showing may be expected.
Fergal O’Brien’s Lilting Verse and the Skelton pair of Jasmin De Cotte and Storminhome make up the sextet.
6.00 Wolverhampton – Consistent Francesi eyes Horse of the Year prize
Francesi will face eight rivals in the Always Gamble Responsibly At Betmgm Handicap over the extended mile in his bid for a fifth win this all-weather season. Tony Carroll’s seven-year-old is currently second in the Horse of the Year leaderboard and will strengthen his bid to land the £100,000 prize with a win here.
The jockey booking of Robert Havlin may be something to note for three-time course winner Serious Look. Thomas Faulkner’s six-year-old has a 50 per cent strike rate and has finished in the first three on all four previous outings when partnering with Havlin.
Previous course-and-distance winner He’s A Gentleman (for Hugo Palmer) will be in contention on his return to this longer trip, while David O’Meara will be hoping his four-year-old Criminal Shore can build on his return from a break last time out and record a first all-weather success.
Carroll’s other runners Oman and Terries Royale are two other contenders to keep an eye on.
7.30 Wolverhampton – Bint Havana Gold seeks successive course and distance wins
Nine are set to go for Dunstall Park’s Win £250,000 With Betmgm’s Golden Goals Fillies’ Handicap, with Bint Havana Gold seeking a repeat of last Monday’s course-and-distance success. Richard Hughes’ mare had dropped 3lb below her last winning mark when scoring by a length seven days ago and she goes off the same mark in this sprint contest.
Hollie Doyle takes the ride on Oliver Cole’s Insuspense, who has hit the post the last twice and will be bidding to go one better to record a first career win.
James Fanshawe’s So Sassy heads the weights and has a fair record on the all-weather, having finished in the places on half of her starts. She potentially has more to offer on her first start at the Midlands track.
Three-time course-and-distance winner White Umbrella enjoys it round here but will have to bounce back from a below-par effort last-time-out if she is to record a seventh career victory.
Diamont Katie (for Karl Burke), Joanna Mason’s ride Court Drive and the unexposed Ruby Red Gove are others to note.
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