A busy Wednesday of flat racing from Bath and Southwell, live on Sky Sports Racing.
4.45 Bath – Dowman and Lady Blanche hope to build on debut runs
Dowman and Lady Blanche clash in the Download The Fairplay App Now EBF Restricted Maiden Stakes at Bath.
Dowman made an encouraging start when second over five furlongs at Bath and is expected to improve with Billy Loughnane aboard. Lady Blanche finished a respectable third on her Beverley debut earlier this month; Karl Burke’s filly by Persian Force looks to build on that promise. Richard Hannon’s The Kalonji Man has had two runs, including the Brocklesby, and endured a heavy defeat when favourite at Musselburgh, suggesting he may be aimed at nurseries.
4.05 Southwell – Recent winner Wondrous Light faces Welljudged
Wondrous Light and Welljudged head a field of nine for the Celebrate With Sponsorship At Southwell Racecourse Fillies’ Handicap.
Jonathan Portman’s Wondrous Light recorded a second career victory when defeating Glorious King at Beverley; a three-pound rise looks fair as she drops back to a mile. Roger Varian sends across Welljudged, ridden by Ray Dawson. A well-bred Siyouni filly, she is still seeking a first win from five starts but her Chelmsford third reads well and a return to handicap company may suit. Others to note include Donna Neck and Dream Illusion, both of whom disappointed here last time.
5.45 Southwell – Wezzeer and Gold Star Gazing seek first success
Wezzeer and Gold Star Gazing meet in an open Conference & Events At Southwell Racecourse Novice Stakes.
James Fanshawe’s Gold Star Gazing showed potential when third behind Title Role at Kempton in October and repeated that placing at the same track the following month; the runner-up from that latter race has since won, and the gelding has had wind surgery since his last outing. Roger Varian’s Wezzeer shaped like an improver when third on his Kempton debut 23 days ago and, with that experience, could be hard to beat under Ray Dawson. Hugh, who was just behind Wezzeer on debut, deserves respect for Clive Cox with Hector Crouch taking the ride.
Best of the rest
Happy Valley – Harry Bentley, Zac Purton and Richard Kingscote are in action.
4.10 Bath – Silver Wraith tops the opening Class 5 contest.