Sky Sports Racing brings a packed Wednesday of all‑weather racing from Southwell, featuring several competitive handicaps and a tasty novice contest to look out for.
4.02 Southwell — Azure Angel and Equality go head-to-head
The Midnite A Next Generation Betting App Handicap over five furlongs pits prolific all‑weather performer Azure Angel against Charlie Hills’ veteran Equality. Azure Angel has a strong AW strike‑rate (five wins from 10) and returns from a 164‑day break with blinkers retained after a determined success over this course and distance in September. She arrives on a career‑high mark but remains a major player. Equality, now on a more workable rating after a barren spell, was only narrowly beaten when fourth at Newcastle in January and could benefit from this drop in class. Italian raider Gaeli makes an intriguing debut for Marco Botti with Jack Gilligan aboard, while last‑time scorer Spring Is Sprung also has a say.
4.32 Southwell — That’s Amore leads a strong novice field
The Make The Move To Midnite Novice Stakes features an 11‑runner line‑up headed by Ralph Beckett’s well‑bred That’s Amore. A sister to Group 3 winner Persica, she made a striking six‑length winning debut at Newbury in October and was fourth behind Minnie Hauk in the Cheshire Oaks on her next start. Absent since that effort, she’ll be watched closely and market clues will be important. Jupiter Ammon, rated 82 after eight starts and gelded since a solid fifth in a Class Two handicap at York, looks the main danger if the favourite underperforms. Grazeon Sunshine, a former national hunt flat winner, should be sharper for his recent outing behind the exciting Constitution Hill.
5.40 Southwell — Tarbat Ness bids for a four‑timer
John Berry’s in‑form Tarbat Ness attempts to extend his streak in the Midnite Aint Your Grandads Bookie Handicap. He won impressively at Newcastle 17 days ago and, despite carrying a seven‑pound penalty, the extra couple of furlongs should suit him, making him hard to dismiss. Andrew Balding’s Hatysa, a progressive stayer with three wins since July, returned with a solid third at Newcastle and looks well‑placed dropped into this 0–80 contest. Barenboim, a close second at Lingfield last time, demands respect, while Art Zoosve will be aiming to bounce back from a lesser effort.
Best of the rest
Over in Hong Kong, Happy Valley features a big‑name rider line‑up including Zac Purton, Andrea Atzeni, Dylan Browne McMonagle and Richard Kingscote. Back at Southwell, keep an eye on the 2.02 where Eagles Whistle is looking to complete a four‑timer.