Southwell preview: Lucky Mark primed for repeat bid
Published:
David Metcalf | November 24, 2015
Lucky Mark can take advantage of a drop in the weights to land the 6f handicap on today’s card at Southwell (15.10) for second year running.
The John Balding trained gelding has a good record at the venue, having won twice and been placed five times from 15 starts.
In the first of those successes in this race 12 months ago, Lucky Mark showed a good attitude to dig deep and beat Speightown’s Kid by a short-head off a mark of 57.
The six-year-old went on to score again over course and distance two starts later by 1 1 3/4 lengths off 60, and has since finished in the frame twice at the track off a rating of 65.
The son of Moss Vale also comes into the contest on the back of three runs on the turf following a break, and should be spot on to do himself justice now returned to a venue that clearly brings out the best in him.
Schottische set for frame finish
In the 1m lady amateur riders’ handicap that opens proceedings (12.10), Schottische can go well at a big price.
The Alan Bailey trained mare was last successful over course and distance back in January when battling on to beat Poppy Bond by 3/4 of a length off a mark of 57.
The five-year-old is now able to race off 2lb lower and, prior to disappointing last time out at Lingfield, had posted two really solid efforts to make the frame.
Judged on that run Schottische is a big player in this, and another plus is that Bailey has a terrific strike rate of just over 23 per cent with his runners at the track in the past 12 months.
Selections
12.10: Schottische (NB)
12.40: Nosey Barker
13.10: Good Trip
13.40: Lady Mcguffy
14.10: Countermand
14.40: Deep Resolve
15.10: Lucky Mark (NAP)
15.40: Amenable
