The opening race on the fibresand at Southwell, due off at 12:30, looks set to develop into a duel between Beachwood Bay and Arabian Flight, with the first mentioned fancied to emerge on top. The five-year-old, trained by Jo Hughes, has gained all three of his wins on this surface, the latest coming off a 1 lb higher mark in February of last year. He showed signs that a revival was on the cards when finishing fifth over six furlongs here last month, keeping on when forced to switch over a furlong out and not unduly punished thereafter, and he is certainly one to take seriously on the back of that effort.
Our second selection comes in the following race at Southwell, another contest that may develop into a match this time between Ivy Port and Emperatriz. The first mentioned is worthy of plenty of respect after posting an improved effort when second here last week but Emperatriz did likewise last month and makes more appeal at the current prices, so she gets the vote. The three-year-old has gradually improved in defeat this year and the form of her latest run hasn't worked out too badly, with one in behind going on to score next time and five others all hitting the frame on their subsequent appearances. It would come as something of a surprise were Emperatriz not to be in the thick of things once more.
For our final selection we turn our attention to Fakenham's 14:50, where Carobello and Hopeand are likely to prove popular among punters. However Carobello looks one to take on as he attempts to follow up his win in a weak race over C&D last month, where he was also the beneficiary of a good tactical ride, whilst Hopeand is far from the most reliable so the one to side with is Looks Like Slim. The six-year-old hinted at a revival, in this headgear, on chase debut at Huntingdon last time, beaten around five lengths into fourth place but shaping better than the bare result. A tendency to finish weakly is a concern but he is well treated when judged on the pick of his hurdles form and there is every chance that he will do better still over fences.
Timeform UK SmartPlays:
Back Beachwood Bay @ 3.55/2 in the 12:30 at Southwell
Back Emperatriz @ 7.87/1 in the 13:00 at Southwell
Back Looks Like Slim @ 5.04/1 in the 14:50 at Fakenham
