GORGEOUS TO GENERAL RIVALS IN SOUTHWELL OPENER

16:45 Southwell

I put up GORGEOUS GENERAL as my NAP when finishing second last time out and I must admit I was a tad frustrated at the ride he was given that day. I’m hoping that jockey Ben Curtis was as equally disappointed with his effort and he can make up for that by ensuring the five year old goes one better this time.

My biggest threat however is the lightly raced three year old Worden Park who, despite not winning in their career so far, has shown enough of late and represents solid connections to not be surprised if he were to dominate such a low grade race. Her draw however should be enough to see her play a minor role.

GORGEOUS GENERAL

19:15 Southwell

The penultimate race on the card sees a Class 6, five furlong sprint contest where a case can easily be made for a whole host of these.

Trainer Scott Dixon is based locally to Southwell and often sends out winners to his nearby fibersand course so it’s no surprise to see May The Sixth be very well fancied, especially after winning last time out.

The Defiant has a solid record on the artificial surface so a return here isn’t a negative and shouldn’t be far away either. However there’s a duo at bigger prices that I just cannot split.

RED STRIPES and LOULIN are both former course and distance winners which I feel is a massive positive at this quite unique course. Both are either on or below their last winning marks and both have more than capable jockeys booked for the ride.

I wouldn’t be put off by the fact both yards aren’t firing on all cylinders as the trainers are renowned for sending one in unexpectedly. Either way they’re both big prices and both capable at this level.

RED STRIPES

LOULIN

written by Rory Paddock