All-weather racing at Lingfield and Southwell

It must be hoped that Lingfield goes ahead, as the card here is stronger than at Southwell, and features a listed race over 10 furlongs at 14.55 CET. To be honest, few of these runners are up to normal listed standards. On exception is Suits Me (Tom Tate/ Micky Fntpn), who rn up asqunc on th all-whr two winters go, but has not won since. However he ran well last time when third over this CD to the smart Nideeb, and this form should be good enough. Chapter and Verse (Mike Murphy/ Kieren Fallon), 4th in a similar event at Kempton last time, and the improving Akhmatova (Ger Butler/ Eddie Ahern) are the most likely dangers. Rakaan (Jamie Osborne/ Fallon) is the probable favourite in the conditions race over a mile at 14.20, but he has not run since Glorious Goodwood, so we prefer Lowther (Alan Bailey/ Robert Winston) and Mia´s Boy Chris Dwyer/ Ahern), who could both have a fitness adavntage.

Our best bet at Southwell is David Nicholls/ Ian Mongan), who carries top weight in the 7 furlongs handicap at 15.40. He had no chance in a listed race at Kempton on Wednesday, but has racing in much better company and should find this oppositon easy meat. Consistent Seek the Fair Land (Jim Boyle/ Matthew Davies) has been placed on his last 4 starts and should again be in the money. David Nicholls looks in any case to be the trainer to follow here and can also win the 6 furlongs handicap at 15.05, where his runners Silaah (Matt O´Connell) and Johannesgray (Billy Cray) could well take the first two places.