Good morning all,

Unsurprisingly, both Fakenham and Wetherby have fallen foul of the weather but I sort of pre-empted that and concentrated on Southwell yesterday.

I've looked at three of the races that interest me – sadly one of the mentioned runners is out, but all the same I hope it proved useful to you.

1.15 – 1m4f Handicap

Handsome Bob will be fancied by many to follow up a C&D win here last time, and the figures give him every chance of doing so, but that was a lot better from Lean On Pete when finishing four lengths behind him there. It was a big step forward on what he achieved in November and given his last win came off a mark of 60 (December 2017, 11f here) then it’s not hard to see him getting closer or even turning that form around with Handsome Bob today.

Di’s Gift is another on a winning mark and this C&D is ideal, but he did look a bit one-paced when made favourite here in December. Instead, take a look at Croeso Cymraeg if you want something at a price (update – now a n/r). Three runs for John Spearing made him look very ordinary but since moving to James Evans – a trainer I have the time of day for, he’s no fool – has run much better in two starts. Fourth to Love Rat here on his first start after a small break, not beaten far, he then caught the eye at Kempton last time, travelling as well as anything and staying on well late. There’s surely more to come – this will only be his sixth start – and he could go close.

1.45 – 5f Novice

A very moderate affair and only really of interest as it sees the return of Atwaar, who I rather liked the look of in the paddock at Doncaster when last seen. Sent off 150-1, she somewhat outran those odds, showing bright speed and actually tried to throw a challenge two furlongs out before fading. She pulled quite hard there and had no cover either, and all in all it really wasn’t the worst effort. You knew, given that Charles Smith had just bought her at the sales, that you’d be seeing her at Southwell and her breeding gives some hope she could take to the surface. Let’s see what price she is – in a dire event, I could throw a couple of quid at her at a daft price.

Bawtry Lady is another that’s getting the hang of things on this surface but the drop back to 5f is a worry. Nevertheless, don’t discount another step forward from her either.

4.05 – 1m Handicap

No shortage of pace on here and with that, I fancy Gabrials Centurion to pick them off late and follow up his win here in December with another.

He’s only gone up 4lb for that as he only won half a length, but given the rather troubled passage he had he did have that in hand at the finish.

At least four of these like to front run, and he has the pace to lie up just behind them. He can make it 2-2 on the Fibresand.

Today's selection – Gabrials Centurion 4.05 Southwell

Good luck with all your bets today,

David.