Racecards
14:00 Southwell
Littlewoods Bet Direct Handicap (Class C)
- 6 Runners
- Distance: 6f
- Going: Standard
- Form 500152-
- Age 3
- Weight 9-3
- Trainer J R Jenkins
- Jockey B Reilly
chased leaders, ridden to lead 2f out, hung left over 1f out, kept on and headed well inside final furlong
Pompey Blue
41- Form 235515-
- Age 3
- Weight 8-13
- Trainer P McBride
- Jockey Paul Scallan
with leader, led 4f out, ridden and headed 2f out, soon weakened
- Form 440231-
- Age 3
- Weight 8-12
- Trainer K R Burke
- Jockey Darren Williams
chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, soon eased
Blofeld
18- Form 005511-
- Age 3
- Weight 8-11
- Trainer W Jarvis
- Jockey Lisa Jones
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, kept on well to lead well inside final furlong
- Form 256215-
- Age 3
- Weight 8-11
led, headed 4f out, ridden over 2f out, weakened well over 1f out
- Form 610504-
- Age 3
- Weight 8-2
slowly into stride, behind, ridden and headway on inner over 2f out, stayed on and no impression final furlong
In depth
Verdict
Blofeld is in form and can complete a hat-trick over the likes of Pompey Blue and Scottish Exile. Blofeld has been in fine fettle of late, scoring back-to-back successes over the course and distance just before Christmas, and still appears to be a wee bit ahead of the handicapper. The plan after his latest effort was to come back here and complete the treble, and with Lisa Jones in the plate again, it will not be for the want of trying if he is beaten. Pompey Blue is a consistent enough sort who looks set to be in the shake-up without quite being good enough, while Scottish Exile should be there or thereabouts if the visor works again. She recovered from a cracked rib to lose her maiden tag over five furlongs here last time, but has her first outing in handicap company. Fission and Muy Bien have to give weight to the selection, and all in all, the safest option is Blofeld.