Hi all,
Inside today’s main piece, I’m previewing Friday’s most valuable race at Southwell.
Friday Focus
Sandown Reflections
The finish to the Jane Seymour Mares' Novices' Hurdle was fought out by trainers with previous success in the race. My pick, Hollygrove Cha Cha, edged out That'll Do Moss in a tight finish. She got a break on her rivals at the start and was never headed, though she had to dig deep to hold off the runner-up by a short head. She was three lengths clear at the last but got lonely up the Sandown hill. That'll Do Moss appreciated the step up to an extended 2m 3f and looks sure to stay further.
Last year’s Royal Artillery Gold Cup winner, Farceur Du Large, never threatened to retain his crown and was pulled up. Instead, victory went to another ‘Du Large'—Frenchy Du Large—trained by Venetia Williams. The drying ground suited him, and he stayed on best to land his first success since January 2022.
Southwell Preview
I don’t usually focus on Southwell, but with a Class 2 handicap and a competitive 12-runner field, it’s worth a closer look.
3:00 – Handicap (Class 2) – 7f
Royal Zabeel, a C&D winner, has thrived since joining Mick Appleby, posting form figures of 211. A well-backed, decisive winner at Wolverhampton 39 days ago, he’s up 5lb but still looks well treated in his hat-trick bid.
Yorkshire, a course winner, also seeks a hat-trick after two Wolverhampton wins over this trip. Overcame a wide trip to score last time, so a 3lb rise seems fair. Back from an 83-day break, he looks a strong contender with Rossa Ryan booked.
Farasi Lane, a C&D winner, needed his return run when well below par at Chelmsford (1m). He should be sharper now and is 1lb below his last winning mark. Hollie Doyle takes over, boasting a 36% strike rate (+19) for the yard.
Verdict: I suspect we haven’t seen the best of the unexposed Royal Zabeel but Yorkshire has strong claims, and Farasi Lane has each-way potential if on a going day.
I'm out this evening with the good lady for Valentine’s, so there won’t be a Saturday column. I’ll be back on Monday to recap the weekend’s action.
If you're after my weekend picks, you can find them here.
Enjoy your weekend!
John