Southwell Preview: Twin Appeal to cash-in on class drop
Published:
David Metcalf | December 22, 2015
Twin Appeal shaped really well last time out and can get back to winning ways in the 7f handicap on today’s card at Southwell (13.30) now eased in grade.
The David Barron trained gelding is a four-time winner on the turf, with his last of those successes coming at Doncaster back in May off a mark of 85.
Twin Appeal is now able to race off just 2lb higher and comes into the contest on the back of a cracking third of 11 to Estwood Hoe in a class 2 affair over course and distance following a break.
The four-year-old looked a natural on his first try on the fibresand surface, and after being ridden to lead approaching the final furlong only weakened close home to be beaten a length.
It was an effort which suggested Twin Appeal should be more than capable of winning races off his current mark of 87, and the son of Oratorio is sure to strip much fitter for the outing.
Twin Appeal also now drops down into class 3 company and, with Graham Gibbons in the saddle, everything points to a huge run.
Fortinbrass worth a flutter
In the 6f handicap (15.30), Fortinbrass can take advantage of a career-low mark to score an overdue success.
The five-year-old was last successful in a claimer over course and distance back in December 2013 off an official rating of 78 when trained by David O’Meara.
Now in the care of John Balding, Fortinbrass is now able to race off a mark of just 53.
That is a massive 25lb lower than when last victorious, and the gelding comes into the contest having hinted that his time was near when a fine third over 7f at this venue.
Fortinbrass looked the likely winner when taking up the running three out but weakened deep inside the final furlong to be beaten 1 3/4 lengths.
The runner-up Excelling Oscar has come and an won since to give the form a boost and, with the drop back in trip sure to suit, this looks a golden opportunity for Fortinbrass to get back on the scoresheet.
Selections
12.30: Artesana
13.00: Clockmaker
13.30: Twin Appeal (NAP)
14.00: Brave Richard
14.30: Swift Cedar
15.00: Goldmadchen
15.30: Fortinbrass (NB)
Related
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