Southwell preview: Borough Boy ready to cut a dash
Published:David Metcalf | January 19, 2016
Trainer Derek Shaw has his team in good shape and Borough Boy looks to hold leading claims of providing him with another winner in the 5f handicap on today’s card at Southwell (15.25).
The gelding scored three times last year on the all-weather, and posted a cracking effort over course and distance two starts back when second of 10 to Cross Fire.
Borough Boy finished strongly to go down by just a neck, and the winner has since come out and bolted up by three lengths.
The selection now meets Cross Fire on 12lb better terms, and that gives Borough Boy outstanding claims of gaining his revenge.
Although the six-year-old failed to build on that last time out at Chelmsford when just sixth of eight to Bosham, Borough Boy was given a strange ride from off the pace in a tactical race and looks worth another chance to confirm previous promise.
Providing Borough Boy is ridden more positively this afternoon, he looks the one to beat off bottom weight of 8st 7lb.
Blinkered Boolass hoping for hat-trick
In the 7f handicap that opens proceedings (13.10), the progressive Boolass can make light of a 6lb penalty to land the hat-trick.
The Brian Ellison filly has shown marked improvement since being fitted with blinkers, winning her last two starts over 6f at the venue in terrific style.
On both occasions the four-year-old has come with a surging run from off the pace to win going away at the line.
The fibresand surface clearly suits the daughter of Bushranger, and the step back up to 7f should nto be a problem given how Boolas has been finishing off her races.
Another plus is that Boolass once gain has the services of Callum Shepherd in the saddle who has partnered her to her last two successes and takes off a handy 5lb with his claim, and in a race which should be run to suit she looks capable od defying top weight to land the spoils.
Selections
13.10: Boolass (NB)
13.45: Thello
14.20: Leitrim Traveller
14.50: Miss Goldsmith
15.25: Borough Boy (NAP)
16.00: Sober Up
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