Horse Racing Tips: Salute the chances of Captain at Southwell

Southwell, 19.48 - Back Captain Robert @ 5/23.50

Trainer James Fanshawe enjoyed a lucrative March with a victory in the Listed Snowdrop Fillies' Stakes courtesy of Pina Sonata recorded hard on the heels of stablemate Sky Safari claiming the Winter Derby five weeks beforehand.

Captain Robert will never reach those heights, but his Newmarket handler looks to have found a fair opportunity for his four-year-old with this staying handicap appearing within his remit judged on his latest effort over course and distance behind Skycutter.

King's Cruiser, well beaten in eighth, has scored since to lend the form some ballast and a repeat of that effort on the clock would make the HQ raider very competitive in this company.

Fanshawe has also gone to the trouble of booking the promising Conor Whiteley, nephew of the great Mick Kinane, which could prove a smart move given the young apprentice has steered home nine winners from just 37 rides since the turn of the year.

Southwell, 20.18 - Back Hackney Diamonds @ 5/16.00

Hackney Diamonds is not an easy filly to catch right, but granted Southwell and a solid pace, she boasts a pretty consistent record and could go well again at the Newark venue in this closer.

Six track starts have yielded respectable form figures of 113933, while the daughter of Camelot also takes her racing well which is illustrated by victories following seven and 12 days absences.

The selection faces a similar set up here following a 12-day break and a reproduction of her latest effort behind the useful Solar Pass may be enough to see her make an impact on this winnable contest.

The fourth home that day, Little Miss India, has already won and Hackney Diamonds topped the finishing speed percentage charts that day following a typically slovenly start.

Hopefully, Jason Watson can get a good tune from the Ian Williams-trained filly and it appears there are one of two pace angles which may produce the healthy gallop she craves.  

Now read more horse racing columns here