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Previews30 January 2025

'He'd take a bit of beating if getting a good position' - key quotes and analysis for competitive Southwell handicap

Rohaan: has been out of form but potentially well treated off a tumbling mark
Rohaan: has been out of form but potentially well treated off a tumbling markCredit: Getty Images/Pool

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There is a nice combination of sprinting stalwarts and unexposed youngsters in this handicap.

King's Lynn and Rohaan will be the names most familiar to casual Flat fans. Three of King's Lynn's four successes have been spread between Listed and Group 2 level, while Rohaan is a two-time Wokingham winner. Neither horse arrives in peak form, although both are well treated off tumbling marks. 

Of the less-exposed sprinters, Sommelier stands out on his second to Big Evs in the Westow Stakes in May. His past two runs have coincided with a dip in form, although first-time cheekpieces may prompt a resurgence. 

Golden Strike, who makes his fifth career start, is back at a sprinting trip after failing to get home over 7f at Newcastle when last seen in November. The son of Calyx was progressive before that and needs to be monitored in the betting after a break.

There was no denying Dyrholaey's strength in the market on his return last month. The Archie Watson-trained four-year-old was sent off the 11-10 favourite on his first appearance since Royal Ascot and went down fighting by three-quarters of length at Wolverhampton.

If the run has brought Dyrholaey forward, there is lots to like off an unchanged mark. James Doyle will need to be on his A-game to negotiate stall ten around a bend, but the same is true for the riders aboard the other interesting runners, who are also drawn wide.
Analysis by Robbie Wilders


What they say

Marco Botti, trainer of Sommelier
He’s had no luck with the draw (stall 11) which is a shame as he’s in good form at home. We’ve put the cheekpieces on him to sharpen him up but it’s hard to win from the outside there over six furlongs.

Rod Millman, trainer of Amazonian Dream
He’s done well for us, winning four last year and he was a bit unlucky at Chelmsford last time when he couldn’t get a clear run. He’s well drawn and we may give him a break after this as he owes us nothing.

James Doyle, rider of Dyrholaey
He was a bit ring rusty last time out at Wolverhampton and should come on for that but he’s been done no favours by the draw in stall ten.

Grant Tuer, trainer of Glorious Angel
Going back to six furlongs will help her and she had a pipe-opener the other day at Newcastle. We aren’t expecting her to win but we expect to her to run well.

Cam Hardie, rider of Golden Strike
He’s a good horse on his day but may have boiled over a bit last time so we’ve got the red hood on him in the prelims. If he can get a good position early from stall nine he’d take a bit of beating.
Reporting by David Milnes 


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