Southwell Winter Derby Day Betting Tips
It's a big day for Southwell on Saturday as they host the Winter Derby card on a mammoth nine-race programme.
The Group 3 contest on the Tapeta is the biggest race of the year to date on the Flat and is in its second year at the Nottinghamshire venue after moving from Lingfield.
The card opens with the two feature races, the Listed Hever Sprint Stakes preceding the Winter Derby, and action at Southwell runs from 14:40-19:00. We've picked out our best bets for all nine Southwell contests, including those sponsored by BetMGM.
14:40 – BetUK Hever Sprint Stakes (Listed, 5f)
Marshman defeated last year's winner Diligent Harry at Lingfield in this grade recently and both have chances, although the winner carries a penalty. VALIANT FORCE warmed up for this with a smooth Dundalk win over 6f and the former Royal Ascot scorer should have no issues dropping back in trip for Adrian Murray in the Amo Racing silks.
Selection: Valiant Force
15:15 – BetUK Winter Derby Stakes (Group 3, 1m3f)
There are just seven runners in the big race but it is a solid renewal in which Royal Champion and Military Academy are both likely to have a say.
The latter is trained by the Gosdens and is one of a trio of four-year-olds who will attempt to make it five wins in seven years for that generation.
So, too, is CHAMPAGNE PRINCE who looks a progressive sort after his easy victory over course and distance in last month's trial. William Buick is back on board and Jane Chapple-Hyam's Lope De Vega colt could be the answer.
Selection: Champagne Prince
15:50 – Extra Winnings With BetUK Acca Club Handicap (1m4f)
ARQOOB returned from a stint hurdling with a decent run over course and distance in early January, finishing third behind a next-time-out winner. He didn't build on that at Newcastle but returning to Southwell should suit as he drops back down in distance, while the handicapper has also offered a chance to Lucy Wadham's charge by easing him a further 2lb. He has each-way claims.
Selection: Arqoob
16:25 - BetMGM: It's Showtime Handicap Division 1 (7f)
Topweight Feel The Need should not be judged harshly on his Newcastle effort five weeks ago and should go well now he is eased in grade. ABRUZZO MIA shaped well under a hold-up ride over course and distance at the end of January and Michael Dods' son of Bated Breath should be sharper for that comeback run.
Selection: Abruzzo Mia
17:00 - BetMGM: It's Showtime Handicap Division 2 (7f)
POWDERING beat the consistent Enola Grey (third) over C&D a week ago and the Ribchester mare did so with a degree of ease after sweeping through the field. Joanna Mason's ride was reversing previous Wolverhampton form with Enola Grey and should uphold it now.
Selection: Powdering
17:30 - BetUK. It's Where The UK Bets Handicap (2m½f)
This is a stayers' contest in which ALRAZEEN bids to complete a four-timer after sandwiching his December course-and-distance success with wins at Wolverhampton and Kempton. He's up another 3lb but cannot be passed over in haste. Tom Dascombe sends out Hot Fuss after three pleasing runs over hurdles that included winning at Sandown in December. He is unexposed at this trip on the flat and could be the danger in a first-time visor.
Selection: Alrazeen
18:00 - Best Odds Guaranteed At BetMGM Maiden Stakes (1m)
Redhot Whisper has spurned chances in maidens the last two times and is seemingly regressing. Sudu could have more to offer after just two runs back from a break but JOSEPH got closest to a well-backed all-the-way winner in a handicap at Newcastle over this trip at the start of the month and John Butler's three-year-old could be up to this task now taking his first chance in maiden company.
Selection: Joseph
18:30 - Boost Your Acca At BetMGM Handicap Division 1 (1m)
KINGDOM OF TIME served notice of his readiness for winning a race of this ilk when chasing home Joolianoss over track and trip three weeks ago as the winner completed a hat-trick. Archie Watson's gelded son of Dubawi has been nudged up 2lb for that near-miss but he won't have to improve much to go in for Hollie Doyle this time.
Selection: Kingdom Of Time
19:00 - Boost Your Acca At BetMGM Handicap Division 2 (1m)
MR MISTOFFELEES was third in the Southwell race which Kingdom Of Time was second in 22 days ago and he could be a real danger in this concluding contest on that evidence. He was stone last with a furlong-and-a-half to run but picked his way through rivals to make the frame. He runs from an unchanged mark on just his second flat start for new trainer Sam England and could be well treated.
Selection: Mr Mistoffelees
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Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation