Southwell (all-weather) today

Southwell´s all-weather meeting this afternoon is now the only fixture in Britain following the abandonment of both N.H. meetings. In theory the best race on the card is the class 3 handicap over 6 furlongs at 16.40 CET, but with only 6 runners, and none of them really convincing at this leel, this a class 3 in name only. Realt Na Mara (Hugie Morrison/ Chris Catlin) is the likely favourite here off bottom weight, but he is basically a class 5 performer. hw in over this CD a month ago, as did top-weight Xpress Maite (Steve Bowring/ Dane O`Neill). Inconsistent Ingleby Arch (David Barron/ Tom Eaves) has not run sunce before Christmas, but is a CD spevcialist and a possible danger. There are only 6 runners here, as also in the 1 mile 3 furlongs handicap at 17.40, where Riguez Dancer (Pat Haslam/ Patrick Donaghy) is the obvious favourite after winning bith his starts this year, including last week by 12 lengths at Wolvehampton, However that was over an extended 2 miles and his bes t formis all at longer distances, while main danger My Mentor (Sir Mark Prescott/ Stephe Donohoe) has been racing at 7 and 8 furlongs, so this is another race to treat with caution. The best betting races on the card are probably the two divisions of the amateur riders handicap over 1 mile 3 furlongs that kick off the programme at 14.10 and 14.40. Normally it is best to stick with the most experienced riders, which in this case means Simon Walker and Scott Dobson, who each ride in both races. I the first division, Walker rides recent N.H. winner Dontpaytheferyman and Dobson Reprieved, but we oppose them with York Cliff (Mark and Ben Brisbourne), who usually runs well in these events. In the second division, Walker on Lady Asheena and Dobson on Super King are also amoing the fancie runners, but here we suggest course specialist and 2008 winner Cragganmore Creek, representing another father and son combination.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Dontpaytheferryman - York Cliff - Bright Sparky
2. Race: Ready To Crown - Cragganmore Creek - World Of Choice
3. Race: Forever`S Girl - Just The Lady - Fashion Icon
4. Race: Grimes Faith - Strathmore - Woodcote
5. Race: Diamond Surprise - Where`S Reiley - Yes Please
6. Race: Realt Na Mara - Xpres Maite - Bo Mcginty
7. Race: Tarawa Atoll - Lady Dunhill - Royal Salsa
8. Race: Riguez Dancer - My Mentor - Mr Aitch