13:15 Southwell

Sunday 29 December 2019

All12:0512:4013:1513:5014:2515:0015:35

Bombardier British Hopped Amber Beer Handicap

Off time: 13:18 | Winning time: 1m 42.17s

(4)

Central City⁶⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: M Dwyer| T: Ian Williams| OR: 74| D

14/1

Six-time winner, but has failed to really land a blow so far in 2019, and was always behind after a slow start at Windsor when last seen. Given a break since, and takes a drop in class, so could be revived.

Form: 764748

(6)

Plunger¹⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: Joey Haynes| T: J Butler| OR: 74

10/1

Won a claimer at Deauville in August for Paul Cole, but ran poorly after a slow start on first start for new yard at Chelmsford earlier this month, and best watched at present.

Form: 166449

(3)

Ollivander^v⁵²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-6| J: Harrison Shaw⁽³⁾| T: D O'Meara| OR: 74| C

13/2

Third on his last two starts over C&D, and dropped 1lb for latest creditable effort behind Fancy Footings. Bit more required to win off current mark, but likely to be competitive again.

Form: 442033

(8)

Robero^e/s³

Age: 7| Weight: 9-6| J: Toby Eley⁽⁵⁾| T: Miss Gay Kelleway| OR: 73| C

9/2

Best recent effort when second in lady riders event at Wolverhampton in October, and a bit keen after after a break when third of 9 to Ghaith over 7f there last time. Claims on balance, but he's now 0-11 at this trip.

Form: 529203

(2)

Elixsoft³¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: Gemma Tutty⁽³⁾| T: K Tutty| OR: 70| D

33/1

Back to form on final start for Roger Fell when 4½L fifth of 16 to Lucky Turn at Chelmsford last time. Well held on her only start here, though, and best watched starting out for new connections.

Form: 520795

(5)

Orange Suit^b¹¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: David Probert| T: E De Giles| OR: 69

9/2

Won at Bath in September, and good second at Kempton (1m) last month. Only sixth at Lingfield last time, but that came in a better class contest, and he's interesting if taking to Fibresand (sire has a 30% record on surface).

Form: 210206

(9)

Swiss Vinnare^h¹⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 9-1| J: Grace McEntee⁽⁷⁾| T: P S McEntee| OR: 68| D

33/1

Having his first race for 22 months when well held at Chelmsford last time, and although that run was almost certainly needed, he's probably going to need another run or two to get back in the swing of things.

Form: 531/43-0

(7)

Forseti^h²³

Age: 3| Weight: 8-12| J: Alistair Rawlinson| T: M Appleby| OR: 66| D

16/1

Won a handicap at Lingfield and a seller at Leicester earlier in the year for Andrew Balding, but not an easy ride, and largely disappointing for current yard. Shaped a bit better last time, but needs to show he can build on that.

Form: 100006

(1)

Crimson King^v²⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 8-8| J: B A Curtis| T: M Appleby| OR: 62| BF

15/8

Back to form when third over C&D last month on debut for new yard, and built on that with a creditable second of 14 to Brains in a 1m handicap at Kempton last time. Stayed on well there, and one for the shortlist back at this venue.

Form: 500932

Forecasts

Crimson King (15/8), Robero (9/2), Orange Suit (9/2), Ollivander (13/2), Plunger (10/1), Central City (14/1), Forseti (16/1), Elixsoft (33/1), Swiss Vinnare (33/1)

ORANGE SUIT is bred to be suited by this surface for all he's not tried, and his form elsewhere reads well in the context of this race, so he's given the benefit of the doubt over Ollivander, who arrives in decent heart, and Crimson King, who was unlucky not to finish closer at Kempton last time.