Southwell preview: Masterful Act to take centre stage

Published:

David Metcalf | December 15, 2015

Masterful Act has a superb record at Southwell and can take advantage of a massive drop in grade to notch another success at the Nottinghamshire venue in the 1m 3f claimer on today’s seven-race card (13.30).

The gelding has won six of his nine starts on the fibresand surface, with the last of those successes coming in a competitive class 2 contest back in January 2014 off a mark of 91 when trained by Alan McCabe.

Masterful Act was put up to 99 for that victory, and after five more starts for McCabe joined Dan Skelton for a spell over hurdles.

The eight-year-old won just one of his 12 starts over the obstacles, and now switches back to the level having joined the shrewd David O’Meara.

Trainer O’Meara looks the ideal handler to get the best out of Masterful Act and has decided to pitch the son of Pleasantly Perfect into a claimer on his debut for the yard.

It is the lowest level that Masterful Act has every operated in, and represents a huge drop in class from when last seen in action on the surface he relishes.

Masterful Act is also the highest rated in the line-up yet receives weight from all bar one of his rivals and, with the stable in good form, this looks a gilt-edged opportunity for him to get back to winnings ways.

Abi Scarlet a shout

Trainer Scott Dixon does well with his runners at the track, and Abi Scarlet looks decent value to provide him with another winner in the 6f handicap (15.30).

The locally-based handler has a strike rate of just under 15 per cent at the venue in the last 12 months, and backing all his runners in that period has resulted in a profit of £33.45 to a £1 level stake.

In Abi Scarlet he has a mare who is in eight-time winner over course and distance and is potentially well-treated on the pick of her form.
The six-year-old has won off a rating of 80 in the past, and is now able to race off just 73.

Abi Scarlet also now drops down into class 5 company having finished a fine 3/4 length second to Misu Mac in a class 4 affair over course and distance when last seen in action seven months ago, and if ready to roll at the first time of asking looks weighted to take all the beating.

Selections

12.30: Afkar
13.00: Tiger’s Home
13.30: Masterful Act (NAP)
14.00: Rupert Boy
14.30: Best Trip
15.00: Boolass
15.30: Abi Scarlet (NB)

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Coral’s horse racing section is well worth keeping an eye on over the Christmas and New Year period with so much top-quality action.

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