Summer Social Events At Southwell Racecourse Handicap

Off time: 14:20 | Winning time: 3m 41.17s

(4)

Volcanic Rock^t1⁶⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: Oisin Murphy| T: S bin Suroor| OR: 75

7/4

Third on debut at this course in November but not built on that form since, including when looking ungainly at Meydan the last twice. Steps up significantly in trip returned to this venue in a first-time tongue strap. Plenty to prove.

Form: 36-08

(3)

Clansman⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 9-5| J: Toby Moore⁽⁷⁾| T: L Bailey| OR: 69

17/2

In good form since reappearing in January, following a couple of solid placed efforts with a deserved first success on the all-weather at Newcastle in March. Held form since and is proven at this longer trip.

Form: 0-32133

(2)

Betelgeuse¹⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: K T O'Neill| T: S Woods| OR: 68| C

10/3

Won over 1¾m at this course in October and returned from 6 months off with good second of 8 in a handicap here 14 days ago. Should strip fitter for that outing and looks sure to be in the mix if seeing out this longer trip.

Form: 35615-2

(5)

Westlain^h⁷⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-1| J: H Crouch| T: Jack Jones| OR: 67| D

9/4

Twice a winner over hurdles since last seen on the Flat, responding well to the hood. Returns to this sphere with that headgear retained and he has scope to progress over a new trip.

Form: 54/0937-

(1)

Dollar's Dream⁵⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 8-6| J: Cam Hardie| T: P A Kirby| OR: 56

10/1

Runner-up to subsequent winners twice in January but disappointed when fifth of 6 in a handicap over 1¾m here in March, looking awkward under pressure. Not one to write off if bouncing back given he's a proven stayer in a race where a few have questions to answer on that score.

Form: 775-225

Forecasts

Volcanic Rock (7/4), Westlain (9/4), Betelgeuse (10/3), Clansman (17/2), Dollar's Dream (10/1)

WESTLAIN can make a winning return to the Flat after a break, with the step up in trip likely to suit having won twice over hurdles since last seen in this sphere. Betelgeuse won over 1¾m at this course in October and should prove the biggest danger if seeing out this longer trip.