6.30pm Southwell Tips & Betting Preview 13/06/2017

A competitive handicap chase in the second race of the evening at Southwell on Tuesday, see our betting tips and the full race preview below.

IN SUMMARY: With seven wins here at Southwell, it’s hard to look past the ever likeable ten year old RIDDLESTOWN who ran a brilliant race last time out when looking for the five timer. He finsihed third despite a big weight under today’s claimer and he is only one pound higher here for Caroline Flyer. Conditions will suit and there are doubts about quite a few of these who have there quirks, including See The World who will need to jump better if getting involved. The likely main danger will come from Alan King’s Mille Nautique, but he has to prove his fitness after 233 days off the track.

1 THE DOORMAN – Returned to form three starts ago when winning a novices’ hurdle at Carlisle and followed up with another win in the Novice sphere at Sedgefield in mid-May, pushed out to win readily. Things didn’t however go to plan when he was returned to handicaps, well beaten at Hexham on his latest start and much more is required back over fences for the first time since July 2016. He was far from convincing in this sphere when in Ireland, failing to finish five times out of eight runs so a leap of faith is likely required on that evidence. Others are certainly less risky.

2 RIDDLESTOWN – Likeable ten year old who tends to save his best for Southwell, winning here three times this year alone and he has won four of his last five runs. He was all heart when winning on his penultimate start at Towcester in May and it was never going to be easy carrying a big top weight on his latest start at Towcester, keeping on well gamely to finish third which was far from a disgrace. Judging by his hurdling mark he can do better yet in this sphere despite his age and with a seven pound claimer on board, another big effort looks on the cards.

3 SEE THE WORLD – Lightly raced seven year old who has five runs under rules and he is interesting on his second chasing start under Aidan Coleman. Best known for his incredible rally to win a Wincanton bumper, he has mainly struggled since in a staggered career, returning from a year off to finish a well beaten fourth at Kempton in March, albeit in a tougher race than this. He showed promise on chasing debut when third at Warwick, jumping poorly on occasion and finding little off the bridle but he was always likely to struggle at the two mile trip. Back up in trip, if jumping with more conviction he’s likely to be very dangerous off a mark of 113 and has to be respected.

4 DOITFORJOE – Won on his third start over hurdles but is yet to add to that tally in six subsequent runs for trainer David Dennis over both codes, with this drop back in trip not certain to suit. He hasn’t been disgraced the last twice for connections over fences, finishing third at Ludlow on his penultimate start before a close fifth at Newton Abbot when last seen. A mark of 112 based on his hurdling suggests he should do better yet in this sphere but he’ll need a strong pace at this trip to be seen in best effect, which isn’t guaranteed by any means. Likely place contender as he’s on a lenient mark but probably vulnerable for win purposes.

5 COURT KING – Three time winner over hurdles for Peter Bowen but he didn’t return from a six month break with much conviction when pulled up on chasing debut at Uttoxeter in a tame display. Dropped five pounds as a result which based on his hurdling form suggests he is well treated, but this drop back in trip isn’t certain to suit and this quirky sort is likely to make his own mind up if he wants to play a roll early on. Sean Bowen takes the ride and others make more appeal on paper this time around.

6 MILLE NAUTIQUE – One win from eight chasing starts thus far for Alan King, struggling since that first win over fences on chasing debut over a year ago where he won by thirteen lengths. He was last seen in October when a well beaten third at Wincanton and although the handicapper has dropped him three pounds, more is required against some interesting types in this. Conditions will suit and Tom Bellamy takes the ride which are positives, but he is probably still vulnerable off this mark.

7 QUICK BREW – Maurice Barnes nine year old who has a poor strike rate of two wins from thirty-six under rules, only able to win once from twelve runs over the larger obstacles. That win came four starts ago at Hexham, but an 8lb rise caught him out and he has struggled in two runs since, though his latest start at Sedgefield was an improvement when staying on too late to finish second. Possible each way contender off the same mark with conditions to suit and the in form Dale Irving taking the ride.

8 THAT’S THE DEAL – Recorded his eight career victory over fences when winning at Fakenham nine days ago despite the rider dropping his reigns, though this looks tougher and this thirteen year old looks vulnerable now with a penalty to carry. Lee Edwards takes the ride and he is a previous C&D winner which does give him some claims, but it’s hard to see him going back to back against some runners with potential.