Flat Racing Preview: Bath and Southwell

A busy Wednesday of flat racing from Bath and Southwell, live on Sky Sports Racing.

4.45 Bath — Dowman and Lady Blanche both look to improve

Dowman and Lady Blanche clash in the Download The Fairplay App Now EBF Restricted Maiden Stakes at Bath. Dowman made an encouraging debut when second over five furlongs at Bath and is expected to progress with Billy Loughnane taking the ride. Lady Blanche, a Karl Burke-trained filly by Persian Force, ran a respectable third on her Beverley debut and looks to build on that promise. Richard Hannon's The Kalonji Man, who has already had two runs including the Brocklesby, suffered a heavy defeat when favourite at Musselburgh and may now be aimed at nursery company.

4.05 Southwell — Wondrous Light meets Welljudged after recent win

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 defeating Glorious King at Beverley; a three-pound rise is fair as she drops back in trip to a mile. Roger Varian sends Welljudged, ridden by Ray Dawson: the Siyouni filly is well bred, still seeking a first win from five starts, but her third at Chelmsford 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 wins

Wezzeer and Gold Star Gazing meet in the Conference & Events At Southwell Racecourse Novice Stakes. James Fanshawe's Gold Star Gazing showed promise when third behind Title Role at Kempton in October and repeated that placing the following month; the runner-up from that later race has since won, and the gelding has had wind surgery since his last outing. Roger Varian's Wezzeer looked 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 finished just behind Wezzeer on debut for Clive Cox, also merits respect with Hector Crouch booked to ride.

Best of the rest

Happy Valley — jockeys Harry Bentley, Zac Purton and Richard Kingscote are in action.

4.10 Bath — Silver Wraith heads the opening Class 5 contest.