16:00 Southwell

Saturday 6 January 2024

All16:0016:3017:0017:3018:0018:3019:0019:3020:00

BetMGM: It's Showtime Novice Stakes (GBB Race) (Div 1)

Off time: 16:04 | Winning time: 1m 13.42s

(2)

Call To Action

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: S A Gray| T: K A Ryan

25/1

Soldier's Call colt. Dam, winner, half-sister to 2-y-o 6f winner (stayed 10.5f) Rebel Tale. Betting should prove an informative guide on debut.

Form:

(3)

Cuban Tiger

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: C Lee| T: K R Burke

4/5

32,000 gns foal, €200,000 yearling, Havana Grey colt. Dam, useful Italian 1m winner (including at 2 yrs) who stayed 1¼m, half-sister to useful 8.5f-11f (minor US stakes) winner Picou. Yard's newcomers always command respect.

Form:

(4)

Hardman¹⁰⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: Ryan Sexton⁽³⁾| T: T D Barron

9/1

Once-raced maiden. 14/1, ninth of 13 in minor event at Redcar (5f, good) on debut in September, racing off the pace and never involved. Gelded subsequently and this ought to reveal more.

Form: 9-

(7)

Musical Touch²⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: O J Orr| T: R A Fahey

11/2

Mehmas colt who again shaped with promise when fourth of 9 in novice event at Wolverhampton (6.1f) 4 weeks ago, left with a lot to do but running on. In good hands and he's the type to do better.

Form: 54-

(8)

Power Shot²⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: S H James| T: K R Burke

66/1

Twice-raced maiden. Tenth of 11 in minor event at Wolverhampton (6.1f, 11/2) 28 days ago, very slowly away and always behind. Handicaps entitled to be more his bag.

Form: 60-

(6)

Winter War

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: Hollie Doyle| T: A Watson

13/2

€90,000 yearling, No Nay Never colt. Brother to 2-y-o 5f winner Nevereversaynever and 6f winner Never Cry Never. Dam 6f /7f winner (including at 2 yrs). Makes plenty of appeal on paper for yard amongst the winners. Considered.

Form:

(5)

Alfa Kellenic⁵⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: T Eaves| T: Craig Lidster

5/1

Promising individual. 66/1, third of 12 in minor event at Chelmsford City (6f) on debut 58 days ago, missing break but encouragingly finishing off very strongly. That experience won't have been wasted on her and better to come.

Form: 3-

(9)

Queen For Adaay¹⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Cam Hardie| T: D Shaw

200/1

Twice-raced maiden. Seventh of 9 in maiden at Wolverhampton (5.1f, 250/1) 15 days ago. Hard to fancy.

Form: 87-

Non-Runners

(1)

Secret Attack

Weight: 9-7| Age: 3

T: G Boughey J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Cuban Tiger (4/5), Secret Attack (5/2), Alfa Kellenic (5/1), Musical Touch (11/2), Winter War (13/2), Hardman (9/1), Call To Action (25/1), Power Shot (66/1), Queen For Adaay (200/1)

An interesting novice for the time of the year with several interesting newcomers in opposition, including WINTER WAR. He makes plenty of appeal on paper for a yard amongst the winners and could be the way to go without the benefit of market clues. Cuban Tiger is interestin, too. Chelmsford eye-catcher Alfa Kelllenic completes the shortlist.