Shantou looks solid on Sunday
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Preview of Sunday’s racing at Southwell
Welcome to our flick through the horse racing action on Sunday, with meetings expected to take place at Fontwell, Southwell and Naas – weather permitting, of course. It’s quieter than the madness of Saturday, but there’s still plenty of value to be found, if looking in the right places.
Click here to bet on all of Sunday’s horse racing at Coral, and if you read on we’ll explain the thinking behind our NAP and next best at Southwell. Skip to the bottom of the page if you are in a hurry, where you’ll find a selection in every race, designed to help with multiples.
Team Skelton set for a winner
Our ace of the afternoon goes in the 3.10pm at Southwell, a novices’ hurdle contested over one-mile seven-furlongs. Of the 14-runners marked down, Shantou Rock gets the nod. The Dan Skelton shaped four-year-old gelding has been in impressive form so far this year, ending runner-up behind Beyond Conceit last month at Newbury before bagging a debut win at Ludlow earlier this month.
Doing the business over one-mile seven-furlongs on that occasion, he had plenty in hand when coming home an easy victor, with the second, Majestic Touch, never near an upset. Making all from the start, he oozed class when drawing clear and something similar again here will see him go very close again.
The market expects him to win and it’s difficult to argue against that on the strength of his recent efforts. We keep it simple and stick with Shantou Rock.
Red Admirable worth a shot
Next best goes in the penultimate race on the card, the 4.40pm handicap hurdle, decided over two-miles seven-furlongs. We give a chance to the vastly-experienced Red Admirable. The 10-year-old is as honest as they come and arrives having finished no higher than fourth in any of his last seven outings.
Last seen on Boxing Day at Huntingdon, he finished fourth in the Lettergold Handicap Hurdle, over two-miles four-furlongs, a race won by Miss Tongabezi, but excuses can be made for the bare result, and it could have been better. Leading earlier in the race, and getting a real foothold in the contest, a couple of silly mistakes seemed to crush his confidence and he weakened when push came to shove.
Punters should get a decent enough price about Red Admirable on Sunday and, if showing his best, we will get a run for our money.
Southwell Selections
2.10 – Uno Valoroso
2.40 – Celtic Tune
3.10 – Shantou Rock
3.40 – Akula
4.10 – Kelvingrove
4.40 – Red Admirable
5.10 – My Mate Mark
