Zhui Feng stayed on late to make it two winners from two selections for this blog. Stamina and fitness seemed to prevail there. He didn't run as prominently as I expected and Tom Marquand was patient with him. Recommended at 6/1, Zhui Feng scored at 4/1.
Today's Race
There are more exciting races today (a 3 mile chase at Wincanton was tempting) but this six furlong 0-55 handicap at Southwell is the choice. Expect seasoned regulars at the course. Tony Carroll fields two of the favourites while 3 of the 11 runners can be bet at 50/1 or bigger.
The Contenders
Onebaba won here last time and had Archimedes and Jazz Legend behind. I polled strangely slow speed figures for that race but that was Onebaba's second win from three starts and the earlier win at Wolverhampton looks good. He's a definite contender. The betting market is finding it much harder to choose between Onebaba and stablemate Bold Decision. Stall 11 has a terrible record here in recent times and this is enough to put me off Bold Decision.
Michael Appleby's Bringing Glory comes out of stall 1. The 4yo has had just five starts, has shown some early speed previously and his initial two handicapping starts have been thoroughly respectable. Very much one to consider for win purposes.
Four more of interest. Excelinthejungle impressed over 7f at Kempton (14 Oct). Three runs since have been much weaker efforts. True Hero is usually speedily away and was formerly campaigned at a higher level on the turf. Ran a good race when last seen at Kempton and there has been money for him. Back from a break, first time on Fibresand, at 6/1 he doesn't really appeal but has a shout.
Mercury hasn't been out for over a year but makes the trip here from County Kildare. His all-weather form from Dundalk and Chelmsford is pretty strong. Hollie Doyle booked. A possible surprise.
The Selection
I've left the best to last really. Gulland Rock looks a value each-way pick at very big odds. 10 years old, his one previous visit to Southwell was unexceptional. 5th of 13 (9 Nov 2019) but he did lead for most of the race there, tiring late in a contest over seven furlongs. While it was a long time ago (2017) the Carsons have scored with him back from a break. Six furlongs at Southwell is a curious place to start him back after six months off. Incidentally, he is a half-brother to the speedy Stepper Point.
Today's Tip
(Each-Way) GULLAND ROCK (75.0 Betfair, 50/1 General)
Recent Results
3 Feb: 7.30 Kempton (AW) Zhui Feng 1st/9 WON @ 4/1
2 Feb: 2.55 Newcastle (AW) The Steward 1st/12 WON @ 9/1
Account (Level Stakes Profit)
Feb 2021 LSP: +15.5
All 2021 LSP: +15.5
