15:05 Southwell

Friday 7 February 2020

All14:0014:3515:0515:4016:1016:40

Bombardier 'March To Your Own Drum' Maiden Handicap

Off time: 15:05 | Winning time: 1m 42.21s

(6)

Straitouttacompton^p,t²⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: Jason Hart| T: I Furtado| OR: 63

3/1

Turned in his best effort to date when a ¾l second to Harbour Front here on latest start (12f), showing this surface holds no fears; cheekpieces added now, but a bigger question is this big drop back in trip, which isn't necessarily a positive.

Form: 74645-2

(3)

Noble Account¹⁵⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: Charlie Bennett| T: Miss J Feilden| OR: 63

8/1

Didn't really threaten in seven starts last season, but did at least show a bit more on his last two starts when not beaten far; not seen out since September, yet to try this surface, and on those scores, makes only limited appeal.

Form: 464734-

(1)

Elhafei^p¹⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 9-4| J: B A Curtis| T: M Appleby| OR: 60

5/1

Well enough handicapped on some of his efforts last term, but still a maiden after 16 starts, which tempers a bit of enthusiasm for him; however, may be working his way back to form, and Ben Curtis an interesting booking; possible leader.

Form: 2808-84

(2)

Fox Shinji²⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: David Probert| T: A M Balding| OR: 59

10/3

Only had the four starts, and did a bit better here on his latest start once going handicapping, only beaten a length; surface and trip no problem, should have more to come, and this race is weak, so has plenty going for him.

Form: 67/6-3

(7)

Thunderoad^b1¹³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: S W Kelly| T: A W Carroll| OR: 58

9/4

Still a maiden after 18 starts, although has been running better of late, and has hit the frame on three of his last four starts; now tries blinkers and a drop back in trip, both of which could help, and yard among the winners this week.

Form: 6724-23

(5)

Beautiful Artist^t1²⁸¹

Age: 5| Weight: 8-13| J: T Eaves| T: R Brisland| OR: 55

66/1

Last seen getting beaten out of sight in races at Lingfield and here, last on both occasions; not seen out since May, tongue-tie now tried but hard to see where the necessary improvement is coming from.

Form: 7747/00-

(4)

Jailbreak^b⁵⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 8-7| J: Grace McEntee⁽⁷⁾| T: C Allen| OR: 45

50/1

Yet to so much as hit the frame in twelve starts and she looks very modest on what we've seen so far; races from 7lb out of the handicap here too and faces a very difficult task; possible this surface will suit, though.

Form: 900704-

Forecasts

Thunderoad (9/4), Straitouttacompton (3/1), Fox Shinji (10/3), Elhafei (5/1), Noble Account (8/1), Jailbreak (50/1), Beautiful Artist (66/1)

The shortlist for this consists of Thunderoad, who is knocking on the door as far as breaking his duck goes, and seems to act on the surface; Elfahel, who seems to be slowly improving and might get a chance to lead today, which could see an improved run, Straitouttacompton, who comes here off the back of a good effort but this drop back to a mile is a concern, and FOX SHINJI, who has potential to do better, and ran well here last time. He gets the vote.