We have jumps action from Southwell on Wednesday, live on Sky Sports Racing…
3.55 Southwell – Big Cadillac and Blue Run contest open maiden
A wide-open Gleeds Data Center Derby Maiden Hurdle is the most intriguing contest at Southwell on Wednesday.
Nicky Henderson and Dan Skelton are represented and both hold strong claims.
Skelton’s Big Cadillac was a good winner of a Chepstow bumper back in January last year but has failed to replicate that form over hurdles. He drops down in class having contested Grade Two company at Cheltenham in December and it will be disappointing if he is not involved under Harry Skelton.
Blue Run, a well-bred son of Blue Bresil, could only manage seventh on debut at Warwick but is worth another chance with a market watch advised.
Of the others, Zamek steps up in trip having undergone a wind operation and cannot be ruled out having placed on two of his three starts over hurdles.
2.55 Southwell – William Cody and He Knows Better headline
William Cody and He Knows Better headline a field of eight for this Book The Bistro In Sherwood Restaurant Handicap Chase.
The Pam Sly-trained William Cody is a consistent type who often places but has failed to win since November 2024. He is a pound lower than when second on his penultimate run at Catterick and that form would put him in the mix under Paul O’Brien.
He Knows Better bounced back from a fall on chasing debut to finish runner-up the last twice and he rates a big player with the drop back in distance an interesting move given he stayed well at Warwick.
Disguisedlimit looks the pick of the remainder.
4.55 Southwell – Recent winners Asa and Queen Of Steel feature
Last-time winners Asa and Queen Of Steel feature in a trappy Golf And Gallop Package Mares’ Handicap Hurdle that closes the card.
Philip Kirby’s Asa has really taken well to fences winning three of her six starts including when landing the odds at Catterick earlier this month. She reverts to hurdles and is sure to be popular if able to replicate her recent performance over the smaller obstacles.
Fergal O’Brien saddles Queen Of Steel who returned to form to land a Leicester handicap hurdle in testing ground last time and another bold bid can be expected despite a five-pound rise in the weights.
Best of the rest
3.25 Southwell – Interesting bumper with a few nice types with the recently-acquired Brecharnon making his stable debut for the Skeltons albeit he will have to shoulder a penalty for his debut success. The form of the Fergal O’Brien-trained Midnight Jukebox‘s only PTP run has also worked out really well and Smokehouse could be smart for Jamie Snowden and Gavin Sheehan.
French action from Cagnes-sur-Mer and Pornichet.
