4.02 Southwell – Azure Angel and Equality clash
An excellent renewal of the Midnite A Next Generation Betting App Handicap (4.02) sees Azure Angel and Equality clash over 5f.
Azure Angel has a fine strike-rate on the all-weather having won five of her 10 starts, including when staying on strongly to score over course and distance in September. The six-year-old is returning from a 164-day lay-off with the blinkers retained, and she must have decent claims despite a career-high mark.
The Charlie Hills-trained Equality has dropped to a workable mark after failing to get his head in front in his last six outings. The eight-year-old wasn't beaten all that far when fourth at Newcastle in January and could well benefit from a drop in class here.
Gaeli has plenty of useful form in Italy and so must also enter calculations on his debut for Marco Botti and jockey Jack Gilligan, while last-time-out winner Spring Is Sprung (Paul Midgley) and the fifth home that day in Ziggy's Triton (David O'Meara) are two more for the shortlist.
4.32 Southwell – Well-bred That’s Amore returns for Beckett
That’s Amore is set to headline a field of 11 in the Make The Move To Midnite Novice Stakes (4.32).
The Ralph Beckett-trained three-year-old has a lovely pedigree, being a sister to Group 3 winner Persica, and she made a stunning start to her career when winning by six lengths at Newbury back in October. Sent off just 9-4 when fourth behind Minnie Hauk in the Cheshire Oaks next time out, she hasn't been seen since but certainly rates a filly to watch, with market clues eagerly anticipated.
Jupiter Ammon, rated 82 after eight starts without success, has had a gelding operation since finishing a solid fifth in a Class 2 handicap at York in October, and the four-year-old looks the biggest danger for the combining Andrew Balding and Oisin Murphy should That's Amore fail to fire.
Grazeon Sunshine is a National Hunt bumper winner for John and Sean Quinn and should strip fitter for his run behind Constitution Hill here last month, with the sixth home that day in the Roadlesstravelled another to note for Jonjo and AJ O'Neill.
5.40 Southwell – Tarbat Ness seeks a four-timer
The prolific Tarbat Ness bids for further glory in the Midnite Aint Your Grandads Bookie Handicap (5.40).
John Berry’s charge has been in cracking form during the past couple of months, romping clear of four rivals on his latest start at Newcastle 17 days ago. Given the way the likeable grey settled matters that day, he ought to prove tough to beat under a 7lb penalty, with the extra couple of furlongs on offer here holding few fears.
Hatysa is a progressive stayer for Andrew Balding, having won three times from five starts since July, and she finished a solid third at Newcastle last month following a break. Freshend up from that effort and with Oisin Murphy back on board, the four-year-old rates a big player at this level.
The Tom Dascombe-trained Barenboim only narrowly failed to make all when second at Lingfield on his latest start and must also be strongly considered, while Arc Zoosve is capable of bouncing back from a lesser effort last time for trainer Neil King.
