It’s a relatively quiet week on the racing front after the big Christmas and New Year meetings. Southwell keeps interest ticking over for flat racing fans with a seven-race card on Tuesday and I have been delving into the all-weather form in the hope of finding a winner or two.
My regular followers will know that Trainer William Haggas has done us a few good turns in the past and he sends a couple north tomorrow, both with leading chances. Toofeeg is fitted with blinkers in the handicap at 1.50 as he goes for his first win in six attempts. He jinked and caused his rider to lose an iron when very disappointing here in November and ran a lot better last time behind Noro Lim. He is bred to be useful, being by Approve out of a Zafonic mare, and the blinkers will hopefully bring about some improvement.
The early money has been for Lysander The Greek but it is hard to see why. I can only think that considerable improvement is expected as he steps up to a mile for the first time but he represents poor value at around 5-1.
Whatever the fate of Toofeeg, Haggas should not return empty-handed as Belahodood looks a safe bet in the 2.50. The four-year-old made a pleasing debut at Kempton when beaten by a decent sort in Made With Love. John Gosden will be aiming higher with the five-length winner and Belahodood was eased once his chance had gone.
Forced Family Fun can get punters off to a good start in the opening handicap. He won easily over hurdles recently and can take advantage of a good handicap mark on the level for John Quinn and Tom Eaves. Hurdles form could again hold the key in the two-mile race at 1.20 and I am siding with Plumpton winner Mariet. Suzy Smith’s Dr Fong mare has shown precious little on the flat before but she had run well at Fontwell prior to her Plumpton win and is lightly weighted here.
Best Tamayuz is becoming something of a Southwell specialist with three course victories and he can make it four in the 2.20. His biggest threat is Kung Hei Fat Choy but there were no excuses for his defeat last time and Scott Dixon’s four-year-old can score under 5lb claimer Tim Clark.
Lewamy had the race won a long way out at Kempton last time and can follow up for Michael Bell in the 3.20. The early money has been for Boboli Gardens but I’d much rather stick with the proven recent form. Finally, take Raul Da Silva to steer home Eium Mac for a second course and distance victory in the 3.50. He should hold the veteran General Tufto on 3lbs worse terms.
Forced Family Fun 12.50 @15-8 Betbright
Mariet 1.20 @8-1 Paddy Power
Toofeeg 1.50 @7-2 Skybet
Best Tamayuz 2.20 @3-1 BetVictor
Belahodood 2.50 @14-5 Betfair
Lewamy 3.20 @3-1 Paddy Power
Eium Magic 3.50 @7-2 Bet365
