Southwell stages the jumps action on Monday afternoon before attention turns to all‑weather meetings at Wolverhampton.
2.45 Southwell – Smurfette and Solar System headline
A field of six is declared for the Grace And Dotty Fedora’s And Feathers Handicap Chase over 3m½f.
Tom Ellis’ mare Smurfette has been consistent since leaving Dan Skelton, including a course‑and‑distance win three starts ago. The key question is whether she can cope with a higher mark as she seeks a third chase success.
Philip Hobbs and Johnson White run Solar System (owned by JP McManus), who is making only his second start beyond three miles and is chasing his first victory since justifying favouritism at Haydock more than a year ago.
Kayce Dutton is an interesting runner in cheekpieces for Charles and Adam Pogson; the eight‑year‑old has won two of three starts in that headgear so another strong showing is possible.
Fergal O’Brien’s Lilting Verse and Dan Skelton’s pair Jasmin De Cotte and Storminhome complete the sextet.
6.00 Wolverhampton – Consistent Francesi eyes Horse of the Year prize
Francesi lines up against eight rivals in the Always Gamble Responsibly At Betmgm Handicap over the extended mile, aiming for a fifth all‑weather win this season. Tony Carroll’s seven‑year‑old sits second on the Horse of the Year leaderboard and a victory here would strengthen his claim for the £100,000 prize.
The booking of Robert Havlin is notable for three‑time course winner Serious Look. Thomas Faulkner’s six‑year‑old has a 50% strike rate and has finished in the first three on all four previous rides with Havlin.
Previous course‑and‑distance scorer He’s A Gentleman (Hugo Palmer) should be competitive returning to this longer trip, while David O’Meara will hope Criminal Shore can build on a comeback run and land a first all‑weather success.
Carroll also runs Oman and Terries Royale, both of whom are contenders to watch.
7.30 Wolverhampton – Bint Havana Gold seeks successive course and distance wins
Nine go to post for Dunstall Park’s Win £250,000 With Betmgm’s Golden Goals Fillies’ Handicap, with Bint Havana Gold bidding to follow up last Monday’s course‑and‑distance success. Richard Hughes’ mare was 3lb below her previous winning mark when she scored by a length seven days ago and lines up here off the same figure.
Hollie Doyle is booked for Oliver Cole’s Insuspense, who has finished second the last twice and will be aiming to break through for a first career victory.
James Fanshawe’s So Sassy tops the weights and has a respectable all‑weather record, placing in half her starts and potentially improving on her first appearance at the Midlands track.
Three‑time course winner White Umbrella relishes this venue but needs to bounce back from a below‑par effort last time to add a seventh career victory.
Diamont Katie (Karl Burke), Joanna Mason’s Court Drive and the unexposed Ruby Red Gove are other runners to note.