12.10pm Southwell Tips & Betting Preview 02/01/2017

9 go to post for the first race of the day at Southwell, a 9 runner long distance handicap for amateur riders. See our betting tips and the full race preview below.

IN SUMMARY: In a race full of question marks the stand out pick is CHESTNUT STORM, who finished a good 2nd on stable debut last time out and should have more to give, with her stamina assured. She is the selection today at the expense of Canadian Diamond, who bounced back to form last time out but is not guaranteed to back that up.

1 ISTIMRAAR – Last win came over hurdles back in December 2014 at Sedgefield (2m 3f, Soft), and his only flat win came in October 2013. Makes his fibresand debut today and judging by his latest 4th at Chelmsford (1m 4f, Std), he needs more today to be considered for win purposes.

2 CANADIAN DIAMOND – Bounced back to form when comfortably dismissing his rivals at Kempton last month (2m, Std to Slw) and has to be considered a major player again today on the back of that effort, as he is also unexposed on the flat.

3 NAFAATH – Last flat win came back in 2009 and this 11 year old was well held on his latest runs over hurdles, so doesn’t strike as a likely winner today.

4 SINOUR – Last seen on the flat 604 days ago and is a 26 race maiden under both codes, with his form slumping over hurdles of late. He remains opposable  today.

5 CHESTNUT STORM – Finally got her breakthrough win at Yarmouth back in October (1m 3f, Soft) and finished a good 2nd on stable debut for Brian Barr at Newcastle last month (2m, Std). Should be able to build on that effort and he will definitely stay, so has to be hugely respected today.

6 PROUD TIMES – Has plenty to prove today after flopping at Chepstow back in May on the flat (2m, Soft) and his last win came over hurdles over three years ago. Hard to be confident today and best watched.

7 OUR LITTLE SISTER – Dropped another 4lb for her poor 8th of 11 at Lingfield back in November (1m 2f, Std) and steps up markedly in trip today. That may eek out some improvement but she really needs it, so she has place claims at best today.

8 SABHA – In seven runs she has not managed to get within 9 lengths of the winner, finishing 11th of 12 at Newcastle a few weeks ago (1m 4f, Std). Upped to 2 miles but can only be watched today.

9 THACKERAY – 0-10 on the all weather and has been well below his best form the last thrice, unable to land a blow when a very long third at Hamilton back in October, 14 lengths off the winner (1m 4f, Std). Too many questions to answer today.