18:30 Southwell

Saturday 29 February 2020

All17:3018:0018:3019:0019:3020:00

Betway Handicap

Off time: 18:30 | Winning time: 3m 7.85s

(4)

Charlie D^p,t¹⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 10-0| J: R Kingscote| T: Tom Dascombe| OR: 82| D

9/4

Multiple turf/AW winner who is making his Fibresand debut. Didn't shape badly in a better race on his recent return from a break, and that suggests he can be very competitive from this 1lb lower mark.

Form: 13132-4

(2)

Dawn Trouper^t¹³⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 9-12| J: T P Queally| T: N J Hawke| OR: 80

33/1

Dundalk maiden winner (1m4f, Polytrack) for Jim Bolger, but hasn't yet shown much for this trainer in either code. Well beaten several times over hurdles during last summer and is best watched returning from a four-month break.

Form: 2122/69-

(6)

Al Kherb³⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 9-9| J: Jason Hart| T: J & S Quinn| OR: 77

11/1

Ran moderately in three starts after a nine-month break, twice here (1m4f) and over hurdles at Newcastle. Slowly dropping down the weights but needs signs of a revival before he can be supported with confidence.

Form: 1145/5-5

(1)

Argus^t²⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 9-5| J: Daniel Muscutt| T: Alexandra Dunn| OR: 73| CD

16/1

Last two wins have been here (1m4f/1m6f), most recently in November off 2lb higher. Disappointing the last twice at Kempton (2m/1m3f). Is off a winning mark and handles conditions so wouldn't be the biggest surprise if he put his best foot forward.

Form: 414-486

(3)

The Resdev Way⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 9-3| J: B A Curtis| T: P A Kirby| OR: 71| CD

12/1

Not beaten far in a 'jumpers bumper' at Newcastle last week after a three-month break. Is a dual C&D winner and has never been the most consistent but has place claims off a workable handicap mark.

Form: 407434-

(5)

Harbour Front⁴⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: K T O'Neill| T: R Brisland| OR: 73| C

6/4

Showed some promise in two starts late last year and duly built on that to win here (1m4f) last time by ¾L. He rallied well that day and stayed on strongly, suggesting this longer trip should be within range. Strong contender.

Form: 34-1

(7)

Sociologist^p¹¹

Age: 5| Weight: 8-8| J: Barry McHugh| T: S Dixon| OR: 62| C

4/1

Goes well at this venue and earned his only win here (1m3f). Was runner-up last time over C&D. Difficult to rule out but others more likely for win purposes.

Form: 224-262

Forecasts

Harbour Front (6/4), Charlie D (9/4), Sociologist (4/1), Al Kherb (11/1), The Resdev Way (12/1), Argus (16/1), Dawn Trouper (33/1)

After winning here last time and now making his handicap debut, Harbour Front has strong claims in this staying handicap. However, a chance is taken with CHARLIE D. He has shown versatility with underfoot conditions and ran well against superior opposition, he might have the class edge down in grade. Argus handles these conditions well and, after two moderate efforts at Kempton, should appreciate the return to this venue.