Southwell
Tomorrow, February 28, 2025FlatClass 57f
Verdict
Verdict
Having bagged a second C&D success in November, KING OF ITHACA again ran well and could arguably be considered a shade unlucky when third at Kempton on his latest start 39 days ago, just failing having come from a long way back. He can confirm the promise of that effort and resume winning ways. Cliffcake and Mereside Madness head up the dangers in a competitive heat.
King Of Ithaca
Cliffcake
Mereside Madness
Win or Each Way
Win or Each Way
Each Way terms: 1/4 odds for first 2 places
1. Golden PharaohJ: Dale SwiftT: Scott DixonF: 659450-85- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 4
- Weight:
- 9-9
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 74
- Days Since Last Run:
- 6
VerdictMixed bag in handful of turf starts upon joining this yard last summer but stepped up on a recent run from further reduced mark when fifth of 12 in a C&D handicap 6 days ago. Further ease in class can help here.- 2. CliffcakeJ: Lewis EdmundsT: Roy BowringF: 700577-21
- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 7
- Weight:
- 9-8
- Gear:
- cheekpieces
- Official Rating:
- 73
- Days Since Last Run:
- 16
Verdict5-time course winner. 13/2 and cheekpieces on for 1st time, capitalised on his reduced mark to win 9-runner handicap at this course (6.1f) 16 days ago, unchallenged. Handicapper has reacted but likely he can give another good account. - 3. King Of IthacaJ: Rossa RyanT: James TateF: 6413812-3
- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 5
- Weight:
- 9-7
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 72
- Days Since Last Run:
- 39
VerdictSuccessful twice over C&D last year and remained in good heart, looking a shade unlucky in coming from a long way back when close-up third of 9 in handicap at Kempton (7f) 39 days ago. Capable of defying this sort of mark on that evidence and he's shortlisted here. 
4. Secret StrengthJ: Clifford LeeT: Shaun LycettF: 523/0709-1- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 6
- Weight:
- 9-6
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 71
- Days Since Last Run:
- 56
VerdictGambled on following a yard switch/6 months off when landing 8-runner handicap at Lingfield (7f, AW, 3/1) 56 days ago, getting the race run to suit and staying on to lead close home. Remains with handicapping scope following a 4 lb rise but this does look tougher.- 6. Mereside MadnessJ: Callum RodriguezT: David & Nicola BarronF: 952749-12
- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 4
- Weight:
- 9-5
- Gear:
- blinkers
- Official Rating:
- 70
- Days Since Last Run:
- 8
VerdictGained a third career victory in refitted blinkers at Newcastle (7f) on penultimate start and again ran creditably back up in the weights when runner-up at that track/trip 8 days ago, headed late on. Another holding claims in a competitive heat. 
7. Kristal KlearJ: Jason HartT: Stella BarclayF: 06612124-- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 5
- Weight:
- 9-1
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 66
- Days Since Last Run:
- 112
VerdictC&D winner. Latest win at Wolverhampton in September. Last of 4 in handicap at Newcastle (7.1f) in November, ridden with a touch more restraint than previously. Not out of things returning from a break.
8. Bomb SquadJ: Josephine GordonT: John MackieF: 521-12331- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 7
- Weight:
- 8-9
- Gear:
- cheekpieces
- Official Rating:
- 60
- Days Since Last Run:
- 7
VerdictEnjoying a fine winter, resuming winning ways in 10-runner C&D handicap 7 days ago, leading final 1f and keeping on. Clearly in rude health but this a more demanding assignment under a penalty.- Unnamed Favourite
- Unnamed 2nd Favourite
Non-Runners
5. Super HitJ: Non RunnerT: Darryll HollandF: 435871-67- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 4
- Weight:
- 9-6
- Gear:
- hood and tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 71
- Days Since Last Run:
- 38