Sunday Racing Tips: Overture can hit the right note at Southwell

We have a very quiet Sunday on our hands this week, with the National Hunt season finishing on Saturday, we have just the two Flat fixtures to look forward to.

Wetherby kicks us off in the afternoon, before the action continues at Southwell into the evening, with the latter hosting a premier eight-race card. There should be some competitive action on offer and we have three strong fancies to follow across the day. These include a Sir Mark Prescott-trained runner at Southwell who was very progressive last term and that is expected to continue.

Horse Racing Odds

Today's Horse Races

16.15 Southwell - Overture @ 11/10

OVERTURE didn’t show a great deal in her first five starts, but that would have been no surprise as they came over vastly inadequate trips. She made her handicap debut in a 7f handicap at Chepstow in July and she produced an improved performance.

Despite the fact that 7f was never going to be her trip, she kept on well to finish third and duly obliged when stepped up to 1m2f at Yarmouth next time. Sir Mark Prescott’s filly didn’t look the most straightforward but still managed to win the race comfortably.

The daughter of New Approach then went on to complete a four-timer, including a very impressive success here over 1m3f, and most recently in a Class 4 at Yarmouth back in September. She saw the extended 1m3f trip out well and further progress can’t be ruled out.

Up 7lb for that success, the extra half-a-furlong is unlikely to be an issue and although the handicapper will catch up sooner rather than later, she could be worth keeping on side until her limitations are exposed.

18.15 Southwell - Sophia’s Starlight @ 12/1 

Grant Tuer runs SOPHIA’S STARLIGHT and this very useful mare has some solid form in Listed company to her name. On that evidence, winning a handicap off a mark of 97 shouldn’t be beyond her.

Needing the run when eighth of nine in a Listed race at Doncaster on seasonal debut, the five-year-old should be much sharper this time around. Her last couple of forays into handicap company resulted in victory, most recently at Pontefract in October.

Tuer’s mare made all the running that day and still had plenty left at the finish, going on to score by a length, and was subsequently put up 4lb as a result.

It’s quite possible that the extra weight won’t make too much difference and another big run is anticipated.

18.45 Southwell - Caballo De Mar @ 4/1

George Scott is a trainer to follow this year and he runs four-year-old CABALLO DE MAR, who was also very progressive once upped in trip at the back end of last season. He tries two miles for the first time here and the new trip is likely to suit.

This son of Phoenix Of Spain got off the mark in a Class 5 handicap over 1m5f at Ayr in September and followed up in impressive style here over a furlong further next time.

Callum Shepherd has been on board for three of his four wins and takes the ride once again.

Starting off the season in much the same form, he has won two races here over 1m6f and has been put up 6lb for the most recent of those successes.

One would imagine he will need to step forward again, but his profile suggests more improvement could be on the cards.

Horse Racing Tips from Betfred Insights.