12.15pm Southwell Tips & Betting Preview 29/12/2016

9 handicappers go to post for a low grade affair on the second race of the day at Southwell, see our betting tips and full race preview below.

IN SUMMARY: Preference is for the interesting RAMBLOW, who was 0-7 for William Haggas but the Michael Appleby yard have a good record at this track and this step up in distance should suit, so he is worth a go in a race like this today. The chief danger may well be Lobster Cocktail who is consistent in the main for Ed Walker but is still a maiden after nine attempts.

1 BRIDEY’S LETTUCE – Still a maiden after 14 attempts but did finish a good 2nd at Newcastle on his latest start a few weeks ago (1m 2f, Std), with one of his siblings including fibresand winner. Is interesting and could pick up place money if improving today.

2 PALADIN – Finished a decent enough 4th here over 7f a few weeks ago and steps up a long way in distance today which should suit judging on his pedigree and being related to some useful types at longer distances. Obviously him staying can only be taken in confidence but pedigree suggests he will and it could be worth the risk today in a poor looking contest.

3 SAKHALIN STAR – Wasn’t beaten all the far off of the this mark on Boxing Day at Wolverhampton (1m 1f, Std) and goes up in distance today which should suit. One of the more interesting types and could sneak into the placings if showing improvement for that run and the small break between races isn’t an issue.

4 RAMBLOW – 0-7 when with William Haggas, not showing much in any races other than a decent enough 2nd at Lingfield in August (1m 2f, Std). The Michael Appleby yard does however have a good record here and looks interesting going up in distance, considering his pedigree isn’t all too bad and could be up to taking a race of this nature, so needs considering.

5 LOBSTER COCKTAIL – Still a maiden after nine attempts although he has been running consistently well since August, and was a close 2nd at Wolverhampton earlier this month (1m 4f, Std). One of the more solid contenders and should run his race, but will probably find one of these too good.

6 RAIL DANCER – Has fallen a long way down the weights but has cut no ice in his career so far, being beaten at big prices for most of his career. Doesn’t make any real appeal today.

7 SIR JACK – Never involved here last week over 1 mile and hasn’t shown much in 6 runs so far, but there is some hope that this trip will bring out some improvement. Needs a second look as he does have an attractive pedigree and should be capable of better than he’s shown so far.

8 ALBERT BOY – Has been well held on all of his latest starts since May and doesn’t make any appeal today.

9 MURRAQIB – Ran well enough on handicap debut at Chelmsford in October (1m 5f, Std), albeit in a Class 7 contest and hasn’t backed it up since. Unlikely to land a blow today.