There are two meetings to get stuck into following the action from Cheltenham on Wednesday, with all-weather action from Southwell and Newcastle, both live on Sky Sports Racing.
6.15 Southwell – Debut winner Into The Light tops classy novice field
It looks a fascinating Read Meg Nicholls’ Blog At betmgm.co.uk EBF Novice Stakes (6.15) where Into The Light headlines a quality field of six.
Charlie Appleby’s charge recorded a workmanlike success on debut at Lingfield last month and bids to defy a penalty under Billy Loughnane. A son of Dubawi, he should step forward but will need to build on that against some well-bred rivals.
Ravenspire rates an interesting newcomer for the Karl Burke team with Sam James in the plate. A son of Sea The Stars, he is related to several high-class performers and must be monitored in the markets.
David Simcock’s Sinocentric is another to keep an eye on. He is a half-brother to five winners, including Ching Shih, and warrants respect under Callum Shepherd.
Starship Trooper was just denied in a Pontefract novice in October and could put his experience to good use.
5.40 Southwell – Artanis & Dagger Strike clash
A decent field has assembled for this Daily Profit Boosts At betmgm.co.uk Handicap (5.40) with Artanis and Dagger Strike both nice types.
Artanis made all when justifying skinny odds at Wolverhampton on his third career start and rates an exciting prospect for handicap off an opening mark of 80. The form has been franked, and he could be one to follow this spring.
The Archie Watson-trained Dagger Strike scored on handicap debut at Newcastle in December before finishing runner-up in both stats since and his trainer reaches for cheekpieces as he looks to regain the winning thread.
Loquella was beaten favourite when second at Wolverhampton, while Horwich has four lengths to find with Dagger Strike on their last meeting.
7.30 Newcastle – Master Of Dandy & Fortunate Star feature
Master Dandy and Fortunate Star arrive in good spirits for the Midnite: Built For 2026 Not 2006 Handicap (7.30) at Newcastle.
Fortunate Star has been rated much higher in the past and capitalised on a sliding mark to score at Southwell and Newcastle the last two times. He carries a 5lb penalty but must be taken seriously with Conor Whiteley claiming a useful 7lb.
Master Dandy has been a model of consistency of late, winning twice and finishing second on his last three runs. He took advantage of a good opportunity at Chelmsford and can give another good account.
Derek Shaw’s Gustav Graves and Azucena complete the shortlist.
Watch every race from Southwell and Newcastle all live on Sky Sports Racing on Wednesday, March 11.
