all-bumper meeting at Southwell

The idea of holding an all- bumper meeting today at Southwell is an excellent initiative, which has been very well received by trainers, with 74 entries in the 7 races. Technically speaking, these are all N.H. races (e.g. for statistical purposes), although of course all races are run on the flat. Several leading trainers are sending runners, notably Nicky Henderson, who has probably the srongest bumper team in the country, and has made entries in 6 races, all of them partnered by stable jockey Barry Geraghty.

It looks quite likely that the stable will win 4 or 5 races, with Anquetta at 13.30 CET, Benartic at 14.00 and Line Freedom in the mares race at 15.40 looking the most likely to score. Line Freedom won her only start last season by 22 lengths at the Cheltenham April meeting and despite giving away 7lbs all round looks the best bet of the day. Poppy Come Running (Gary and Joshua Moore), who ran out when looking the likely winner last time at Folkestone, looks the only danger.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Anquetta - Rupin - Takamaru
2. Race: Benartic - Di Kaprio - Lord Equalizer
3. Race: Woolfall Hawk - Jersey Boys - Midnight Opera
4. Race: Chef Junior - Tiger Bay - Inner Steel
5. Race: Line Freedom - Poppy Come Running - Mabel Tasman
6. Race: Dort Tranquille - Senor Alco - Trojan Reef
7. Race: Wallace Monument - King Rufo - Brackloon High